How to: Navigate virtual job interviews

Globally, COVID-19 has seen much of the workforce move from physical, face-to-face interaction to the virtual, online world.

As a result, many job interviews are now being conducted virtually with recruiters and hiring managers requiring candidates to get organised and prepared quick-smart, ensuring they are set up with the right technology, connections and etiquette.

FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, even Instagram Live and stories, have helped us to grow accustomed to communicating socially via screens (mainly on our mobile phones or tablets). But when it comes to job interviews, there are numerous additional considerations to be taken into account when preparing for your online job interview, whether it's through Skype, Zoom, or any other communication platform.

Importantly, just because you are not physically present does not make the interview any less formal.

So what are the common platforms used by recruiters and hiring managers when you can’t physically meet at an office or worksite?

It’s incredibly valuable to be familiar with these popular video interview platforms:

Skype.   

Zoom.         

Google Hangouts.   

Microsoft Teams.     

A simple Google or YouTube search can provide you with a quick introduction, tour and tutorial of how these platforms work. By doing so, you’ll avoid any additional stress that comes with navigating new technology – you’re dealing with enough pressure for the interview as it is.

What else do you need to know for navigating virtual calls and video interviews?

It’s not as scary as you think. A lot of jobseekers have said it’s more intimidating to meet face-to-face but by being in a comfortable and familiar environment at home, it’s one factor that you have control of.

On the other hand, if you find you are not set up to do an online job interview at home, run through the following options:

• Ask family or friend if you can conduct the interview at their place

• Ask a work colleague if they can lend you their laptop

• Reach out to your network for use of their office’s spare meeting room

• Research co-working spaces and one-time shared office facilities (this will come at a cost)

The good news is, despite the current climate of uncertainty due to COVID-19, companies and recruiters are still meeting candidates.

So now is not the time to be complacent or assume there is a hiring freeze everywhere – you may still land a new role.

While it’s highly unlikely that you will be asked to attend a face-to-face interview any time soon, demonstrate your preparedness when you speak to your recruiter on the phone, or when replying to their email by stating you are setup and ready to do the interview virtually.

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In the next article I will give you hot tips to face video interview till then get in touch with Lifestyle11.