With the rise in the use of technology and a dynamic workplace, virtual interviews have become part and parcel of the recruitment process. For public sector staff and candidates eyeing a new role, how to master a virtual interview becomes very relevant. In this blog, we will share guidelines and tools to help you conduct effective virtual interviews and create everlasting impressions.
How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview
1. Be Familiar with the Technology
In advance, find out what digital platform will be used for interviewing, whether Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype. Make sure that you have a reliable internet connection.
Download and install the software with enough time to spare.
If necessary, make an account and ensure that your profile picture and other information are professional.
Your microphone should be of good quality.
Test the video and the audio so that when the interview comes around, you don't have any technical issues.
Ensure you have a quiet place with very minimal background noise.
2. Set Up Your Environment
Choose an appropriate quiet very minimal background noise.
The room should be well-lit.
There needs to be light in front of you that clearly illuminates your face.
The background should either be neutral or a virtual one if the real setting isn't appropriate.
Family or housemates have to be aware of your interview and not to disturb you.
3. Prepare Your Materials
Keep your CV, the job description and any other information ready and easy to access during the interview.
Have a notebook and pen available for note-taking.
Have a few questions that you would like to ask the interviewer about the position or the organisation.
4. Dress code
Dress in professional attire just as if you were going to a face-to-face interview out of respect for the interviewer.
Wear business dress from head to toe – you never know when you might have to stand up.
Avoid loud colours or patterns.
Check your camera and microphone before the interview and ask yourself if what you are wearing is acceptable.
The Virtual Interview
1. Body Language
Keep the camera at eye level to appear natural and friendly to the viewer.
Stand/Sit up straight and avoid fidgeting, which will portray confidence.
Use appropriate hand gestures, which should not be distracting.
2. Respond to the Interviewer
Words should be clearly enunciated and at a moderate pace.
Before answering, allow the interviewer to stop talking for a second as there may be a lag.
Listen carefully and respond to the question fully.
Share documents or links if required with the in-built chat while in the meeting.
Show interest in the job position as well as in the organization.
Use the interviewer's name to make the conversation a bit personal.
Take pride while talking about your experience and skills best suited for the job.
After Virtual Interview
1. Send Follow-Up
Email is the best tool for a post-interview follow-up.
Send the follow-up 'thank you email' within 24 hours of the interview.
Reiterate appreciation for the interview.
Re-declare interest in the position and recapture why you feel you are right.
Thank the interviewer for the time taken during the interview.
Close
Adequate preparation for the setting and proficient communication are very important to the success of a virtual interview.
Here at Source Recruit, we believe in empowering public sector staff and candidates to fulfil their career potential. Source Recruit is here to guide and support you through the virtual interview process, enabling you to be in a strong position to secure your new opportunity in the public sector.
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