Recognizing 3 Stages of the Virtual Interview Process for Success

Virtual interviews are becoming more common in today’s job market. Companies are using the process to reduce their candidate pool to a select few who then might be called to company headquarters. Preparing for the virtual interview can increase your chances for success. Imagining you are at a face-to-face interview will help you navigate some of the challenges of the virtual space and improve your virtual presence.

Dividing the interview process into before, during, and after segments, will help candidates appear more engaging, competent, and attractive to the company.

 Before

• Research the company, the open position, and the interviewers.
• Align your social media accounts so they are informative and supportive with negative pictures removed.
• Be prepared, energetic, stay positive, and do not use a script.
• Know the company, show interest, and be prepared to answer questions and ask questions.
• Make sure your background is uncluttered and the webcam is focused on you straight ahead and not pointing at the ceiling.
• Ensure that your interview will be in a private setting with no interruptions.
• Shut off extraneous sounds on your mobile and other technology devices.
• Dress professionally and appropriately so it adds to your executive presence and does not subtract from it.
• Verify your internet connection and test the system prior to the meeting.
• Have appropriate room lighting.

 During

• Be authentic, show confidence, and tell stories of your experiences.
• Make sure you can show what you bring to the table for the perspective company.
• Nonverbal communication: positive body language, no slouching, sit up straight, and no playing with your hair, scratching your nose, or rocking in your chair.
• Maintain eye contact with the webcam and smile appropriately.
• Work to make a connection.
• No candy in your mouth and no chewing of gum.
• Use hand gestures appropriately as they will create engagement and excitement. Make sure your hands and body will be seen on the screen.

 After

• Try to stay on the interviewer’s radar after the interview and demonstrate your professionalism.
• Send an email within 24 hours thanking the interviewers for their time and consideration and to contact you if additional information is needed. Check grammar and spelling carefully.
• Consider connecting with the interviewers on LinkedIn so they see your business contributions.
• Self-assess your performance so you can improve your performance for future interviews.

Preparing for a virtual interview, appearing confident, knowledgeable, and passionate during the process, and taking some steps after the interview is completed could help improve the chances of you receiving an offer. The waiting period could be long and challenging but stay positive, keep reviewing your options, and even if you don’t get the job, send a thank you note for the opportunity of the interview. Remember, any opportunity to network can create future opportunities.

Dr. Edwab is the former Executive Director of one of the largest healthcare events in the United States, a Full Professor at the Jack Welch Management Institute MBA program, and CEO of a private healthcare organization to help manufacturers, distributors, and societies, maximize their convention and sales experiences.