How to Prepare for a Virtual Job Interview
How to Prepare for a Virtual Job Interview
Are you ready to take the next step in the hiring process? Not all aspiring distant assistants reach this far. Here’s how to prepare for a virtual job interview.
In this guide you will learn about what to do with:
- Interview schedule, power interruptions, tools to use, your environment, and appearance
1. Take note of the time and date
It is exciting to finally hear back from a recruiter especially when it comes with an invitation for an interview. Not all applicants get the same privilege. Now, what do you do in preparation?
If there is one thing that you should not forget, that is your interview schedule.
Take note of the time and date of your virtual job interview. Do not allow your excited emotions to get over your head. Just relax and understand what the invitation is telling you.
There are basically two things that you should be aware of:
- Time zone
- Interview app
Your interview venue may no longer be a question. Since you applied for a home-based virtual job, chances are that your recruiter is comfortable with interviewing you from the comforts of your home.
What is important is that you are clear with the time AND the time zone specified. It could be on Central Time (CST), Pacific Time (PST), Eastern Time (EST), or others. Check what your invitation says and convert that to your local time zone to avoid getting confused as to what time and day on your side of the world you should attend.
The second important thing to take note of is the software or app to be used. Will you be having your interview on Skype, Google Hangouts, or do you have a link to a Zoom chatroom perhaps?
Mark the important details of your interview and understand what you should do.
2. Be aware of scheduled power interruptions
This happens most often in the Philippines where there are rotating blackouts in particular places of the country.
With an impending virtual job interview, you want to make sure that you are ready and have a backup in place. Among which you might want to secure are:
- Backup computer or mobile device
- A power bank or extra battery for your device
- Backup internet connection
- Alternative place or plan in order to push through with the interview
Should the power interruption be out of your control, you can notify your recruiter in advance and politely ask for a reschedule. The key is to be aware of any upcoming blackouts in your place.
There are proactive and resourceful VA candidates, however, who are able to smart their way out of a power interruption. Sometimes they would go to a nearby internet cafe or go someplace else where there is still electricity.
3. Check your microphone and video camera
Now, the tools to use…
First, identify whether you will have a simple phone interview or a video chat. Either way, check your microphone and make sure it is working properly. Also, check to see if your playback device (speaker or headset) is working as well.
You can consider running a sound check with a friend or do a test call with him. This is particularly helpful for whatever interview software you will be using.
In the end, you want a clear and smooth conversation with your recruiter and win that virtual job interview.
4. Secure a quiet environment
A quiet environment is one big advantage when it comes to virtual work. It gives you more space to think and fewer distractions. Thus, enabling you to be more productive at work.
The same applies in a virtual job interview. A quiet environment gives room for both parties to hear each other clearly and understand each other well.
In preparation for the interview, find a place where you can freely talk over the phone or video. A noise-canceling microphone may not be a requirement.
5. Look good, sound good, and feel great
How to prepare for a virtual job interview? Be aware of the schedule, power interruption, tools, environment, and now for the win … look good, sound good, and feel great.
Be at your best and have a positive mindset towards your application. You have come a long way in the hiring process only to back out.
And nope. You do not have to be a dazzling superstar. Simply be your best self and dress appropriately especially if you are going to have a video interview with your recruiter.
There isn’t a big difference between a virtual and offline office interview. The only thing is that you are doing it online and from the comforts of your home.
Your voice, manner of speaking, and answers are mainly the things that your recruiter would hear from you.
Extra tip: Prepare any specified requirements
You could be asked to submit anything prior to your scheduled interview. When that happens, make sure you already have it prepared. Be ready to stand out from others in the field.
This calls to mind what VA Romely shared with us before…
“You have to be willing to start from scratch. It’s really up to you to build your skills up.” – Romely Esquejo
The virtual world is filled with aspiring applicants. But it does not necessarily mean that you have no chance at getting a job at all. Just like what VA Romely said, you have to be willing to start from scratch and work your way up the ladder.
Grab the privilege you have in an interview, prepare, and be your best self. Whether you pass or not, you can smile knowing that you gave it your best.
Let us know what you think about How to Prepare for a Virtual Job Interview. Feel free to share your thoughts with others in the comments below!
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- How to Build Your Online Career from Scratch
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About Jaime Jay
Meet Jaime Jay – a man who wears many hats, and wears them all admirably. He's a master connector, an entrepreneur extraordinaire, and a published author who knows how to get things done.
Before he found his way to the business world, Jaime served his country as a brave paratrooper in the U.S. Army. But that's just the beginning of his many accomplishments.
He's the founder of the renowned Bottleneck Distant Assistant Services firm, and his book "Quit Repeating Yourself" has become a must-read for entrepreneurs everywhere.
When he's not busy building his empire, you can find him on his beloved Harley Davidson, cruising through the countryside and taking in the invigorating effects of Uitwaaien – a Dutch practice that involves facing the wind to boost health and relieve stress.
He enjoys spending his free time outside building stuff with his wife, Nikita the dog and their two kittens (for now at least) Tommy and Tater.
He is ‘over-the-moon’ happily married to his wonderful wife Sara, his amazing daughter, Jessica, who is serving our country as a United States Army soldier. Jaime and Sara are the proud grand parents of two beautiful little girls.
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