As Covid-19 continues its march around the world, the cyber world is also expanding to more households and companies. Now that everything is pretty much online, it’s time you learn how to ace your virtual job interview. Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind when you hit the screen.
Prepare for real
If you want to ace your virtual interview for real, then prepare for it like it’s a real face-to-face interview. Do your research. Prep the questions. Practice in the mirror. Make sure you know the company’s culture, what they are doing, and their successes. Remember to dress professionally. Don’t forget to make sure that everything is working so that you won’t do a ‘magic disappearing act’ in the middle of the interview!
Mirror, mirror, on the screen
In addition to good research, you have to practice the way you speak and move your body for a virtual interview too. Except, instead of doing it in the mirror only, record yourself from your computer’s webcam. This way, you get to make sure you have adjusted it to an angle that flatters you the most. Voila! That’s how the interviewers will see you!
The Virtual Handshake
Just like in the real world, a first impression starts with your outfit and your handshake. But you can’t shake hands across the screen, so you would have to create your personal ‘handshake’ for your virtual interview. And how do you do that? Lean in, make direct eye contact with the camera, and greet the interviewer with enthusiasm!
Shoot them questions
Even though you have done all your research, there are still things yet to be discovered about the company. Did something new to you come up during your research? Ask the interviewer! If your interviewer mentioned something you did not know about, also ask about it. That will show them that you have the curiosity to learn and your attention to detail.
Follow up
Remember to always send a personal follow-up email within 24 hours of the interview! This will show that you value their time and also, it is the last chance to sell yourself and refresh or change your interviewers’ memory about their impression of you. If something interesting had made a deep impression on you during the interview, definitely mention it in this follow-up email. Don’t forget to keep it short and sweet!
A good preparation is always the key to acing your virtual job interview. Make sure you are emotionally, mentally, and physically prepared for it. All the more so because it is a virtual interview and body language is harder to read onscreen (unless you’re a good actor!).
Therefore, make sure to really practice, practice, practice before the real thing. Now that you’re ready for your virtual interview, why not give all that you’ve learned so far a try by applying to be an intern in Asia at Meiji Internships?
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