Tips For Making A Good First Impression in Virtual Job Interview

An interview is considered one of the most essential parts of the recruitment process, and with good reason. It is because this is the first time that the interviewer and candidates see each other. Companies usually deploy tactics like blind resumes (which don’t show any physical information about the candidate), so the interview is the first time the interviewer sees the candidate. This is why candidates prepare rigorously to make a good first impression on the interviewer. When the interview is virtual, the candidates must make extra effort.

In this article, we’ll break down what a virtual job interview is about and equip you with valuable tips to make a good first impression during this unique interview format.

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What is a virtual job interview?

A virtual job interview, often called a video interview, is a modern approach using technology to assess and hire candidates for a job. It’s a way for an HR recruiter to conduct interviews remotely, making the process more convenient and efficient. Think of it as a virtual face-to-face conversation that saves time and money. Plus, one of the cool things about virtual interviews is that they help companies tap into a broader talent pool, breaking down geographical limitations.

Also Read: Interview as a service: Unlocking the Potential to Hire a Techie in Just 2 Days!

How to make a good first impression in a virtual job interview? 

Now that you have a clear understanding of what a virtual job interview means, let’s delve into the tips to make good first impression during this unique mode of job assessment.

Dress for success

When it comes to virtual interviews, what you wear can significantly impact your appearance and overall behavior. While there’s no need to rush out and buy a brand-new suit, opting for professional attire is a subtle yet impactful way to set a positive tone. Research even suggests that dressing professionally improves mood and boosts confidence and abstract thinking. So, make sure to put on your professional gear to look the part and feel and act it.

Authenticity rules

The key to a successful virtual interview is authenticity. Be yourself, embrace your achievements, and tackle challenging questions with confidence. Remember, a virtual interview is more like a conversation, so balance professionalism and genuine self-expression. Let your unique personality shine through to make a lasting impression.

Also Read: What Are AI Interviews? Everything You Need To Know

Preparation pays off

Before diving into a virtual interview, thorough preparation is essential. Take the time to thoroughly understand the job description, familiarize yourself with the company’s history, and grasp its mission. By demonstrating a genuine interest through specific references to the company, you showcase your dedication and set yourself apart. Additionally, prepare a set of thoughtful questions to ask at the interview’s end to display your engagement further.

Verbal communication matters

In the virtual landscape, where non-verbal cues are limited, the spotlight is on clear and confident verbal communication. Pay attention to your posture and convey friendliness through your facial expressions. Effective verbal communication becomes the cornerstone of a successful virtual interview in this setting.

Also Read: Interview Outsourcing: A Strategic Approach to Talent Acquisition

Set the right scene

Your chosen interview setting plays a pivotal role in creating the right impression. Ensure that your background is not only well-organized but also exudes professionalism. If achieving the perfect setting is a challenge, honesty is your best policy. Communicate any potential noise or disruptions and provide context to build trust with the interviewer.

Stay calm, stay cool

Navigating the intricacies of virtual conversations, especially when faced with delays or technical glitches, can be challenging. However, maintaining a calm demeanor is crucial. Remember that these hiccups are part of the virtual communication landscape. If faced with a tech failure, gracefully send a polite email explaining the situation and propose a reschedule. Keeping your cool throughout these situations can make a significant positive impact on the overall impression you leave.

Also Read: Unlocking Talent: Best Hiring Priorities To Consider In 2023

Basic virtual job interview etiquettes

Apart from the tips to make good first impression during a virtual job interview, here are some basic etiquettes that can further enhance your virtual interview experience:

Note-taking etiquette

Consider taking handwritten notes instead of typing when you want to jot down important points during the interview. Typing can create extra noise, which might distract from the conversation. Handwritten notes show that you’re engaged, and if you’re using only one screen, it prevents the hiring manager from seeing that you’ve clicked out of the video to type.

Eye contact tips

Maintaining eye contact is crucial for showing that you’re present and attentive. In the virtual space, it’s trickier. Technically, you should stare directly at your camera to create the effect of perfect eye contact. However, looking at the interviewer on your screen can also effectively convey your engagement and focus.

Punctuality matters

While you no longer have to physically travel to an office, being on time for a virtual interview is still important. Aim to log into the call at least five minutes before your scheduled time. This reflects your professionalism and respect for everyone’s time involved in the process.

Also Read: How To Identify And Cultivate Characteristics Of Agile Mindset In Your Workforce

Conclusion 

The candidate is not the only one trying to make a good impression in the interview. It is also the responsibility of the company to make a good impression in front of the candidate, especially in a virtual interview. This is why we bring you BarRasier, your AI virtual interview intelligence assistant. 

With BarRasier, interviewers can go through the entire recruitment process more efficiently than before. Our AI bot will generate a robust interview pla with just a few simple instructions. If you want to create a questionnaire, just enter your demands in English, and within seconds, you will have a list of questions suitable for the job posting.

We also emphasize the interview process’s impartiality. This is why our Ai interview copilot transcribes and records interviews and raises an alert if the interviewer uses any language that might be discriminatory toward the candidate.

BarRaiser also provides Interviewer training for companies to ensure that their interviewers are well-trained to operate on our software. For companies that don’t have the manpower to do so, we also provide interviews as a service, during which we will take over the entire recruitment process. We have a pool of over 1500 expert interviewers who are rigorously trained on our tool.