Amid the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic norms and lockdown restrictions, a face-to-face interview is becoming harder as our offices have become working from home environments. As a result, video interviews have become essential for employers and job seekers, as they now need to find new platforms to conduct preliminary interviews. It makes sense, jobseekers don’t have to travel or take time off work. Technology platforms like Microsoft Teams, Skype and Zoom, mean you don’t need to miss out on the face-to-face aspect of a job interview.

What’s the secret to acing an interview without the physical interactions we’ve been so accustomed to? Preparation and practice makes perfect, always.

Here are my TOP 6 tips to help you succeed in your next virtual interview. 

 1. Technology & Test 

 Set up and Connection: First and foremost, it is essential for you to test your setup before the interview. Having a strong and stable internet connection is a must, so check your WiFi settings are in a good range where you wish to conduct your interview. 

Test Trial: If this is your first time joining a group interview or MS Teams meeting, I recommend joining the meeting a few minutes early to ensure you can get into the meeting without any problems and set up for a winning experience. 

Platforms: Make sure you have the right platforms downloaded onto your computer/laptop and familiarise yourself with the system. For backup, I would also recommend downloading the APP onto your personal phone. 

 2. Treat video interviews like regular interviews

Video interviews are no less formal than regular face-to-face interviews. Prepare for them as if they’re regular in person interviews. This includes researching the business, e.g. social media presence, business’ website and Linkedin in advance. Establish what the position requires, to maximise your appeal as a job seeker for the advertised position. Be sure to ask your recruiter for tips. Organise your prepared notes, your CV, the job description and your questions to ask, so that you have prompts to refer to. Remember, practice makes perfect. 

 3. Be yourself! 

 Sometimes easier said than done. Be your natural self and don’t let technology get in the way of letting your personality shine through. Show your interviewer the tremendous interpersonal skills they are looking for in the role and why they should select you ahead of the other applicants. Don’t sell yourself short! 

 4. Find the best environment for a stress free video interview 

 Don’t lose sight of the formality of this meeting. Even though video interviews take place at your home with your webcam, they’re still interviews. Find a quiet and uninterrupted location with a neutral video background that has good lighting. Switch your phone off, block out any outdoor noise and lock your door if need be. Kids and pets can be distracting. 

 5.  Dress for Success!

The way you dress for an interview tells potential employers a lot about you. Remember, first impressions last. So, dress to impress as you usually would for a face-to-face interview. This will help you psychologically feel ready for the interview. Dress in solid colours as they look best on-screen, avoid patterns, distracting jewellery and ties. The preference is stick to - simple and softer colour palettes – not just from the waist up! 

 6. Back-up plan 

 The big day is almost here, and you are almost ready to go! However, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan if technology suffers from any malfunction. Prepare in advance. Have the interviewer’s phone number to call should you run into difficulty or have connection problems. Apologise and make sure you proactively offer a solution, either to call them and continue by telephone or reschedule.