Virtual interviews can be very different from in-person meetings and call for a slightly different approach to professional self-presentation. Here are a few ways to check technical specifications, such as Zoom backgrounds requirements, and prepare to make a positive and lasting impression in virtual interviews.
Prepare In Advance
Get ready for your next virtual interview by checking out the web presence of your prospective employer. Pay special attention to recent news coverage or updates from the hiring organization so that you can ask more informed questions.
It is also a good idea to review your own resume in light of the description of the position for which you are interviewing. You should also consider how your background will look during the interview. Use Zoom Virtual Office to display a virtual office background that presents you as a professional and provides privacy to avoid unconscious biases.
Clean Appearance and Clean Background
In addition to preparing your mind, it is also important to make sure that you look professional. Rehearse your shot and select clothing and personal grooming choices that make you look polished on camera. It is also a good idea to make sure that your camera lens is clean and that you are well-lit. Check for glare given off by reflective surfaces such as eyeglasses or jewelry and adjust the angle of lighting accordingly.
Set up your lighting against a plain backdrop such as a wall if you plan to use a virtual office background. In addition to backgrounds for Zoom, Zoom Virtual Office also offers the option to create a Google Meet custom background or customize a background for Microsoft Teams. Not having to worry about what might be visible in a real background can provide peace of mind and enable you to focus primarily on self-presentation in the interview.
Virtual Interview Tips and Tricks
Try starting a virtual interview with what business experts call a “digital handshake.” Look directly into the camera after you greet your interviewer and give a small nod, as if to say yes, by way of acknowledgement. Add a smile to convey openness and warmth, and try to approach the interview like a conversation.
Practicing active listening can help you perform better in interviews and make positive impressions. Don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions or take notes by hand to avoid loud typing on a keyboard or being perceived as distracted with a smartphone. While you should prepare ahead of time and plan not to rely heavily on a cheat sheet, it can be helpful to have your portfolio or other relevant materials ready to share on your screen upon request. Plan whether you want to share a tab, window or your entire screen.
Better virtual interviews start with taking time to prepare your mind, appearance and background and exhibiting professionalism during the event. Remember that the way you respond to any distractions can give interviewers a clear impression of how you behave under pressure, so try to keep your cool and take challenges in stride.