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Last updated on November 7, 2023 by Daniella
Remote companies aren’t the only companies doing virtual interviews.
When looking for remote jobs, virtual interviews will be the norm. The more you practice and learn how to flow in these meetings, the more comfortable you will become with them over time.
Navigating a Zoom or Teams virtual interview can be confusing. You have to balance communication, charm and enthusiasm for the interview with keeping your technology and environment completely stable while you’re in touch. Oh, and don’t forget the backup plan if you suddenly go offline.
So yes, a mock interview can be intimidating for anyone, regardless of your tech skills.
Whether you’re a recent grad, a freelancer looking for gigs, or a seasoned professional looking to up your virtual interview game, this guide with 7 game-changing tips will help you prepare for the big call, ace any mock interview, and land this job offer.
Read on to land that dream job!
7 Tips to Crush Any Mock Interview
Like any interview, preparation is key. Research the company, values, culture and recent developments. Feel comfortable with the job description, key responsibilities and qualifications in the listing.
Interviews can be intimidating, so the more you prepare, the cooler you’ll be under pressure. You want to appear confident and clear-headed.
1. Always be a few steps ahead
Put yourself a few steps ahead of the interviewer by planning your answers to common interview questions such as:
- Tell me something about yourself.
- Why do you want to work here?
- what are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why should we hire you?
- Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work and how you dealt with it.
A big pro of mock interviews is that they are like taking an open book test.
WWrite down how you want to answer these questions, then stick them around your screen as reminders. If you lose track of your thoughts when you’re nervous, take a quick look at your notes to get back on track.
2. Use the STAR method
Answer questions using the STAR method. STAR stands for smallcondition, Tyou are welcome, ONEaction, Rarises and is a method of answering behavior-based interview questions by first presenting the specific situation, what tasks resulted from the situation, the actions taken, and the results of the situation you are describing.
For the interviewers out there, be sure to use your business experience from your sides and showcase it to the interviewer along with your previous work experience (using the STAR method format). If you don’t know how to discuss a side hustle on a resume or in an interview, read our resume side guide.
3. Keep your resume handy
Keep a copy of your resume handy. You should use a STAR method resume for this as well, as you will want to answer any interview questions in STAR format. Your interviewer may want to skim through the skills and past experiences you’ve listed, and you don’t want to leave out all of this important information.
If you work in a creative field, such as design or photography, be sure to tell your interviewer about your portfolio, where you showcase your best work.
4. Environment is key
Set the scene. Creating the right environment for your virtual interview is like setting the stage for a play. Choose a quiet and well-lit place for your interview. Natural light is your best friend here. It brightens up your face, making you look more positive and confident.
Clear the clutter and distractions from your background. A simple, neutral backdrop, such as a painted wall or an organized shelf, helps keep the focus on you and your qualifications.
Dress for success! Dress smartly as you would for a personal interview. This doesn’t mean you need a full business suit, but it does mean you look put together and polished. You only have to worry about the top of your outfit anyway.
5. Check your technique
Imagine this: you ask a crucial interview question and bam! Your screen freezes or you sound like a robot underwater.
Not the best first impression, right?
Technical errors can be the bane of virtual interviews, but they can be completely avoided with a good technology audit.
Test your internet connection before the interview. Check if your camera is working properly and is positioned at eye level. Invest in a good quality external microphone if your laptop’s built-in one isn’t up to par.
Get comfortable with the software which your interviewer will use and update it to the latest version. And don’t forget the backup plan. Have a phone number handy for a quick switch to a phone call if your technology fails.
6. Be an Early Bird.
Being on time is a big deal to employers. Sign up five minutes early so you’re ready to go when the interview starts.
Here are some additional tech tips:
- Put your phone on silent.
- Turn off all notifications on your phone and laptop.
- Close all other websites during the interview in case you need to share a screen for any reason.
- Use a laptop or desktop if possible. It provides a more stable image.
7. Get rid of it Distractions
Create a distraction-free interview zone. Let your family members or roommates know what time your interview starts so they don’t interrupt you, and try to keep noisy children and pets out of the room while you’re busy.
Also, stay away from televisions and other activities that could distract you during the interview. You want to be laser focused on your interviewer’s questions.
When the virtual interview begins
By now you’ve planned your answers, gotten dressed, and cleared the room of distractions. Now is the time to take a breath and start the interview.
Interaction with eye contact
Maintaining eye contact is just as important in virtual chats as it is in real conversations. It makes the interaction more personal and engaging.
Resist the urge to watch your own video. Place a small sticky note near the camera or above your face on the screen to remind you to look directly at the camera. It shows your confidence, commitment and interest in the conversation.
Showcase your strong communication skills
Great interviews are all about killer communication, even if you’re applying for a remote job in UX, data entry, or SEO. In the virtual realm, clarity is king.
Take it slow, articulate and pause for a second before answering questions. This deliberate pacing helps get your thoughts across and lets the interviewer absorb your answers.
Being a great listener is essential. Nod your head and use phrases like “I understand” the “Whatever Makes Sense” to show you’re following the conversation.
Stay engaged and resist the urge to quit. A moment of silence before answering can be just as impactful as the answer itself.
When answering questions, stick to the topic and keep it brief. Start with a brief introduction, followed by the main points and conclude with a summary. Use specific examples from your work experiences to talk about your skills and qualifications and highlight how they align with the job requirements.
If you’re interviewing for a marketing job, emphasize your formal education. If you are currently taking courses such as Coursera or Udemy online courses, emphasize that continuing education as well.
As the interview ends, it’s normal for interviewers to ask if you have any questions. Make a list of questions that show your research and genuine curiosity about the job such as:
- What is your favorite thing about working at this company?
- What are the qualities and characteristics of a successful employee in this company?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now?
- Can you break down the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
- Beyond the technical skills required to succeed in this role, what soft skills do you think will best serve the company and the position?
- How have people succeeded in this role in the past?
These questions will leave a positive impression and help you decide if the job is a good fit for you, if they make you the offer.
Follow-up etiquette
After the interview, send your interviewer a quick thank you email to show them you’re still excited about the job. Personalize the message by citing specific points from the interview.
The bottom line
Nailing virtual interviews is no longer just a skill for tech professionals. Everyone with access to a screen needs to know the basics of virtual interviewing in the post-pandemic world. With strong preparation and aggressive communication, you can take your mock interview skills to the next level.
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As an entrepreneur and writer on all things small business marketing, Victoria spends her days learning how to streamline systems, design content, and make running a business more efficient. In her downtime, you can find her reading romance novels and obsessing over the Concept.
