Long-Term Relationships Always Start with a Confident ‘First Date’
You’ve been invited to an interview for your dream role. You’re feeling confident – mostly because you were executively matched by Lincoln Group, so you know you’re a good fit for the job.
But this confidence could be diluted when you discover the interview will be virtual. The uncertainty of this new way of showcasing your personality and abilities, on a small screen, could make you feel unsettled. You’re also in the 62% of Americans who prefer to be interviewed in person.
The thing is, virtual interviews are here to stay, with most organizations believing they’ll continue to connect remotely way beyond 2021. It’s time to boost your confidence with these essential tips that will help you master virtual interviews.
Do Your Research
Know the company interviewing you. Do extensive research and learn about the company’s mission, vision, and culture. Read press releases and financial reports. Perhaps they have a new project underway. They may be committed to contributing to environmental change. Make notes and raise them during the interview to show your aligned personality and interest in the company.
It also pays if you can learn who will be interviewing you. You may discover a common interest that could create a connection and leave lasting impressions. Where they went to school, how long they have been with the company, their career journey that led them there, where they went to school, etc.
Prepare Questions and Answers
Don’t mistake this for preparing scripted, broad, robotic answers. They won’t serve you well, and will most likely leave you stalling. Instead, prepare mental prompts that cover certain specifics based upon:
- Skills required for the role (hard and soft – think of previous experiences)
- Your weaknesses – we all have them; hiring managers want to know how you manage them
- Your place within the company’s future vision and mission
- Your resume – have it to hand, and make sure you can evidence your claims
Virtual interviews allow a cheeky Post-It note that will stop you from waffling. Stick to STAR (and be specific):
- Situation – describe the circumstance
- Task – describe what needed to be done
- Action – describe the actions you took to ensure the task was completed
- Result – describe the outcome
Finally, you will be asked if you have any questions. Have a few prepared, and ensure they reconfirm your enthusiasm and commitment to the role. Make them thoughtful, unique, and direct. Interviews are a two-way conversation, both parties must ensure this is a good fit. Without asking questions relevant to how you work best, then you could be displeased with your decision.
Choose an Ideal Spot
Make sure where you’re sitting looks clean and decluttered: organization is what they’ll be looking for behind you. Allow for natural lighting if possible, that lights your face so you can be seen clearly.
The Little Details
Here are some extra little touches to make just before the interview commences:
- Have a glass of water nearby
- Turn all other devices off, including browser/desktop notifications
- Give notice to fellow residents not to disturb you, and leave a sign on your door
- Leave a note for the Amazon guy
Test Your Technology
Technology is only our friend when it works. Prior to interview and on the day, make sure you check:
- Connectivity
- Speakers
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Visual
Most platforms have testing facilities to help you with this.
Pants or No Pants?
Seriously, there have been more awkward moments on Zoom and Teams meetings that people care to admit. Let’s just avoid that all together and make sure you are buttoned up from head to toe.
Master Your Presentation
Try a practice run with a friend and record it. Pay attention to your overall body language, and voice tone. Make sure you can be heard clearly, and that you appear approachable. And don’t forget that smile – it will warm up the atmosphere, and make you more personable.
Stay Engaged
Eye contact is a tricky business in virtual interviews, but important to show your engagement. Here are a few pointers:
- When the interviewer is talking, look at them on the screen
- When you’re talking, look directly into the camera
- Don’t be distracted by your own image
Hopefully, these key points are easy to remember, leaving you free to focus on what’s being said.
Stay Calm
Don’t get in a sweat if something goes wrong. For example, if you have a child who comes screaming into the middle of the interview, don’t get flustered. Deal with it logically: excuse yourself, stay calm, resolve the situation, return, thank the panel for their patience, and continue. Calmness in such a situation will demonstrate your coping and management abilities.
Are You Ready to Take a Career Leap? We’re Here.
So, there you go – some real pocket rocket tips for your next virtual interview that will help you present your best self.
We know how daunting the interview process can be. That’s where Lincoln Group provides you with not only incredible opportunities, but support and guidance along the way. Better still, you’ll only attend interviews we know you should be confident and comfortable with, courtesy of your perfectly matched skills, abilities, and cultural fit.
Contact Lincoln Group today – an opportunity always starts with that first discussion.