5 Tips for Acing a Virtual Job Interview

As job interviews have shifted to the virtual world during the COVID-19 pandemic, recruiters have some new expectations of interviewees. And while the interview setting is different, some traditional expectations are as important as ever.

You never have another chance to make a first impression! Here are five tips for a successful virtual job interview:

1. Get well acquainted with Zoom. Showing up to a Zoom interview without having logged on before can be risky. Log on to Zoom well before the interview to get comfortable with it. Try a practice Zoom with a friend to make sure you know where the controls, how they work, and how your microphone/speakers work. Make sure you have a good internet connection. Check out the lighting and how you appear on screen. If you can’t see yourself, the interviewer isn’t going to, either. Clear any clutter in the screenshot and have a nice space in which to participate in the interview. Make sure you have a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted by other household members. Show up five minutes early.
    
2. Dress the part. It’s still important to dress the part for an interview, even a virtual one. Whether sitting on your couch or at your kitchen table, a nice blouse or collared shirt is a must. Also, pay attention to the usual grooming etiquette (tidy hair, nails, etc.).
    
3. Do your homework on the company and the role for which you are interviewing. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the role or company; that shows your interest.
    
4. Come prepared to have a conversation about your work experience and how it relates to the role for which you are interviewing. Sharing specific experiences of past roles shows the interviewer your interpersonal skills, verbal communication, and commitment to your career. Be prepared to answer the question, “Why do you want to work for this company?”
    
5. Follow up with an email or note thanking the interviewer for their time. It leaves a lasting impression and shows that you are serious about landing the job.

Learn about careers at Care Dimensions.

Check out Care Dimensions’ virtual hiring events for registered nurses and certified nursing assistants on March 16^th and 18^th: 

https://www.caredimensions.org/careers/apply.cfm?gh_jid=2830158

About the author
Robin Gould is a Talent Acquisition Business Partner for Care Dimensions. She has been recruiting in the health care field for the past 10 years, six of which have been with Care Dimensions.