Before lock-down more companies had started to slowly introduce video interviewing as part of their recruitment process. Now more than ever the majority of employers are conducting interviews during these changing times online.

It would be easy to presume that a MS Teams, Skype or Zoom call is a casual screening call before you have the 'real' face to face interview with your potential employer, since technically you could do it wearing your pyjama bottoms. Wrong. The way you prepare for your online interview is as important if not more so, than a regular face-to-face meeting. 

Here is everything you need to know to ace your next virtual interview and get the job:

Check everything is working 

Make sure everything is up and running before it is time for your interview. Test out your webcam, your microphone, and your speakers to ensure that everything is in working order before the big day arrives. It would be a shame if you lost a job opportunity because your interviewer could not see your face or hear a single thing you said. Do a practice run with a friend or family member to make sure that your connection is reliable. And if it is not move somewhere else where the internet is more stable.

Look the part

Do your research. Look at the company's website, Facebook page and Twitter feed to get a feel for how the employees dress and behave, then take your cues from that when prepping for your interview. Just because your bottom half will be hidden under a desk, you may be tempted to wear your favourite pyjama bottoms, but it is best to dress from head to toe. What if you have to stand up to adjust your screen? 

Practice

If you are new to the technology, then get your account setup in advance and practice call friends or contacts already online. This will help your nerves and make you more comfortable about having the interview. If you use MS Teams, Skype or Zoom regularly remember that this is a professional video call facilitating an interview. It is not a call to a friend abroad when you are curled up on the couch. You would not be casual about a face to face interview so do the same for a virtual interview.

Make sure your profile is professional

If you only use MS Teams, Skype or Zoom to talk to friends, your photo and username might be funny to people who know you, but when it comes to a job interview, it’s best to look professional. Consider opening a new account just for job interviews.

Prepare your surroundings

Set up a clean, natural background with good lighting. Avoid distractions such as mirrors or sitting behind a window and please be aware of art work on your walls i.e. pictures of you and your dog should remain unseen from your potential employer. They will only be distracting. When you have chosen your location test the angle of the lighting to avoid any shadowing.

During the interview

Something you may not have thought about is social interaction and how your body language comes across on camera. You need to develop a rapport with the interviewer as quickly as possible. Make lots of eye contact, smile and sit up straight. Roll your shoulders back and down so that you have good posture and speak clearly. Remember to look into the webcam, rather than the image on the screen. It will give the impression that you are looking into the interviewers eyes rather than his or hers top!

Handling technical problems

Honesty is the best policy if you have technical issues. If you cannot fix it, suggest rearranging the call or using your phone as most of the virtual interview platforms you can download via the app store.

Good luck!