HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF AS A PROFESSIONAL FOR A VIRTUAL INTERVIEW

Step 1: Be a well-prepared early bird

As soon as you’ve been selected for an interview – or even before – it’s a good idea to jump right into
your interview research.

Read up on the company and how it operates, plus any recent achievements.

Familiarize yourself with the role and its requirements by reviewing the job description again.

Think about your own skills and experience and what you can bring to the company. Look back to your
resume or cover letter and think about how you can expand on what you wrote and provide examples
in the interview.

Start compiling a list of questions that you might be asked in the interview and plan how you could
answer them. This practice interview builder is a good place to start.

Step 2: Test your technology

Ensure your internet connection is stable.

Check your Internet speed. For a clear HD video connection, you need at least 1 Mbps (Megabytes per
second), according to LifeWire.com. You can test your Internet speed at www.SpeedTest.net.

Make sure your device (computer, tablet, or phone—whichever you feel most comfortable working with)
is fully charged. Or, plug it into an outlet, to avoid a battery outage
Check the audio. You may need to wear headphones if your computer has a lousy speaker system or
buy an external microphone.

Test your computer’s webcam.

Close any unnecessary web browser tabs and applications.

Check your internet connection and make sure you’re not downloading anything in the background.

Familiarize yourself with the video platform. New to Skype or Zoom? Get comfortable with the program
before your audition.

If your video or audio stops working

Before the interview, ask the Organizer/Interviewer for a phone number where you can reach them if
you experience technical difficulties. If the video cuts out, call them at that number. Ask if you can
continue the interview by phone or if you can reschedule.

If noise interrupts the conversation

If noises (sirens, construction, etc.) interrupt your video interview, apologize for the interruption and ask
for a few moments until the noise has subsided. You may want to mute the microphone if the noise is
severe.

Step 3: Dress for success

Dress as you would for an in-person interview from head to toe. Doing so will make you feel more
confident

Don’t try the old newscaster trick of wearing a blazer with sweatpants assuming you’ll only be seen
from the waist up.

Also, avoid wearing bright, flashy colors and choose something that looks neatly pressed while you’re
sitting down.

Wear your video interview outfit during your trial run so you can get feedback from your friend or family
member about how it looks on screen.
Step 4: Set the stage for a distraction-free video interview

Find a quiet, private, well-lit place, free from possible interruptions.

Ensure that you won’t be interrupted, either by locking the door or by alerting others that you can’t be
disturbed (a note on the door of the room as well as the door to the outside may be helpful).

Clear the desk space, except for a notepad and pen/pencil for you to take notes.

Have a copy of your resume and any other notes ready for you to reference.

Set out a glass or bottle of water for yourself.

Set your phone to silent.

Check that the background behind you is neutral and free from clutter.

Adjust the lights in the room. If things appear dark or dim, you may want to bring in an extra desk lamp
to brighten the space.

If someone enters the room unexpectedly

If family members, housemates or pets enter the room while you’re interviewing, apologize to the
interviewer, ask for a few moments, mute your microphone and turn off your camera, and then step
away to deal with the interruption. Make sure that the room is secure before beginning the interview
again.

Step 5: Mind your body language

Make sure your face is centered and try not to move around.
Keep good posture, sitting with your back straight, feet on the ground and arms resting in your lap or on
the desk.

Maintaining good eye contact is crucial during any job interview, but it’s especially important during
video interviews. Your camera should be at eye level. “It won't make a good first impression if you are
seen as looking down or looking up when speaking,” Palmer says.

Don’t forget to nod and smile when it’s appropriate. “You don’t want to sit there rigidly, locked into
place, without moving,” says Skilling’s.

Use hand gestures when appropriate.

Never Doubt Your Abilities for a Moment in Life!

Wish you good luck and all the best!!