The pool of job seekers has increased drastically over the course of the last two years, and it is now more important than ever to set yourself apart from your competitors. Some of us may not have been faced with having to interview for a job in quite some time, and now adding a virtual aspect on top of that can cause frustration. Besides having a beefed-up resume, how you interview can give you a competitive advantage and can hopefully land you that position you want so badly.

INTERVIEW PREP:

To begin, what you do before the interview is just as important as the actual virtual interview itself. Be sure to stay active on your phone and email to expedite the scheduling process. Pay attention to action called upon you prior to the interview, such as completing application forms or assessments, and GET THEM DONE! It shows initiative and the ability to follow instructions. When completing these forms, take your time to ensure proper grammar and punctuation as this shows accuracy and attention to detail. Remember how important first impressions are.

Once you receive the virtual interview invite, take initiative in double-checking the link. Doing a dry run of signing in can save you a lot of stress in the moments before the interview. Make sure your camera and volume are functioning properly and if you have hesitations ask questions!

It is also important to research the company you are interviewing with and know the name and title of the interviewer. Jot down questions you may want to ask in the interview and keep them next to you so at the proper time you can recite them with no problem. The most important thing to remember is to BREATHE!

 

INTERVIEW:

First things first, be on time! If for some reason you face technical difficulties, call your interviewer to either reschedule or push the time back accordingly. The next point, and arguably most important, is to dress appropriately! Just because you are on video as opposed to in-person, now is not the time to skimp on quality. Dress like you want the job, not like you need it.

Make sure you are in a quiet, comfortable setting with a (preferably) plain background. If you have access, sit at a table where you can sit up straight and show attentiveness. If you are interviewing for a remote position, make sure your surroundings are the same as they would be while you actually perform the job. In this case, we like to say, “practice how you would play.” The employer is relying on this interview to tell them as much about you as possible.

Try to avoid having things around you that could cause distraction during your interview, like a phone or water bottle. You will want to maintain eye contact through the entirety of the interview otherwise it could come off like you are not confident or uninterested. You must remember that you are just as deserving as the jobseekers you are competing against, and it is your job to show the employer why.

Lastly, expect questions regarding past employment, such as why you may have parted ways or what skillset you obtained from working there. Remember this is not the time to speak negatively on past employers or co-workers. Make sure to answer all questions professionally and with purpose.

 

POST-INTERVIEW:

Just like the time before your interview, the time after your interview is crucial. It is ALWAYS a good idea to compose and send a “thank you” email to your interviewer for their time and consideration. I can personally say I have seen that alone win someone a position. You can read more about how to compose this here. If you had expected to hear further on the interview and the offer of a potential position or second interview and have not, give a courteous call. It is not frowned upon to ask for an update and ensure you are remaining at the top of the candidate pool.

If you find yourself needing further assistance on applying for positions or interviewing do not hesitate to give us a call at (518) 275-4816 or submit your resume at jobs@walrathrecruiting.com. We may have a position that could be your perfect fit!

 

 

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