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Getting a job interview is an exciting and scary experience. You want to make a great impression on your interviewer and get the job, but you likely feel super nervous. Fortunately, a little preparation beforehand can help you make a great first impression and may help you leave a lasting impression on your interviewer. Whether you’re doing a virtual or in-person interview, you can stand out from the other candidates.
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There is an increasing trend towards conducting interviews through online meetings. The advantages to both employer and candidate are clear – no travel time or expenses and the ability to apply for jobs globally are just a few of the clear benefits. Whether through Skype or Facetime, Microsoft Teams or Zoom, the skills you will need to sell yourself in an online world are the same –
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but they are somewhat different from a more traditional face-to-face discussion. Here are our top 7 video interview tips.
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You want your video to be well-lit so your interviewer can see you. If possible, use natural lighting from a big window. Otherwise, choose a room that has good overhead lighting. You might even move a floor lamp near the area for additional lighting. – If you’re using a window for light, it’ll work best if you sit next to the window, not in front of or behind it.
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– Check where the light from the window falls during the time of day when your interview is scheduled. At certain times of day, the light might wash you out or cast shadows.
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Check your tech gear before the interview to make sure it works. Many employers want employees who are tech savvy, so it’s important that your tech works. Before the interview, test your webcam and microphone to make sure the video looks good and the sound is clear. Then, test your internet connection to verify that it can handle a video call.
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– If your webcam or microphone doesn’t work well, you may need to buy an external webcam or microphone so you look and sound good on your interview. – If your internet won’t support a video call, find a location where you can make your call. For instance, you might be able to go to a family member’s home.
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– Your interviewer will likely tell you if you're going to be using Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangout, or another video call software in advance of your interview. If it's a platform that you have used before, do a practice call with it before your interview so you'll be prepared.
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You don’t need to transform part of your home into a home office just for the interview. However, your interviewer will likely be checking out your background, so you want it to look nice. Choose a non-distracting background, like a plain wall. Then, remove any clutter and turn off distractions like the TV and your phone.
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Finally, ask any housemates or family members to give you privacy during your interview. – For instance, you might film your interview from your kitchen table with nothing in the background. – If you have children or pets, consider asking someone to play with them in another room during your interview so you're less likely to be interrupted.
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You might feel silly dressing up for a virtual interview, but it might help you get the job. Professional attire shows the interviewer you’re serious about the job, and it may help you feel more capable and authoritative, which might improve your interview performance. Dress just like you’re going to a regular job interview.
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For instance, you might wear a button-up shirt with a blazer and slacks, a dress, or a blouse and skirt.
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During a virtual interview, it’s easier to refer to notes than in a traditional in-person interview. However, don’t read your answers from your notes or try to check your phone during an interview. If there’s something important you want to remember, write down a short, bullet-point reminder and place it near your computer but out of sight of the camera.
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– For instance, you might write, “Ask what a typical day will look like,” or “Tell them about my performance award.”
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You might think body language doesn’t matter in a virtual interview, but it’s likely that your interviewer will consider your nonverbal cues when evaluating you as a candidate for the job. Make a point to roll your shoulders back, straighten your spine, and look forward at the camera. Do your best to keep a smile on your face so you seem happy about the opportunity.
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– Pay attention to what the interviewer is saying, however. Don’t smile if they bring up something sad or concerning.
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When you’re on a video call, it’s natural to want to check how you look. However, when you’re looking at yourself, the person you’re talking to may feel like you’re not connecting with them. Instead, stare directly into the camera, which will make it seem like you’re looking at the interviewer.
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– Check how you look on video before the interview to put your mind at ease. If the app you’re using has a preview function, log in a few minutes before the scheduled meeting so you can make sure you like how you look in the preview before you go live in the meeting. If the app doesn't have a preview function, try making a quick test call before your interview.
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Here are some job interview tips that can help you interview effectively. Proper preparation will help alleviate some of the stress involved in job interviews and position you for a positive and successful interviewing experience.
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Choose an outfit that is professional and matches the setting of the workplace. How formal the office is depends on the type of work that is being done. – Don't wear a bunch of cologne or perfume to your interview. Some people are sensitive to smells, so the scent might detract from what you're saying.
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– If you know the company culture includes more casual dress, it’s okay to choose an outfit that fits with the typical workplace attire.
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t’s really important that you be on time for the interview. Not only does it show you’re reliable, but it also demonstrates that you can plan ahead for unfamiliar situations. Being late for any reason will make you look unorganized and unconcerned.
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– Don’t arrive more than 15 minutes early because it may confuse or inconvenience your interviewer. If you arrive to the location really early, go for a short walk or review your interview materials while you wait outside.
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You probably have a lot of important concerns right now, but dealing with them in a job interview is a no-no. Put your phone and other electronics on silent or turn them completely off. If you feel your phone go off, ignore it until after the interview.
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– If you’re in a unique situation where you can’t turn off your phone, discuss this with your interviewer ahead of time. For instance, if you were an on-call nurse who’s interviewing for a job as a college professor, you might need to take a call from the hospital. In this unique case, your interviewer might understand.
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When you meet your interviewer, go in for a handshake. Give their hand a firm squeeze and pump your arm twice before pulling away. This shows them that you're confident and have strong interpersonal skills. – If your palm is sweaty, discreetly wipe your hand off on your clothes or a tissue before you go in for the handshake.
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Eye contact shows the interviewer that you’re really listening to them and helps create a connection. Additionally, it projects that you have good interpersonal skills. Maintain eye contact during your greeting and throughout the interview.
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– If eye contact is hard for you, practice by making eye contact with yourself in a mirror or practice with a relative or friend. Tip: Continue to use eye contact and other positive body language throughout the interview. For instance, smile, sit up straight, keep your arms at your sides, and lean-in when the other person speaks.
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You'll be a stronger candidate if you appear to have a good attitude and seem excited about the job. Focus your answers on your accomplishments and how you hope to succeed moving forward. When you talk about past obstacles, explain how they've helped you grow and what lessons you've learned.
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– For instance, tell the interviewer that you're excited to take on new job tasks. Say, "I'm really excited about the opportunities for growth here. This project sounds really exciting."
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– When talking about a conflict with a past coworker, say, "Communication with my team leader at my prior job was difficult at first, but our relationship taught me new ways to communicate. Because we compromised, we were able to complete our project ahead of schedule."
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The company is likely interviewing a lot of candidates, so it’s easy to blend in with the other interviewees. To stand out, tell a story that makes you memorable. Make sure that one of the stories you pick from your work or education history sets you apart from the other candidates, then include that in your answers to the interview questions.
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The interviewer wants to know how you’ll solve the company’s problems, so tell them why you’ll perform well in the position if you’re hired. Discuss how your skills fit the job description and what your first steps will be if you’re hired. Additionally, use stories about your past work to show how you’ll perform well at this company.
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– As an example, let’s say they ask, “Why do you want to work for this company?” You might say something like, “I love that this company is focused on innovation instead of maintaining the status quo. In my career, I’ve developed systems that explore new concepts, and I want to pursue that further.”
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You’ve likely had some tough workdays and possibly a boss or coworker you hated. However, it’s never a good look to bring this up in an interview. Instead, talk about how you thrived when going through an obstacle and focus on the best qualities in your former coworkers.
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– For instance, let’s say your boss yelled a lot and degraded you. Instead of talking about how bad of a boss they were, you might say, “We didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but my former boss and I talked every day.”
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okes are tricky because they might get misunderstood. The interviewer could be offended or might mistake your joke for a sign that you don't care about your work. Play it safe and don't make jokes. – It's okay if you tell a story that's slightly humorous. However, don't try to make something funny if it's not.
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– Never tell jokes about your profession or the interviewer's job. They might not appreciate your sense of humor.
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You might feel embarrassed about your weaknesses, and that’s totally normal. However, lying or trying to pretend your weaknesses are really strengths won’t do you any favors. Instead, explain what your biggest weakness has been in the past. Then, discuss what you’re doing to improve on it.
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– As an example, don't try to turn your weakness into a strength by saying, "My biggest weakness is that I'm too dedicated to my job." The interviewer will only think that you're not being honest about your actual weaknesses.
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Your interviewer will give you a chance to ask questions about the job, which typically occurs at the end of the interview. – You might ask, “What does the timeline look like for the upcoming project?,” “Will the selected candidate be able to suggest new opportunities for growing sales?,” "How are remote hours tracked?," or "How will I keep in touch with my supervisor and coworkers remotely?"
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Your interviewer is probably really busy, so they’ll appreciate your acknowledgement of their time. Shake their hand and tell them that you’re appreciative of the chance to interview. Additionally, thank them for any special help they’ve given you, such as telling you more about the company, explaining where to park, or setting the interview at a time that works for you.
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– Say, “Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me. I really appreciate the information you provided about this great opportunity.”
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It’s common for people to change their mind about a job after their interview. Because of this, your interviewer is likely to focus on the candidates who seem the most excited about filling this position. Before you leave, make it clear that you want this job by directly telling the interviewer.
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– You might say, “I know this job is a perfect fit for my skills, and I hope I get the chance to help your company reach its goals.”
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Some interviewers perceive a follow-up as an indication that a person is really interested. For most jobs, it’s best to send a brief email telling the interviewer that you appreciate the opportunity and are available to discuss the job further. However, you might send a handwritten note if you work in a creative industry or the non-profit sector.
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– Write, “Dear Mr. Jones, Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I’m even more excited about this opportunity. I’d really like the opportunity to talk to you more about what I can do for your company. Thanks, Amy Lincoln.”