The Virtual Interview

Look, I'm no HR expert, but I'm amazed how many people have asked me for my advice on job interviews in today's online existence. So I gave it some thought recently and, since I've done a few online industry interviews myself recently, I thought I'd share some free advice. (Remember, you get what you pay for.)

1) SET UP: The interview starts before the call goes live. So put yourself in a professional-enough setting. Especially if this is a remote position. Employers want to know this is how you'll conduct yourself once hired to represent their company on Zoom. Make sure the lighting is decent and you're wearing clothes in keeping with the company's or industry's culture. Get the dog in a sound-proof area, tell the family or roommate you can't be disturbed, and put your phone on silent. Finally, "arrive" early to avoid last-minute tech panic.

2) IMPRESS EVERYONE: Whether you're speaking to an admin who set up the call, your headhunter, or a screener, treat every single person like they're the decision-maker. Chances are, they'll all discuss you before an offer is made.

3) BE PREPARED: Have notes on hand. Prepare 3-4 main takeaways about you and your qualifications and at least 2 good questions for the "do you have any questions?" part of the discussion. Be prepared for the small talk as well. Ideally, have something to share about a common interest - even if it's current events in the relevant industry or something your interviewer or the company posted on LinkedIn. Small talk creates chemistry, which can be more important than your resume in the end.

4) RELAX: Yes, it's a job interview, but people want to work with natural, likable people. Smile, laugh when appropriate, make eye contact (with the camera) and say thanks even for the opportunity.

In 25 years of interviewing job candidates, I have found that the more prepared, relaxed and engaged a candidate is, the better impression they leave, and the more likely it is they get a second interview or an offer.

Good luck out there.