With a return to normality getting closer, we’re still seeing interviewing increase even with many of our clients conducting these on Zoom (or similar platforms). Some specific advice for dealing with these situations (if you’re not used to them yet…):
TREAT IT AS YOU WOULD ANY OTHER INTERVIEW
Don’t slack on your appearance and certainly don’t feel it is an excuse not to have prepared as well as you would for an in-person meeting. Research and preparation are still going to be the number one success factors in deciding whether you impress or not. When it comes to presentation dressing the part and wearing proper shoes (even if they can’t be seen) has an important psychological impact which shouldn’t be underestimated.
CREATE AN OFFICE ENVIRONMENT
While not everyone can be expected to have a swanky home office, it is important to have a smart, clean background and to eliminate distractions, both for yourself and your interviewer(s). You want them to focus on you, not your clothes horse in the background. Similarly, make sure you have muted any pop ups, silenced your phone and banished any pets, children or flatmates for the duration. While your new lockdown cockapoo might be cute, save him to win over your new colleagues once you’ve actually got the job….
TEST, TEST, TEST
Before any virtual interview it is essential you check which platform or software the interview will take place on so you can ensure you have it downloaded and are familiar with it. Getting flustered trying to access your microphone or camera will not make for the best of starts.
CHEAT? NO REALLY….
The interviewer won’t mind you having notes in front of you, it shows you are prepared and diligent. You will also want this to take notes on what they are saying. So long as you’re not constantly looking down or off screen to study them, having a kind of cheat sheet in front of you can be a real help, so take advantage of it!
