These are certainly challenging times in our work lives. We’re all learning more about the pros and cons of working remotely. We no longer have the benefit of dropping in to the office of a colleague to chat about strategy or get a quick update on a project. E-mail boxes are overflowing and we’re maxing out on screen time.

For those in an active job search, the familiar pattern of application /phone screen/in-person interviewing has given way to a series of virtual interviews via Skype, FaceTime, Google Chat or Zoom. The good news is that hiring activity does seem to be continuing in this volatile market. But you may feel challenged by the series of virtual interactions with recruiters, human resource professionals and hiring managers.
This is a good time to revisit the basics of effective interviewing with some bonus tips on virtual interviewing best practices.

Interview Preparation Basics

Research, research, research! Robust research is the foundation of any successful job application – informing everything from the key points in your cover letter to the thoughtful questions you ask in the interview process. Spend time to get to know the company – and the specifics of the job description – through on-line research, networking with connections who work at the company, and reviewing the profiles of the folks with whom you’ll be interviewing.
Construct stories about your accomplishments using the STAR structure (Situation; Task; Action; Result) specifically aligned to the responsibilities as outlined in the job description. Having several stories “in your back pocket” about the contributions you’ve made in specific situations will prepare you to answer those behavioral interview questions … “Tell me about a time when you …” And don’t forget to think about the question(s) you hope they don’t ask. We all have those questions we’d rather avoid: “Why did you leave X company?” “Why is there a gap on your resume?” “What is your biggest weakness?” But even these questions have good answers, and
preparing the answer to even the toughest or unwelcome questions now will protect you from being “thrown” in the moment during an interview.

Some Best Practices for Remote Interviews

At this moment, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, all of your interviews and interactions with a potential employer will be virtual – by phone or, increasingly, video. Therefore, it’s important to do some basic advance work:

• Check your cell and WIFI connections
• Check the battery level on your phone and/or computer and have your charger nearby
• Notice – and mitigate – any ambient noise that perhaps you’ve become less aware of
• Establish a good camera angle for a video interview so you’ll be at eye-level with the interviewer
• Prior to the scheduled time, let roommates or family members know that you’ll need privacy and quiet while you’re interviewing

While a virtual interview can feel uncomfortable or give you the sense that you’re at a disadvantage, handled well the remote interview can actually give you an edge. For example, when you’re being interviewed on the phone you can be standing up, and standing up increases your sense of confidence. A phone interview also gives you the freedom to have notes handy to remind you of recent news items regarding the company or industry, specific
accomplishments you want to highlight or questions you want to be sure to ask. Similarly, in a video interview, you can use post-it notes posted on the wall behind your computer to serve as these reminders.

Other considerations for a video interview:

• Headset or no headset? The benefit of using your headset is that it will ensure that you will hear and be heard clearly, however larger, over-ear headsets create a distracting look so better to stick with ear-buds.
• Dress – this probably goes without saying, but you should be dressed exactly as you would be if the interview were in-person.
• Hiding “Self View” – one of the nice features of Zoom and Skype is that you can choose to turn off “self view” and remove that little thumbnail view of your own face. This is a good idea particularly when you’re in an interview because the natural impulse to look at yourself – and potentially adjust your glasses or your hair – can come across as inattention to the person you’re meeting with.

Check out this article for more smart tips for preparing for a video meeting or interview. Of course, the very best way to ensure a successful interview is practice. Spend some time going over questions with a friend or colleague via phone or video chat. Even better, schedule a mock interview with a CCWP coach – that’s what we’re here for! Use the calendar feature in your Career Account or call our office at 212 998 0235.