If you’ve landed on this post, it’s likely that your resume has impressed the hiring manager(s) at the company you’re applying to work for, and you’ve now been invited to a virtual interview. That’s a huge accomplishment.<\/p>\n
<\/a>If you’re looking for video interview tips, tricks, and best practices \u2014 or just want to know what in the world an automated interview is \u2014 you’ve come to the right place.<\/span><\/p>\n What is a virtual interview?<\/a> <\/a> <\/p>\n There\u2019s something about remote interviews<\/a> that can make the interview process more daunting. For some, it\u2019s the risk of technical difficulties. For others, it\u2019s the inability to read full body language.<\/p>\n However, virtual interviews can actually be better than face-to-face meetings. For one, you don\u2019t have to travel, giving you more time to prepare and get yourself ready. Secondly, you can have some notes on your screen to help you hit some key points during your conversations.<\/p>\n Just like a traditional interview, a video interview is your moment to sell yourself to the interviewer and put a personality behind your amazing resume.<\/p>\n In fact, it\u2019s what Shavon Bell<\/a>, former executive recruiter at HubSpot, looks for when speaking with candidates.<\/p>\n \u201cI recognize it can be challenging for a senior leader to fit all of their experience into a two-page document, so don’t leave anything to be assumed during exploratory conversations or an interview, tell your story the way you want it to be told \u2014 transparency is key,” she says.<\/p>\n Telling your story is what will set you apart from others \u2013 but that’s not all. It’s also important to know the story behind the company you’re interviewing with.<\/p>\n For Kate Kearns<\/a>, one of HubSpot’s campus recruiters, <\/a>showing that you’ve done your research on the company will make you stand out.<\/p>\n “Take some time to make sure you are prepared to answer questions testing your knowledge of the company and role,” she says.<\/p>\n Think about what hiring managers want to know about you during your short time talking. It\u2019s not as easy to make a connection virtual, so finding ways to do so naturally will likely raise your interview score.<\/p>\n For example, explain how the role will help you reach your professional and personal goals. Identify what you can add to the company, and mention those superstar qualities about your talent that will make the hiring manager go to bat for you.<\/p>\n Next, we’re going to go over some tips you can follow for video interviews, but if you would like more information about preparing for an interview, check out this <\/a>interview kit.<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n It’s the big day. Or, as those in the theater call it, opening night.<\/p>\n The task at hand: sell yourself. Don’t let the screen interrupt the purpose of the interview. You know you have what it takes to land that role, and with these tips, you’ll knock that interview out of the park.<\/p>\n As <\/a>The Office<\/a><\/em> character Michael Scott says, “I’m not super<\/em>stitious, but I am a little stitious.”<\/p>\n That’s where my lucky interview blazer comes in. Every time I have a video interview so does my blazer: I never start one without it.<\/p>\n Even though your interview will be through a screen, dressing for the interview communicates to the interviewer that you still know how to maintain professionalism in a virtual setting.<\/p>\n So, even though you might be in your bedroom, or sitting at your kitchen table, make sure you’re in your business best. This can be a button-down shirt, a blazer, a suit, or simple jewelry.<\/p>\n If you’re someone who finds it helpful to refer to notes when interviewing, keep them in front of you.<\/p>\n For me, it’s helpful to have my LinkedIn profile and resume open in another window, with sections I know I want to mention highlighted or bolded. This helps to make a quick reference.<\/p>\n Why it works: <\/strong>By already having those reference points accessible, you won’t forget anything important.<\/p>\n You will be notified of the software you need to have in order to successfully complete your interview well in advance. Maximize this time, download the software if you haven’t already, and make sure you understand the basics of how it works.<\/p>\n This is also a great time to test how your webcam interacts with the software. No two video technology services are the same. So, you’ll want to test:<\/p>\n Microphone Pro-tip: <\/strong>Frame your camera so that the interviewer can see your face down to your shoulders and that there are a few inches of room above your head.<\/p>\n Remember: The only difference between a video interview and a traditional interview is that you aren’t in the same room as your interviewer. That said, be sure to maintain eye contact with your interviewer.<\/p>\n You might have other distractions, things that are unavoidable when working from home, such as family or roommates. The best way to maintain professionalism regardless of the outside environment is to keep eye contact and make sure the interviewer knows you are engaged. After all, they will be keeping eye contact with you.<\/p>\n Pro-tip: <\/strong>If you\u2019re using two monitors, be sure to talk and look at the screen with the camera. Otherwise, the interviewer will look at your profile and be wondering what else you\u2019re looking at.<\/p>\n Even though there might be uncontrollable distractions, there are distractions that you can control. For instance, keep your phone away from you. Turn it over and put it on silent or in another room.<\/p>\n Additionally, if you plan to conduct your interview outside of an office setting, like a kitchen or a bedroom, be sure there\u2019s nothing distracting in the background like a mess or people walking by.<\/p>\n Be sure to clean up your background so that the focus stays on you or use a background blur filter if your software allows.<\/p>\n Lastly, inform any roommates that you will be in a meeting during the time so that you\u2019re not interrupted.<\/p>\n Because you won\u2019t be meeting your interview in person, it\u2019s important that they can clearly see you on video.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re testing your technology, this is the perfect time to also test your lighting. Ideally, you can sit in front of a window to benefit from natural lighting.<\/p>\n If that\u2019s not possible, you may need to buy a desk lamp to help illuminate your full face.<\/p>\n Pro-tip: <\/strong>When using a desk lamp, don\u2019t aim the lamp right on your face. Instead, direct it to the wall and let the light reflect back to your face. This will give you more natural, diffused light instead of a harsh light with hot spots.<\/p>\n This is a chance to go over notes and take a few deep breaths to stay calm and motivated. It makes a big difference to go into an interview calmly and composed, rather than rushing to join the video call after a quick bathroom break.<\/p>\n This doesn’t mean that you have to sit around on Zoom or Skype 20 minutes prior to your interview start time. However, do try to be five minutes early for each interview round.<\/p>\n If you have a soft voice, be mindful of speaking loudly enough so your microphone will pick up your voice. Video interviewers have a little less to go from, and if they can’t hear you, they won’t be able to assess your answers.<\/p>\n To prepare for this, record yourself saying the lyrics to your favorite song with the video software you will be using. Take time to separate the words, and listen back for volume control.<\/p>\n In essence, a traditional video interview is one that you can complete from your own space. Fixing up this space to be interview-ready can be a challenge, but you don’t have to completely alter the functionality of the room. Just be sure you’re communicating yourself and your professionalism.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Now, what if your interview doesn\u2019t include an interviewer? That means it will likely be automated. Let’s go over what that means, and provide tips on how to master them.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n These interviews take an in-person interviewer out of the equation. Instead, your interviewer will be a series of questions that you’ll have an allotted amount of time to read and comprehend. Then, you will record your responses via video or text, depending on the instructions.<\/p>\n How do you successfully complete one? Let\u2019s cover some best practices.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\n How to Prepare for Virtual Interviews<\/a>
\n <\/a>Virtual Interview Tips<\/a>
\n Automated Virtual Interview Tips<\/a> <\/p>\nHow to Prepare For Virtual Video Interviews<\/h2>\n
8 Virtual Video Interview Tips<\/h2>\n
1. Dress to impress your interviewer.<\/h3>\n
2. Keep your notes accessible.<\/h3>\n
3. Test your technology beforehand.<\/h3>\n
\n Lighting
\n Camera <\/p>\n4. Maintain eye contact with your interviewer.<\/h2>\n
5. Minimize possible distractions.<\/h3>\n
6. Set up proper lighting.<\/h3>\n
7. Be early to each round.<\/h3>\n
8. Speak loudly and clearly.<\/h3>\n