How to Nail Your Virtual Job Interview

A job interview under the best of circumstances is stressful, but add a virtual meeting to the mix and the remote experience can be tense. There are so many things that can potentially derail your ability to make a positive first impression. From a barking dog to an unexpected visit from your neighbor, the likelihood of upset is right around your kitchen corner. The reality is life is changing and this is the new normal. While people are finally getting accustomed to working from home, we all understand that even the best-laid plans have an occasional hiccup. Knowing how to handle awkward situations is what is going to set you apart from the other person who will meltdown and stumble under pressure.

Here are five tips to help you nail your virtual job interview.

Lights Camera Action

Don’t leave anything to chance. Check out your technology and practice with a friend days before your job interview. Invest in a light ring if your budget allows and set it up behind your screen. Use earbuds to filter out background noise. Look directly into the lens for optimum “eye contact.” Although it may feel awkward looking away from the interviewer, it will appear as if you are making direct eye contact when you look at the computer or camera lens. You will occasionally need to check your interviewer’s reactions and take note of their body language.

Open With a Smile

When you join the meeting, have a genuine smile on your face as you would if you were meeting in person. On a recent interview on GMA, Ian Siegel had a great suggestion. He suggested kicking the job interview off way saying, “I am excited to be doing this interview because (fill in the blank).” It shows you made an effort to research the company.

Utilize Your Stress Under Pressure

If something goes wrong in the background while you are on a virtual interview, such as spilling a cup of water or a toddler running through the room, don’t panic. Avoid acting shocked, stay calm, smile and apologize for the unexpected interruption. The interviewer will be understanding and will also appreciate watching you handle yourself under pressure. Use the situation to your advantage.

Ask Questions and Take Notes

You are in an interview and will be expected to appear engaged. Make sure and have a list of questions ready, as well as a note pad and pen. You can say something like, “If you don’t mind, I’m going to take a few notes,” so you acknowledge why you are looking down.

Send a Thank You Note

At the end of the interview, spend some time composing an email thanking the recruiter for their time. Mention some specific things you enjoyed learning more about and reiterate your desire to work with the company. Send the email out before the end of the business day. Regarding a handwritten note, these are unprecedented times and your interviewer is probably working from home. You can mail a thank you note to the company address; however, an email is the most expedient delivery of your gratitude. It will also keep you on the top of their mind. It may be several weeks before they see your note at their office and another reminder of you is always helpful.

You might also like 4 Tips for Re-Entering the Workplace. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

Virtual Training Opportunity

Have you always dreamed of fine-tuning your skills or honing your professional skills? Now is our opportunity. I am offering virtual training where I will work with you in a private session. This is a limited time offer, click here for more details.