Avoid Virtual Interview Mishaps With These Tips
Though many COVID-19 restrictions have diminished since the height of the pandemic in 2020, several in-person and remote companies have continued to host interviews online, especially for the first round.
Standard job interview preparation is still important for virtual interviews. However, there are a few additional steps beyond wearing a nice outfit and a smile that will get you ready for a virtual job interview.
Here are some tips for preparing for a virtual interview.
Notify your household
Nothing is more cringe-worthy than a family member barging into your room or your dog barking at the Amazon delivery man during your interview. To keep these embarrassing moments from occurring, please let any family members, friends, or roommates know when you’ll have the interview. If you have any animals, place them in another room or outside until you’ve completed the interview.
Choose a neutral background
A cluttered background on a video call will be distracting to many interviewers. As you prep for your interview, decide where you’ll set up your phone or computer for the interview. If you’re using a videoconferencing platform like Zoom, you may have the option to choose a digital background, like an office or a city view, in place of a backdrop of your home.
Clear your browsers and turn off notifications
In case you’re asked by the hiring manager to share your screen, you want to ensure that your desktop is free of open browsers. You don’t want to accidentally disclose any personal information that you’ve left open on your computer. In addition, you may also want to turn on “do not disturb” on your computer to avoid any notifications popping up during the interview.
Prepare for unexpected technical difficulties
Preparing for potential technical difficulties during the interview is always a good idea. To limit any issues, update your software and do a test run before the interview to ensure that your camera and microphone are working correctly. To be extra prepared, you can always email the hiring manager beforehand to make sure if you experience any connectivity issues on the day of the interview, you can dial in if needed.