Job Hunters Want to Know: How Can I Knock My Virtual Interview Out of the Park?
Well first let’s define what a virtual interview is. It might not be as obvious as you think.
From Northeastern University:
“A virtual interview, or video interview, is a job interview that leverages video technology to allow the discussion to take place remotely. Rather than meeting face-to-face, the hiring manager and candidate will connect with each other online using video software. The tools required for this kind of meeting typically include a computer with a built-in or external video camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and headphones if desired.”
That’s a great definition, but let’s dig a little deeper.
In today’s world, a virtual interview is almost a certainty in the job-hunting process, especially early on. In fact, there’s a good chance that you’ll have more than one.
I think we can all agree that employers and recruiters alike are increasingly relying on technology to screen and hire candidates. According to research and advisory giant Gartner Group, 86% of companies were using virtual recruiting and hiring techniques during the COVID-19 pandemic. And that number doesn’t appear to be going down any time soon.
At Shepherd Regulatory Search we can help you navigate the massive job market to find your dream job. We focus on Regulatory Affairs professionals and handle all awarded job searches with passion and dedication. We want to hear your story. Call our recruiting professionals at 772-212-2753, or get in touch online today!
As a result of this technological shift, many organizations now require candidates to participate in software or artificial intelligence-based interviews and assessments. These candidate selection techniques, also known as structured interviews, come in many forms including pre-recorded interactive interviews, assessments, and exams.
“Structured interview” is a term that can sound somewhat intimidating to an interviewee. Don’t be intimidated. Use the tips below to leverage these new virtual interview techniques to your advantage.
Today’s candidates, and their recruiter and hiring manager counterparts, are tech-savvy and time-conscious.
Rather than making the gruelingly long process drag-on, both parties aim to expedite this process. Virtual techniques have helped diminish wasted time spent manually entering resume details when applying and coordinating in person interviews.
In this post you will learn how to use these seven critical tips to help you ace your video interview:
- • Master Your Technology
- • Be Aware of Your Appearance and Demeanor
- • Prepare Your Environment
- • Plan for Behavioral Questions
- • Have Credibility Samples on Hand
- • Be Yourself and Be Personable
- • Stand Out!
Be prepared with the right technology and tools.
This starts with a good laptop or desktop computer and a stable internet connection capable of streaming video. If you haven’t done a video conference in a while, check your internet connection and make sure you have at least a 10Mbps connection. If you’re not tech-savvy, simply verify with your internet service provider or a nerdy friend who is.
Make sure your computer has a functional camera. Make sure you can be seen clearly and try positioning yourself in front of the camera different ways to find what looks best.
Familiarize yourself with the application you’ll be using for the interview. Do a dry run with a friend or colleague. Make sure you know how to start and stop your audio and video, share your screen, etc.
The more familiar you are with the software, the better.
Also, have a backup plan.
If you lose your internet connection, for any reason, be ready to set up a hotspot connection from your phone. Also, make sure the interviewer has your mobile number. You can always resort to stone-age technology if the going really gets rough!
Surprisingly, one of the questions we are most frequently asked by job seekers is what to wear.
What is the proper attire for a video interview?
According to social media giant LinkedIn, the best rule of thumb is to wear the same type of outfit that you would wear for an in-person interview.
Don’t be tempted to wear a comfy pair of jeans or sweatpants with your professional top just because you don’t have to leave your house. You may just be in your bedroom, but it’s important to be dressed from head to toe. Maybe you forgot to shut the door or maybe your external camera fell, and your full outfit is revealed while you reposition.
A collared, button-down shirt with a blazer and a pair of dress pants is a classic and reliable outfit option if you’re unsure about what to wear.
It’s better to err on the side of a formality than to be too casual. You never know who might jump on to the call unexpectedly on the other end, and you want to be prepared.
Have an appropriate background and surrounding.
Make the virtual interview as businesslike as possible. Try to position the camera a few inches above your head. You want the camera to be angled so that your face is center stage. Stack a couple of books under your laptop, if necessary, this doesn’t have to be high-tech.
Proper camera position will help ensure that you’re looking into the camera, not the screen, during the interview. Also, make sure that you have sufficient light. Your light source should be coming from in front of you, and from behind your laptop.
Your background should be as neutral as possible. Coordinate your clothing to avoid blending in with the background, you want to stand out! To avoid distractions and interruptions, be sure to turn off all audible notifications on your devices and go to a private room.
A good interviewing environment will help you stay focused and impress your future employer!
You’re prepared mentally and physically for a virtual interview, but what now?
Now would be a great time to talk to a professional recruiting firm. At Shepherd Regulatory Search, we match you with exceptional employers looking for exceptional candidates in the field of Regulatory Affairs.
At Shepherd Regulatory Search, we understand the regulatory affairs market, the organizations, and the talent they are looking for.
At this point, you’re prepared to talk to any interviewer from any organization we match you with. You know how to leverage your education, experience, and accomplishments to respond to technical questions. This is where we all tend to focus, and rightly so! You’ve worked hard to get where you are in your career, and you want to show off your skills.
Be ready to respond to the behavioral questions that you will be asked as well. These are the questions that interviewers borrow from the field of behavioral psychology to gauge your competencies. We recommend using the STAR method to respond to these types of questions.
Have some personal examples ready to share when the hiring professional asks questions like: “Tell me about yourself” or “Tell me about a previous bad experience you had with a client.”
Have credibility samples on hand.
You’re in your comfort zone in your home, so take advantage of the situation. Have your resume, some work samples, notes on the company, or other relevant documents handy for quick reference when speaking to the interviewer.
Demonstrating that you’ve “been there done that” is a great way to impress a prospective employer. This will also show the interviewer that you understand how to use technology effectively in a virtual work environment.
Be yourself and be personable.
Prospective employers generally want to hire candidates that demonstrate confidence, professional competence, and enthusiasm.
You’re an accomplished professional at the top of your game…
It’s time to stand out!
How can you stand out from your competition in a virtual interview?
Look into the camera and be attentive. Be sure to ask questions and take notes.
Waves or other gestures can be used to replace physical exchanges such as handshakes. When timed right, a thumbs-up or a nod can be a great way to establish logical breaks and communicate excitement or enthusiasm.
Don’t forget to follow up. Send the interviewer a short email within 24 hours. Briefly recount one of the interview’s high points and thank them for their time. Let the interviewer know that you’re available to answer any further questions and reiterate your desire to join their company.
Now it’s time for the hard part; the wait.
You were well prepared, and you’ve completed an excellent virtual interview. Congratulations!
There are no guarantees in the world of job hunting and recruiting. There is one guarantee though. The more interviews you have with well-matched employers, the higher your chances are of finding a great position.
Contact Shepherd Regulatory Search Today
At Shepherd Regulatory Search, we can help you improve your virtual interviewing skills to the point where you’re hitting every virtual interview “out of the park!” We can also match you with employers looking for candidates with your skills, personality, and experience. After all, that’s half the battle.
Are you considering a career change or modification? Are you open to more flexible types of employment opportunities? Are you looking for a specific type of job and you’re willing to wait? Are you getting ready to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence?
We’re here to listen first. Once we understand your professional skills and objectives, we’ll start connecting you with the right opportunities. We’ll also provide resume and interviewing tips.
Would you like to hear more about our specialized Regulatory Affairs recruiting process? Call one of our experts at 772-212-2753 or get in touch online, and start the conversation today!