From applicant to hiring manager, no one likes interviews, let alone virtual interviews where dumb mistakes are more the norm than the exception. And the most common mistake to avoid with virtual interviews is the thought that they’re any different from in-person interviews.
At most, it’s the difference between telling the hiring manager, “Sorry, my car…” and, “Sorry, my WIFI…” And to them, that’s the exact same thing! Landing an interview means you’re qualified for the job of your dreams, but it also means that it’s yours for the taking or the losing.
But don’t worry, we already did the hard part for you and compiled a list of what not to do! Check out the top 5 mistakes to avoid in a virtual interview to impress the hiring manager and land the job
Setting up too late
This is the most obvious, yet the most easy mistake that a candidate can make. As mentioned it’s a perfect example of the consequences of not taking a virtual interview as seriously as an in-person interview. Sign in to Zoom, Teams, etc before your interview time, and test to make sure your computer (camera, microphone, WIFI etc) is working properly.
Forgetting about eye contact
What’s second nature in person can often feel counterintuitive on a computer and require more effort on the candidate’s part. For instance, making eye contact during a video call isn’t really possible in the typical way, which is a very important consideration for an interview.
Candidates need to look into the camera instead of their interviewer as instinct would dictate, in order to show their eyes as they speak – not the top of their head and eyelids.
Messy clothes or a messy backdrop
What would you wear to an in person interview where you would have to walk through the office and wait in the reception area – and not just be seen from the top up for that matter? Treating everything the same whenever possible eliminates the possibilities of any virtual drama!
Your backdrop is obviously a hassle that’s unique to the digital experience, but also presents an opportunity for control and expression on the candidate’s part also unique to the digital experience. Your backdrop should be clean and free of distractions. If you don’t have a room that you want to show, you can always blur out your background.
Interruptions
Where there’s one person working or interviewing from home, there’s bound to me more! Always remember to communicate with the people you live with beforehand, and find a space where you won’t have to leave or be interrupted for the duration of the interview. Wait till you have the job to introduce your family and friends to your boss or coworkers!
Eating and drinking
There’s obviously a big difference between eating a steak and drinking a glass of water, but some hiring managers have even been known to look down at the latter as well. And think about it: would you carry a water bottle with you into a regular interview? And if you did, what moment would you choose to take a drink?
As annoying as it is, the rule of thumb always goes back to treating virtual and in person the same whenever possible, and that includes drinks or anything potentially distracting. Even though you’re at home, your interviewer will likely be in the office – where you want to be!
Virtual interviews can feel like the worst of both worlds, but by avoiding these mistakes you’ll have them conquered in no time!
For more interview tips please visit our Career Resources page.
