In the fast-paced world of job applications and interviews candidates need to be prepared for whatever comes at them first. Once your resume has gotten through the ATS, you may be asked to do a virtual interview. Since roughly 70% of resumes don’t make it through the ATS, give yourself a pat on the back.
What is a virtual interview
So, what exactly is a virtual interview? It’s one where you are given a list of questions and you record your answers on camera. While this may sound a little intimidating, there are several things that you can do to prepare.
First of all, remember all the recruiter wants to do is to get to know you a little bit more and decide if you’re ready for the next stage in an interview process. He or she simply wants to make sure that you are the right candidate for the position. It’s also to his or her advantage if you are that right one.
The written questions will probably be the same questions you would be asked in any first-round interview.
Take some time to think about your answers to those questions. You want to keep your answers short and to the point. You may even practice saying your answers out loud and timing them.
Get ready to record yourself
This is a good time to double check your equipment and notice if your microphone and WebCam on your computer are functioning correctly.
You may already know that you want to sit back further from your laptop or camera. This is also a good time to check your lighting. Your light source should be directly in front of you, not from behind you, not from above you and not from the side.
Mock interview
Doing a mock interview also gives you a chance to notice how you are presenting yourself. Are you sitting up straight? Do you look attentive?
While some virtual interviews may be done at an outside location, you may be doing this at home. Doing this practice interview gives you a chance to look at your surroundings. You’ll have a chance to see what the interviewer will see when he or she looks at your recording.
Since this is a mock interview, you may want to read the question and record your answer. This may feel a little silly at first. But recording your answer and playing it back will give you the chance to get accustomed to recording before you actually have to do it for the real interview.
Useful information
Remember, with this or any other interview, your answers don’t have to be perfect. If you find yourself going off track, simply admit it. Noticing your mistake and owning up to it says something about you as a person. It lets a future employer know that you are self-aware and able to admit when you are wrong.
Take the time to listen to your recorded answers and notice how you sound. Notice where you might sound a little unsure of yourself, and places where you may have stumbled. This is also a good time to check to see how many times you’ve used words like “um” and “like”.
Taking the time to follow these tips, will insure that your virtual interview will be sure to take you to the next step.
Cynthia Becker
Life Coach/Wellness Coach
NLP Master Practitioner and Trainer
Professional Psychic
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