Virtual job interviews are nowadays a very sought-for alternative. Given the current state of affairs, when social distance has become the norm, an increasing number of organizations are preparing these to attract talent. And, as a job seeker, you are well aware that getting a job interview scheduled is not something that comes easily. This is why you will not want to risk making a mistake.
In this article, you will find some virtual job interview tips to avoid the most common mistakes. As virtual job interviews become more common, it is critical to become acquainted with the new procedures.
- Common mistakes: What is the best way to approach them?
- Virtual jobs in the UAE: What are your options?
- Final advice for online interviews
- Looking for virtual work alternatives? We can assist you!
1. Common mistakes: What is the best way to approach them?
Let us take a look at those errors that could make us lose a lot of points when taking interviews. Also, we will take a look at the best way to fix them.
1.1 Wi-Fi connection, video, and audio quality were not checked
It is critical to review the technologies you will be using before doing any virtual job interviews.
Nothing is more frustrating than providing a thoughtful response to an interview question only for your internet to start lagging your video or lose connection entirely.
It will be difficult to focus and you will appear unprepared if the interview team struggles to hear you or if you have to ask them to repeat their questions.
Double-check everything before you start the interview to avoid making this error. Choose the location for the interview a day or two ahead of time and run the following checks.
Here are some items to check and tips you can try in case they fail:
1.1.1 Internet Speed
First of all, make sure to test your connection speed. The best way would be that each user has a download speed of at least 10 Mbps and an upload speed of at least 1 Mbps. This means you should account for it if you are at home with your family or roommates and they are all on the internet at the same time.
Use a website like SpeedTest to find out where you stand. It will tell you how many megabits per second you have available for download and upload. If you do not have enough, you will need to choose another location to conduct the interview and repeat the test until you discover a good location.
1.1.2 Sound
Play something with sound on your PC to test the speakers. Any music, movie, or audio file on your PC will suffice. Alternatively, go to YouTube and watch a sound-enabled video. And keep it playing while you change the level on the speakers.
1.1.3 Microphone
You can use a variety of websites to test your microphone, including Online Mic Test. Make sure the website has the authorization to listen in on your microphone. Try speaking into the microphone and see if it registers on the screen. If necessary, adjust the volume of your input.
At some point, everyone encounters technical difficulties with their computer. This could happen to you at any time during your interview, so do everything you can to avoid any complications.
1.2 Not treating the interview with the same professionalism as face-to-face
Online does not imply informal or unprofessional behavior. You must approach this interview as if it were a person-to-person interview, which necessitates thorough preparation.
What is the best way to avoid this? Arrive on time; you should always expect the interviewer to wait for you, not the other way around.
Do your homework and prepare; you will want to make sure you know everything there is to know about the organization, the position, and your CV.
You do not want to open any other windows on your computer to double-check something before responding.
1.3 Not wearing the proper outfit
When compared to a face-to-face interview, you may tend to think of an online interview as a more informal one. This is a misunderstanding. If you have a laid-back attitude you may receive a negative judgment.
Avoid this blunder by presenting yourself properly and expressing your interest in the position.
Avoid wearing bright colors or dazzling jewelry, and make sure you dress properly from head to toe. During the interview, you never know what will happen. It will be awkward if you are wearing sweatpants and have to get up to grab something.
If you are unsure, ask the interviewer about the dress code and dress appropriately.
1.4 Picking the wrong spot for the meeting
Remember that the interviewer will see what is behind you as well as you. You want people to concentrate on what you are saying, which can be difficult if they are staring at your posters, trinkets, or any other clutter you have left behind. As a result, make sure you sit in a posture where you will appear professional and where there will be few visual distractions.
While this may seem self-evident, you would be shocked how many details are overlooked by the interviewee but not by the interviewer.
Make sure you do not say anything that could be construed as controversial or possibly provide an unfavorable impression to your interviewers.
Position yourself and your computer in front of a blank, neutral-colored wall to avoid making this mistake. This is the most secure option.
If that is not an option, take a picture of the background you will be using and examine it attentively to ensure there is nothing dubious or unprofessional about it. If you are undecided about something, just get rid of it.
1.5 Waiting until the last minute to connect
You do not want to be late for your interview, therefore do not take the time before the interview for granted.
Because connecting to the meeting can take some time, start getting set up a few minutes before any virtual job interviews begin. You do not want to be racing around trying to connect at the last minute.
1.6 Not smiling or not focusing on the camera
It is not attractive to appear dazed. If you are having a face-to-face interview, make sure you keep clear eye contact with the interviewer. In virtual job interviews, you should be fully involved and maintain eye contact by staring directly at the camera when responding to questions to avoid looking down.
To begin, you should grin and appear as engaged as possible. The interviewer is solely focused on you and the screen, so if you are not looking directly at the interviewer, it will be obvious.
Avoid this mistake with a simple fix. Put a note right at the top of your camera (making sure it does not cover any part of it) either with a smiley-face or just the word “Smile!”
This will help you both to keep looking at the camera addressing the interviewer, and also to read the message and continue smiling.
1.7 Failing to engage with the interviewer
It is difficult to match with another person over a webcam, but if you can do it, it will help your candidacy a lot. Prepare one or two fascinating, work-appropriate anecdotes that you may tell during the interview to keep the interviewer’s attention.
Along with being a good speaker, you need also to be a good listener. Because this is a virtual interview, you might wish to fill up the silence with some fascinating conversations. This should not, however, lead to you dominating the conversation. Allow the other individual to pose pertinent interview questions to you, and respond appropriately. Allow your interviewer to finish his question. You take a moment to think and do not respond right away.
1.8 Moving too fast
It can be a stressful event, just like any other interview. However, it is critical to remain calm and take things carefully. In most circumstances, speaking at a breakneck rate will not provide the impact that the interviewer is seeking with your responses. Even in a virtual environment, your body language may convey a lot of information. Before you begin your interview, take a few deep breaths and give yourself a few seconds to consider each question before responding. This also accounts for any potential audio time lags.
1.9 Cropping and focus issues with the camera
Make sure your camera is set up appropriately before you begin. You do not want to start an interview just to realize you are out of frame; ideally, the camera should be level with the top of your head.
1.10 Preparation is key for virtual job interviews
A failure to prepare is a deal-breaker. You should always keep track of your information and be prepared for employment interview questions. Examine the job description and how well you match it. The interviewer will be able to tell if you are not fully prepared for the interview.
Regardless of whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, you must research the organization before the interview. Learn about the company’s products and services, as well as its vision and future goals.
This will also assist you in determining whether it is a good long-term decision for you. Demonstrate your interest in the firm and the position, which will only appear if you are familiar with the company and know why you want the position.
Choose companies based on your skills and requirements, whether they are IT companies, construction companies, or real estate companies.
2. Virtual jobs in the UAE: What are your options?
The COVID pandemic does not appear to be going away anytime soon; in fact, the UAE has established new measures that allow employees to work from home as a means of adapting to this new reality that the entire world is experiencing. It Is only logical that the hiring process takes a virtual turn as well.
The majority of UAE company leaders believe that new working patterns will boost workforce diversity in the near future. Virtual job interviews for the public and private sector are already being prioritized by the majority of them for the recruitment of potential employees who would not have been able to come to the office otherwise. Many sectors are hiring online as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing tactics. According to Handshake’s data, 89 percent of businesses do job interviews online.
3. Final advice for online interviews
Online interviewing appears to be here to stay. Polishing your video interview skills will boost your confidence, which will shine through during the interview, increasing your chances of obtaining the job.
No matter how much you prepare for a job interview, mistakes and accidents do happen. If something unpleasant occurs, make use of the opportunity to demonstrate to your potential employer how you react to and handle unexpected events.
Stay calm, take care of what needs to be taken care of or rectified, and return to the interview with a nice smile and an apology.
4. Looking for virtual work alternatives? We can assist you!
When taking on a virtual technical interview or even any simple one, you must walk into it with every possible tool. That is why here at TheTalentPoint we offer you assessment for this and many more other challenges.
Would you like to contact TheTalentPoint? You can give us a call at +97143316688, and also you can reach us at our email address [email protected]. You will receive advice from one of our representatives and they will take care of all of your questions and concerns.
