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How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview: Q & A
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How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview: Q & A
Guest Writer
Updated Feb 12, 2015Save
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Brian Westfall, a market research associate at Software Advice, answers some of the most common questions about virtual interviews – usually meaning online interviews conducted using video conferencing software such as Skype. Whether you’re being interviewed for a place at university or applying for graduate jobs, get some insights into the pros and cons of virtual interviews, how to prepare, and how to make a good impression.
Why are more employers using virtual interviews?
There are a couple of reasons. For one, virtual interviews allow employers to get a better sense of intangible qualities like professionalism and body language that they can't get through a phone interview. It's also a less costly way to interview a remote candidate than paying to fly them to the employer’s office. Time savings are also a factor. Hiring managers can look over applicants’ pre-recorded interviews on their own time, instead of having to figure out a time that works for the interviewer and the applicant. Employers are ultimately saving money and time, without sacrificing what they need to find the right candidate.
Are there any common misconceptions about virtual interviews?
As with any new technology, there are a few misconceptions. For one, some think that employers are replacing in-person interviews with online interviews. That's not true. Most often, employers use virtual interviews first to cut down their pool of applicants. Once employers are left with a few applicants they like, they then bring them in for an in-person interview. Another misconception is that the technology is awkward or uncomfortable for candidates. But interestingly enough, when we surveyed recent job applicants, those that had done a virtual interview before actually preferred it to a phone interview. It seems this misconception stems from people not having been interviewed in this way before, which is common.
What are the benefits for job applicants?
Compared to a phone interview, applicants get a chance to really show off and tell their whole story with online interviews. They aren't being judged on voice alone, and can really shine with their body language and facial expressions. Another benefit is that applicants won't get stuck in traffic coming into the office for an interview. They can interview on "neutral ground" in their home or a nearby quiet spot to ease their nerves.
What are the main things people get wrong during online interviews?
A big thing that people get wrong is forgetting to interview back. An interview is a two-way conversation and applicants should have some questions prepared to get to know the employer better. Another thing people get wrong is being unaware of background distractions that can really hurt them in a virtual interview. Applicants should make sure the TV is off, the phone is silent and that they’re in front of a neutral-colored wall or background to make sure the interview goes smoothly.
What are your top tips on how to prepare for a virtual interview?
What are the best ways to impress during the interview?
Even though a virtual interview is between two screens, interviewers should feel like the applicant is in the room with them just like an in-person interview. That means applicants should speak clearly, have organized and thorough answers to each question and have confident body language. Employers can sense when an applicant is awkward on camera, so any applicant that can at least appear to overcome this has an immediate advantage.
Could the younger (“digital native”) generation have an advantage here?
Some employers actually market that they do virtual interviews to younger applicants because the "digital native" generation is looking for employers that are ahead of the curve, and willing to experiment with new methods and technologies. Younger applicants could definitely have an advantage by demonstrating they know their way around technology – a quality which employers are constantly looking for.
Brian Westfall is a market research associate at Software Advice, a video interviewing system comparison site. He also researches and reports on trends in the HR, payroll and learning management system markets.