We have all been there on a virtual call when something doesn’t go to plan! Whether they are trying to talk and are still on mute or have some unwanted guests appearing in the background… Here are some fails to look back on and tips on how to prevent these from happening in your interview!
Video software
Don’t let a new software trick you into thinking everything is difficult. Zoom and Microsoft Teams are being utilised to their full extent with companies interviewing virtually. This can be accessed on a multitude of platforms – but a laptop would be the preferred method. If you are struggling to find the right platform we have SearchabilityGo and you won’t have to download any software! Just click the invitation link and our consultants can arrange everything on our clients behalf, collaborating directly with candidates and hiring managers to create a smooth journey. During the covid-19 pandemic we are providing all clients with free access during the hiring process!
Video settings
As we have seen all over social media, the lawyer who successfully attached a cat filter attached to his face during a hearing “I’m here live, I’m not a cat” has got to be something no lawyer thought would ever hear…
Of course, you don’t want to be in this situation! Practice before if you have never used the interview software before. Due to the pandemic, there was a rush to use virtual interviewing software but it’s no surprise that for lots of people this is a completely new concept. One things for sure is that you don’t want to sit mid interview and a filter pops on your face like these guys.
WiFi Connection
WiFi is a crucial element to virtual interviewing as it will be the sole thing that gets the software up and running. The last thing you want is your signal dropping out when you are mid way through a sentence. This doesn’t leave a good impression if the interviewee cannot hear what you are saying. Make sure to find a place in your house that is private and away from everyone else, but can also guarantee a great wifi connection.
No disruptions
We’ve all seen it and if you haven’t you’re in for a treat! During this BBC news interview he didn’t manage to lock the door…
You don’t want this happening to you! As amusing as this was to others watching, it would only leave you lost for words and create distraction for the rest of the interview. While you are conquering distractions, make sure to turn off or disable notifications on your phone and laptop as you don’t want anything to put you off performing your best.
Keep your background professional
Being in the comfort of your home can come with some uphill battles. Make sure to place yourself with a neutral wall behind you or a tidy room. Dispose of any objects in the background and clutter, as the last thing you want to do is give off a bad first impression. If you feel like your room is dark place a lamp in front of your laptop, this will quickly light up your face and room.
By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail
As the saying goes, it still applies! Just because you are virtually meeting someone the circumstances don’t change. You won’t be able to get away with googling answers as they ask them that’s for sure. You are always better to be over prepared than caught off guard, thorough research will help you feel more confident. If you haven’t done the simple research of tracking a look at:
- Company website
- Company blogs
- Job brief
Also you don’t want to go too overboard, as this isn’t in person some candidates have prepped exactly what they are going to say and read it from a document on their screen. Interviewers can easily tell when a candidate is reading from a script. This discontinues the flow in conversation and you will start to sound robotic. Make sure to have a notepad and pen to hand, the interviewer may discuss a certain topic or point you want to remember which could benefit you in the future. Questions to ask at the end are essential, a specific point in the job spec or what the usual day looks like for someone in this role – this will help you get a better picture of the role once you finish the call.
Play the part
Even though you are in the comfort of your home, you shouldn’t dress like you are. Get dressed and prepared as if you are going to be travelling to the interview. This will create a great initial first impression when you appear on screen.
As well as dressing like you are in the interview you should also be on time. Make sure to leave 15 minutes before the interview starts and be all set up and ready, reading over any last minute notes so you are ready as soon as it hits the agreed time.
If you have had any virtual fails and tips to overcome this get in touch we would love to help our with our interviewing techniques and tips!
