Virtual Interviews – Dos and Don’ts

Virtual Interviews are the New Normal. It is a very different experience than meeting someone in person. This new recruitment process is extremely critical for both, the recruiter and the candidate. The crucial decision of recruitment rests on the successful execution and effective participation in the Virtual Interviews.

We collected views of Top HR Executives from various corporates. These guidelines will be very helpful for every candidate appearing for the Virtual Interview.

1. Platforms – Virtual Interviews types – Telephonic or Video call. There are various platforms available for Video call. It is important to get familiar with these platforms. Most of them have an option as Sign In or Join as Guest. It is suggested to have your account in most commonly used platforms. It will ease the process of joining the interview.
2. Internet connection – Ensure that you have a good internet/telephone connection. You do not want a bad internet connection or frequent call drops to result in the interviewer losing interest in you.
3. Test out the setting – Figure out how the interviewer will see you and that your surroundings are quiet. Take a trial to ensure where you need to look (camera, screen, etc) so that the interviewer sees you as looking at him/her will help.
4. Introduction – Ensure that you introduce yourself clearly. This is true for in-person interviews but is more important in virtual ones as it is harder to break the ice and build momentum in the conversation virtually. 
5. Body language – This is the BIGGEST barrier. In virtual interviews, the non-verbal communication (which is a HUGE portion of our overall communication) is impaired. You have to make up for it in tone and voice modulation in telephonic interviews. In video calls, you have to ensure that the small view of you represents you correctly. Ask yourself whether you want the interviewer to see just your face or your face and arms, etc. Play to your strengths.
6. Pace – You have to be sensitive to the pace of the interview. A virtual conversation should necessarily be slower than an in-person conversation as you have to account for the lag in communication and the possible interruptions. Learn to speak slowly. Indians esp. are notoriously fast in their talking.
7. Technical interviews – be ready to show you workings, etc. See how you can substitute the lack of whiteboards and worksheets which are easily available in in-person interviews
8. Preparation – Last but the most important. This is a new medium. So, please prepare and practice. The more comfortable you are with the virtual interviews, the better interview you will give. So please practice as much as you can. 
   

(By Aseem Jagdale and Cheeman Mendonca)

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