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Virtual Jobs Interview Tips and Tricks - Virtual trade fairs or job interviews via video chat are part of today's working world. In times of digitization and internationalization, they are no longer uncommon. We have put together some tips and tricks for you to help you complete your virtual conversation in the best possible way.

 

Virtual Jobs Interview Tips

Virtual Jobs Interview Tips and Tricks

1. Check Technology

Before the interview can start, it is important to check the circumstances. So test the link that you received for the interview beforehand. With most programs, you can log in on a trial basis in advance. You may need to download or install a specific tool first.

A good tip: If necessary, find out whether you can dial in by phone or install the tool on another device (mobile phone, tablet) so that you can dial in to something else in the event of technical malfunctions. Also advisable: Test the picture and sound quality before your conversation.

You should test all of these things a few days before the actual interview so that you can talk to the recruiter again if something goes wrong.

 

2. Note The Setting

If it comes to the actual interview, pay particular attention to the visible image section. Which part of my room will the recruiter see? How should I choose the background? The best thing to do is to look for a bright room with a white wall in which you can be easily recognized.

On the other hand, dried up flowers or a large mountain of laundry in the background do not make a good impression.

 

3. Clothes Make The Man

Please don't forget: it's still a face-to-face business conversation. Therefore, dress exactly as you would dress for a conversation on site. This helps you to better empathize with the situation and also looks more authentic in front of the camera.

An important tip: look straight into the camera, pay attention to your body language and avoid excessive gesticulations. You can also prepare yourself well for the interview by having a pen, notepad and your résumé ready.

 

4. We are There For You

Do not be afraid to contact us again to clarify any questions that may arise. It is important to us that the virtual interview can be just as professional as an on-site meeting. We are therefore very grateful for your feedback.

Otherwise, of course, all the rules and tips from the classic face-to-face interview also apply to a virtual job interview: smile and stay positive, prepare well and show yourself from your best side.

Virtual Interview Best Practices

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A personal interview is usually the last step in the recruiting process. However, due to the current situation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, most people try to avoid any face-to-face meetings that are not strictly necessary.

For an interview in particular, you don't have to expose employees and candidates to the dangers of COVID-19, as there are other options. Many employers use online interview tools to virtually complete their recruiting process.

In this way, you too can ensure that your recruiting activities are not slowed down by the corona pandemic.

 

Why Should You Consider Virtual Interviews?

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With virtual interviews, the distance rules can be adhered to, with which the further spread of COVID-19 is to be prevented. According to the Robert Koch Institute, a distance of at least 1.5 meters to other people reduces the risk of infecting yourself or others with the virus.

The goal of contact restriction is to “flatten the curve” or reduce the rate of infection so that healthcare facilities can provide adequate care for sick people. With virtual interviews, you can help limit the further spread of COVID-19 and protect yourself, your employees and the candidates.
 
Another good reason for virtual interviews is that it allows you to meet more candidates, especially those with excellent qualifications for the job. Some candidates may postpone or even cancel personal interviews out of caution. This can mean that you miss out on particularly suitable candidates.

 

What are The Advantages of Virtual Interviews Over Face-To-Face Interviews?

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The most important benefit of virtual interviews is that they prevent the spread of COVID-19 and allow you to protect yourself, your employees and candidates. However, there are other advantages as well. Virtual interviews are extremely convenient because preparing for these interviews is less of a hassle for both candidates and interviewers.

Candidates may even be more comfortable and give more honest answers. Virtual interviews also allow more flexible planning. Candidates who currently have a full-time position cannot, for example, make an appointment for a face-to-face interview at your company during normal working hours.

Finally, virtual interviews also enable you to contact candidates all over the world, which is particularly important if you want to fill a position whose place of work is not your company branch or home office.

 

How To Prepare For A Virtual Interview

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The following tips will show you how to effectively prepare for a virtual interview:

1. Give Candidates Time To Prepare For The Interview

It is important that you give the candidates enough time to prepare for the virtual interview and that you do not schedule an appointment for the same day. This means that candidates are more confident and well prepared during the interview.

Allowing the candidate enough time to prepare also shows courtesy, professionalism and consideration for the application process.

 

2. Develop A Standardized Rating System

As with face-to-face interviews, you should also develop a standardized system for virtual interviews with which you can rate the suitability of the respective candidates. This allows you to record how the individual candidates are performing during the virtual application process.

After completing the virtual interviews, you can then compare the candidates and decide which are best suited.

 

3. Choose A Quiet and Undisturbed Location For Interviews

Conduct the virtual interviews in a quiet and undisturbed place so that you can concentrate fully on the conversation. If you need to conduct them from home, your best bet is to find a quiet room and let everyone in the household know that you are going to be interviewing so they can be as quiet as possible.

The room should be kept neutral so that the candidates are not distracted from the surroundings. Try to make the environment as professional as possible to give it the feel of a face-to-face interview.

 

4. Prepare Questions For The Interview

Prepare questions to ask during the virtual interview. Read through the candidates' documents again, i.e. their curriculum vitae, cover letter and other documents that you have received. You can use this information to ask questions about job experience and qualifications of candidates.

Your standardized scoring system should also include a list of professional questions you ask each candidate.

5. Test Your Internet Connection

One big difference between face-to-face and virtual interviews is that you and the candidates need an internet connection for the latter. With a good internet connection, you can avoid interruptions and guarantee a good picture.

Test your internet connection several times before the interview. Also, make sure that your microphone and webcam are working properly. The easiest way to check technical functions is to make a test call with a colleague.
 

6. Invite Candidates To A Virtual Interview Via Email

Send each candidate an invitation to a virtual interview to keep track of things. The invitation should include the day and time of the interview and any information needed to access the software used for the interview.

Clearly describe the process of the virtual interview so candidates know exactly what to expect. For example, if candidates need an access code to log in, you should include this information in a prominent place in the email.

Indicate how long the interview will take and include any additional documents or information that candidates should have on hand during the interview.

 

How To Conduct A Virtual Interview

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In this section we have put together some tips for you to conduct virtual interviews:

1. Dress Appropriately

Even if you are conducting the interview from home or elsewhere, it is important to dress appropriately for the professional context. This conveys professionalism and shows that you take the recruiting seriously, even if the interviews take place online.

Your clothes can also help give candidates a good impression of your company.
 

2. Make No Distinction Between Virtual and Face-To-Face Interviews

Virtual interviews may seem a bit more informal than face-to-face interviews, but you should act as if you were conducting the interview in your office. Use professional language, including body language, and concentrate fully on the conversation.

Turn off your smartphone and turn off notifications on your computer to avoid distractions. Pay your full attention to the candidate and maintain eye contact by looking at the camera rather than the screen.
 

3. Ask The Questions You Have Prepared

Ask the questions from the list you prepared. Make a quick note of each candidate's answer so that you can read it back later.

4. Allow Sufficient Time For Candidates To Respond

If you are interviewing on a computer or smartphone, there may be delays in the transmission. So give candidates enough time to respond. If you don't understand answers properly due to interruptions, ask each candidate to repeat their answer so that you really get it all.
 

5. Tell About Your Company Culture and Company Values

In virtual interviews, it can be difficult for candidates to get an idea of ​​the company's culture and work environment. Tell all candidates what they can expect in terms of corporate culture and values. You can also describe the workplace environment that awaits you if you are employed.

6. Inform All Candidates About The Further Course Of The Recruiting Process

At the end of the virtual interview, let the candidate know what to do next. Let them know by what time you will select a candidate for the vacancy, in what form you will send them an acceptance or rejection and whether you need further information.

You should also inform the candidates how your company is dealing with the current situation in view of the coronavirus and what to expect in the further course of the application process.

 

* Indeed offers this information as a convenience to users of this website. Please note that we do not offer recruitment or legal advice, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information offered here guarantees performance.

Related Video: Virtual Jobs Interview Tips and Tricks

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