COVID-19, a global initiative to promote virtual interaction, has seen a lot of the workforce shift from face-to-face interaction with physical people to the virtual world.

Many job interviews can now be conducted online in India. Recruiters and hiring managers expect candidates to be organized and well-prepared. They also need to ensure that they have the right tools and technology.

FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Instagram Live, and Stories have made it easier to communicate socially via screens, mainly on our smartphones or tablets. When it comes to job interviews, there are many additional things to consider, regardless of whether you’re using Zoom, Skype, or another communication platform.

It is important to remember that just because you aren’t physically present doesn’t make the interview less formal. What are the most common platforms that recruiters and hiring managers use when they can’t physically meet at a worksite or office?

These popular job interview platforms are essential:

• Skype
• Zoom
• Google Hangouts
• Microsoft Team

You can find a quick overview, tour, and tutorial on these platforms by simply doing a Google or YouTube search. This will help you avoid additional stress when navigating new technology. You already have enough pressure to interview.

Job Interview Setting

It is not as frightening as you might think. Many job seekers feel more intimidated meeting face-to-face. It can be beneficial to meet in a familiar and comfortable environment at home as you have more control over your surroundings.

If you feel that your home is not ready for an interview online, you can look at the following options.

• Ask a friend or family member if they would be willing to interview you at their home.
• Ask your coworker if they are able to lend you their laptop.
• Reach out to your network to request the use of their spare meeting room.
• You can find co-working spaces or one-time shared offices. This will incur a fee.

No matter if you have ever had a job interview, this updated checklist will ensure that you impress your interviewer via video.

12 Hot tips for job interviews

1. Do not use your phone in selfie mode. It would help if you prop your phone up on a shelf or stand considering the angle of the camera so that the interviewers should not look at your side or nose. Do interview indoors, and do not conduct your discussion on the couch.
2. Test it with a friend, family member or colleague: test connection, lag and microphone. If you know, the platform that is used for job interviews invite a friend to test the connection and ensure that the app or web link opens.
3. The interview attire you wear should match what you would wear for a face to face interview. Some candidates believe that because they are at home, they don’t need to dress up. This will not go down well with the hiring manager or recruiter. Simultaneously, you should only dress your top half. People have been known to get up and grab a glass, only to discover that they aren’t properly dressed for their bottom.
4. As a follow-up to the previous point, make sure you always have water handy. Talking can cause dry throats. Leaving the interview will not only be rude but also disrupt the momentum.
5. However, when it comes to interview attire, keep in mind that certain colours and patterns may not look good on camera. Avoid bright colours and clothing that has stripes, patterns, or checks.
6. Pay attention to your posture. Your posture may be slouched, so ensure you are sitting straight and comfortable. It is helpful to see how you look in the “video preview” settings.
7. Make sure your interviewer doesn’t look at your face in a close-up. You can either have your headshot at a reasonable distance or include your shoulders in the shot, depending on how much space is available.
8. Try to show that you are engaged and make a connection. Screens make it harder to detect natural physical cues. Engage by responding or nodding every few minutes. Otherwise, you will appear disengaged or not interested in the conversation. You should also find a way of building rapport with your interviewer so that it is less clinical.
9. You should have a pen and a notepad with you, as well as your CV. You can take notes, refer to your CV and ask questions while you are interviewing from home. However, you should not rely on them too much or forget to interact with the interviewer.
10. Keep your notes handy as the interviewer can’t see you in person. Keep standard answers close to you. These will help you stay focused, especially if your nervousness is a problem or you worry about missing important information you need to share with the hiring manager.
11. Technology is not perfect. There will always be lags, buffering, or sound cutting out. Allow for more silence between questions and answers. If the sound cuts out, don’t be afraid of asking your interviewer to repeat their answer.
12. As mentioned above, it may take longer for a job interview to end than it would in person. Make sure you ask all questions and that you know what the next steps are. After the interviewer has said goodbye, you should not say goodbye again. It will lead to you repeating your mistakes over and over again. Wait for them to respond, then hang up. Before you go to relax, make sure you are officially logged off.

The good news is that companies and recruiters still meet candidates, despite the uncertainty caused by COVID-19. Do not be complacent or assume that there is a global hiring freeze. You may still find a job.

Although it is unlikely that you will be invited to a face to face interview anytime soon, show your readiness by answering their emails or calling your recruiter to let them know you are ready for the interview.

Job interviews and video calls can be very effective if you practice and prepare. In the future, it will become the norm and expectation for most job seekers as COVID-19 continues its impact on the hiring process.

It is important to remember that professional recruiters are constantly adapting to new realities.