How To Avoid The Biggest Virtual Interview Mistake

How To Avoid The Biggest Virtual Interview Mistake How To Avoid The Biggest Virtual Interview Mistake The biggest mistake you can make with a virtual interview is not taking it seriously. In the past, phone interviews were used primarily for screening. A recruiter or human resources associate called potential candidates to get basic information: are they still looking, do they meet the essential qualifications, do their salary requirements fall in the employer’s range, etc. They also screened for basic communication skills. Can this person carry on a conversation? If the candidate passes the initial screening they were invited in for an interview. Those days are over. Unfortunately, many candidates treat all virtual interviews like screening calls. This is a big mistake. One that may kill their chances of moving forward.   Today, candidates may have several virtual interviews before being invited in for an interview.   A screening interview â€" with a recruiter or HR associate A longer interview with senior HR personnel A phone or Skype interview with the hiring manager’s assistant or someone else on the team A phone or Skype interview with the hiring manager While these steps are a generalization, the point is that you should expect to have 2 to 3 phone or Skype interviews before meeting anyone in person. Virtual interviews are more convenient for the employer. First, they can conduct several interviews in a shorter amount of time. Second, the employer can save additional time by conducting virtual interviews from their desk. (Hiring staff is yet another task a manager has to squeeze into an already packed day.) Finally, they don’t need to book a conference room in advance. Most candidates would rather meet in person. They feel that they make a better impression in person. And they probably do. Which is why it’s essential to treat each phone or Skype interview just as seriously as a face-to-face meeting. Here are 5 ways to improve your chances of moving forward. #1 Choose a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted or overheard. Avoid anywhere on your employer’s premises. That includes your private office, the rest room, or a well-trafficked area like a stairwell. The day you’re interviewing with a recruiter will be the day that your boss decides to take the stairs. #2 If you’re scheduled for a phone interview make sure you are someplace where you will have good cell reception. Visit the location to check your service in advance. It’s nearly impossible for a recruiter to conduct an interview when your voice is garbled, or your phone keeps cutting in and out. If you’re scheduled for a Skype interview test your camera, microphone, and Internet connection well before the interview. If you’re using a laptop, make sure you’re near an outlet or the battery is fully charged. In the absence of extenuating circumstances, there’s no excuse for losing your connection.   #3 Research the company just as you would before an in-person meeting. Avoid being considered the lazy candidate by reviewing the company’s website, LinkedIn page, and social media platforms. When the interviewer asks if you’re familiar with the company they won’t be impressed if you mutter “no.” They expect a few thoughtful questions and comments that show you’ve done your research. Visit the LinkedIn profiles of the people you’ll be talking with as well. Finding you have things in common, like attending the same college, can help you quickly establish rapport.   #4 Prepare notes and have them nearby during your call. Notes should include information about the employer and the people you’ll be interviewing with, and a few prepared questions for the end of the interview. Be sure to have your resume on hand to prompt you with names, dates, and accomplishments. If you’re being interviewed via Skype, make sure that your notes are not front and center during the call. Also, make sure that the background is clear and uncluttered. #5 Know your resume cold. Be prepared to answer questions about your claims on LinkedIn and other social media sites too. Everything on your resume and available online is fair game during the interview process. Bonus: Let your personality shine! Most people do better during in-person interviews because “they” are there. Remember to smile (naturally) during virtual interviews. Even if you’re on the phone. Studies have shown that people can “hear” a smile in your voice. If you’re on the phone, stand and walk around a bit to keep up your energy. Boost your confidence before every interview with the Superhero pose.   Don’t blow virtual interviews by not taking them seriously. Prepare as you would for an in-person meeting. Pay attention. Be enthusiastic. Sell yourself to the interviewer. Follow up with a thank you note. Even if it’s only the 1st 20-minute screening call with a recruiter. Express your interest in the job and the company and mention anything you forgot to say during the call. Remember each person in the chain has the option to recommend that you move forward. Or not. When I was a recruiter, I wrote a 1 page “report” about each candidate I interviewed and submitted it to the hiring manager along with the candidate’s resume. Once you reach the final stage (only a few candidates left standing) focus on getting the job. Until then, your primary goal should be to keep moving forward in the process. You’ll probably have 2 to 3 virtual interviews before getting a face-to-face meeting. Make each one of them count.