Mastering Virtual Interviews: Tips for Success in the Remote Hiring Era 

 Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic took everyone by storm, the digitalization of routine tasks has become more popular. The new normal of remote working that had emerged as a resort to keep up with the lockdown continued to prevail even after the pandemic no longer bothered our day-to-day activities. There are several reasons why employers and employees consider working from home, with cost efficiency and feasibility topping the list. In this regard, several companies have followed remote hiring processes to date. Once a method to connect with individuals overseas when transportation was inaccessible, virtual interviews are now widely used even when hiring for field jobs. The purpose remains the same: performing well during a virtual interview requires skills different from those required in a physical interview. Let us understand how one can master virtual interviews  

5 Benefits of a Virtual Interview Platform to the Candidate 

What is more comfortable than appearing for an interview from the comfort of your house or while sitting in a cafe of your choice? A favourable environment enhances performance. Thus, a virtual interview provides several benefits to the candidates: 

1. Choice of location: 

Candidates can choose where they want to appear for their interview, eliminating the need to travel. This saves time and energy and facilitates an environment conducive to enhanced performance. 

2. Flexible schedule: 

Candidates and recruiters can take advantage of remote hiring to schedule the interview as per their mutually feasible schedule. This prevents the chances of a candidate missing out on the interview opportunity or a recruiter missing out on a potential candidate due to an inappropriate schedule. Further, candidates may also choose the interview date and time that best suits their availability. 

3. Easy access to resources: 

During a virtual interview, candidates can prepare with a number of resources that they feel might come in handy. This will not only make them more confident about aceing the interview but also help them give prompt answers by quickly accessing their references. 

4. Broader reach to recruiters: 

Through virtual means, candidates can quickly appear for interviews with companies in distant places that they otherwise would have avoided due to travel inconveniences. This helps them access a more significant job market. 

5. Recordability: 

Virtual interviews may be recorded and used by the Candidate for future reference for taking feedback and learning, only to perform better in upcoming interviews. 
 
 

Dressing up for a Virtual Interview 

Dressing up for any interview requires a set of etiquettes to be followed. Both forms of interview require one to dress up smartly. Some tips to keep in mind while preparing for a virtual interview are: 

• Color coding: 

Solid, neutral hues like blue, black, grey, or white are the most effective on camera. Avoid busy patterns and vibrant colours, as they may divert attention or interfere with the camera’s ability to focus. Avoid orange or bright red clothes. Try out subtle colours that complement your skin tone and do not glare on the screen. 

• Grooming: 

Be mindful of your hygiene. Make sure your hair is tidy, and if you wear makeup or accessories, go for subtle, business-like looks. 

• Tips for females: 

• Don’t wear too casual or low-cut tops. 

• Your appearance can be polished by wearing an intelligent cardigan or blazer. 

• Keep your accessories simple and minimalistic to avoid distractions and maintain a formal appearance.  

• Your makeup must only highlight your face and blend well. It should not be heavily done.  

• Take care to tie your hair neatly or keep it simple. Fancy hairstyles could go better during an interview setup.  

• Tips for males: 

• Proper grooming of your beard and hair must be taken care of. Unkept hair does not create a good impression of oneself. Oil or gel may be used for this purpose. 

• If possible, put on a tie and blazer. 

• Steer clear of t-shirts, hoodies or any casual wear. 

• Make sure to appear fresh on screen. 

• Comfortable dressing: 

Do not wear uncomfortable clothing or accessories, as comfort is an important factor in determining your performance during an interview. 

• Dress up completely: 

Even though only the upper half of yourself is visible on the screen during a virtual interview, be thoroughly prepared with proper lowers, just in case you need to stand up.  
 
 

The proper setup for a Virtual Interview

Properly arranged surroundings will aid in creating the right environment for the virtual interview. Some tips to set up appropriate surroundings are: 

• Lighting: 

• Make sure to utilize a well-lit room during the interview and avoid dimly lit or extremely bright surroundings.   

• Provide uniform lighting for your face to prevent shadows. Combining artificial and natural lighting usually works best. If possible, face a window for the most beautiful lighting.   

• Do not let any shadow fall onto your face. 

• Sound: 

• Choose quiet surroundings to avoid noise disturbances. 

• Use earphones if required. 

• Both to and fro communication must not be hampered due to sound-related issues. 

• Background: 

• If you use virtual backgrounds provided by video conferencing apps, choose simple backgrounds with subtle tones that complement your attire.  

• Avoid having a crowded background. A plain wall always serves best.  

• If inside a room or some cafe, make sure the background visible is tidy. 

• Choose a place with minimal or no background disturbances and movements. 

• System Setup: 

• Be well-versed with the system and app settings used during the interview. 

• Check the audio and video settings. Keep your devices well-fed with electricity and keep them fully charged. 

• Position yourself in the center of the frame with a bit of space visible above your shoulder and head. 

• Ensure stable internet connectivity. 

• It is safest to keep a backup device ready. 

• Test run: 

After making all the arrangements, it is best to test the entire setup to avoid any mistakes. 

A Different Body Language 

Though a virtual interview separates the interviewee from the interviewer through a screen, good body language will still help them connect with the interviewer and create a positive impact. Some tips to maintain a proper body language are: 

• Be a good Listener: 

Listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions and make notes if necessary. Please do not interrupt the interviewer at any point while they are speaking. 

• Take criticism positively: 

Do not hesitate to ask questions and take any feedback given by the panelist/s, positive or negative, in a welcoming way, showing a flair to learn from the feedback.  

• Posture: 

Sit upright, facing the camera. Keep your distance from the camera such that your face is visible clearly but not too close.  

• Hand gestures: 

When emphasizing points, use natural hand gestures; don’t go overboard. As you move, stay inside the camera’s frame. When not making gestures, place your hands on the table or lap to prevent distracting movements. 

Remotely Connecting with the Interviewer 

During a virtual interview, it can be challenging to establish a strong rapport with the interviewer because of the absence of physical presence and possible technical difficulties. Despite the virtual format, one can connect with the interviewer effectively and make a good impression by putting the following strategies into practice: 

• Effective communication: 

Effectively communicating one’s ideas to the interviewer is essential in establishing a good connection with the interviewer and building confidence. Clarity of thoughts while expressing oneself crafts a good image before the interviewer. 

• Good listener: 

A not a good listener cannot be a good communicator. Thus, attentively listening to the person behind the scenes not only displays one’s interest in the conversation but also shows respect towards the person, winning over their confidence. 

• Maintain professional boundaries: 

Though trying to add a personal touch to the conversation, always maintain personal boundaries as an overly informal disposition does not favour the interview. 

• Maintain eye contact: 

Even from behind the screen, maintain eye contact with the interviewer rather than looking elsewhere. This sign of confidence helps establish a good connection with the interviewer.  

• Positive attitude: 

Even if you get stuck with a question or receive negative feedback for an answer, maintain an optimistic approach. Answering back or falsifying an answer will portray a negative image of your candidature. 

Conclusion

Following simple tips will help one ace a virtual interview with ease. It must always be remembered that a person’s knowledge and functional expertise will give them an edge over other candidates. However, a proper disposition during an interview facilitates the proper delivery of one’s knowledge, enhancing one’s performance. A different environment requires one to function differently. In the era of massive remote hiring, tips to ace virtual interviews must become routinely embedded into one’s practice. You will stand out as a strong candidate if you are genuinely interested in and excited about the position, along with thoughtful engagement and adaptability. Using these techniques guarantees you can handle virtual interviews with assurance, leaving a positive impression and increasing your chances of landing the job you want.