As a job seeker, few moments rival the excitement of the news that you’ve landed a first or (even better!) a second interview. Simultaneously, few moments incite as much anxiety as you prepare to knock the conversation out of the park. As employers turn to virtual interview tools amid the pandemic, employ these interview tips to your advantage to help you stand apart from the crowd.
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- Set the stage. While individuals have accepted remote interviews for years as an opportunity to relocate, employers now utilize virtual interviews for applicants both across the country and in town. Wherever you are, make a great first impression by presenting a clean, organized environment that conveys your best attributes as a worker. Find a spot with good, natural light if possible and minimize distractions: turn off the television, silence your phone, distance yourself from children or pets that may cause interruptions, and make yourself the focal point of the interview.
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- Prepare yourself. Although you won’t meet the recruiter or hiring manger in person for this session, do not let that deter you from presenting the best candidate. Research the company and position just as you would for an in-person interview and prepare for the questions you know they will ask. It’s also a great idea to note questions you have for the employer such as:
– Can you describe a typical day in this position?
– What are the next steps in the hiring process?
– How have the company’s operations and employees adapted in light of the pandemic?
- Prepare yourself. Although you won’t meet the recruiter or hiring manger in person for this session, do not let that deter you from presenting the best candidate. Research the company and position just as you would for an in-person interview and prepare for the questions you know they will ask. It’s also a great idea to note questions you have for the employer such as:
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- Practice. Practice. Practice! While practice may not eliminate pre-interview jitters, it is one way to ensure you feel as comfortable presenting yourself as possible when the big day arrives. Enlist a friend or family member to help you run through the process. If possible, conduct the mock interview over a virtual format like Zoom so you can rehearse important details like maintaining eye contact with the employer.
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- Put your best self forward. One key to landing the job, whether in-person or virtually, is looking the part. Dress just as though you were meeting the employer in-person and present yourself in a confident manner. Staging the area with supporting materials like your diploma may help and offers a personal talking point. Test your internet connection and silence other notifications on your computer to minimize distractions. These simple steps should help you to feel more confident and empowered as you enter the interview session.
- Follow up. While the interview itself is a great opportunity to make an impression, you hold the key to your lasting impression. Send an individual email to the person or people you met during the interview to thank them for their time. Be sure to include details about why you are passionate about the opportunity and the unique skills you bring to the role. Be respectful of the employer’s time by keeping this correspondence short and sweet but utilize it as one final chance to sell yourself as the candidate for the position.
Utilize these tips to shine brightly during your next virtual interview. Are you still on the quest for the next step in your career? Temple, Texas boasts affordable cost of living with abundant opportunities in a variety of key industries. Learn more about growing your career at MeetTemple.com.