Mastering online etiquette is essential to keep pace and distinguish yourself in an increasingly virtual world. The shift from face-to-face meetings to virtual interactions brings challenges and opportunities, such as flexibility and increased accessibility for candidates from different locations.
Developing your virtual presence improves your professional image and effectiveness. This skill set aligns with the expansion of remote work—approximately 42 percent of America’s workforce engages in remote work to some extent—and is likely to remain highly valuable in the future.
First impressions matter, even in the virtual world. We can project confidence and professionalism through being fully present and engaged. This can be achieved by maintaining eye contact by looking into the camera, using hand gestures to emphasize points, and ensuring your body language is open and attentive. Additionally, having a neutral and tidy background can prevent distractions and keep the focus on you.
1. Prepare Your Tech Set-Up
Invest in Quality Equipment: A high-definition webcam, clear microphone, and adequate lighting. These elements ensure that your visual and auditory presentation is clear and professional.
Ensure Internet Reliability: Use a stable internet connection to prevent disruptions.
Most newer laptops and computers come equipped with built-in cameras and microphones. Estimates suggest that 95% to 98% of laptops and desktops manufactured in the last few years include them as standard features. This widespread incorporation demonstrates the recognized and projected importance of video communication and virtual interactions as a norm.
No matter how much we prepare, things can go awry, especially technologically. Bringing us to the next point...
2. Navigate Technical Challenges Gracefully
Despite even meticulous preparation, technical hiccups can disrupt virtual interviews.
Preparation is Key: Familiarize yourself with the video conferencing platform and test your equipment beforehand to minimize the likelihood of technical issues.
Maintain Composure: Stay calm and composed if technical difficulties arise. Troubleshoot calmly to resolve the issue without disrupting the flow of conversation.
Begin the log in process at least 15 minutes before the start of the interview, especially if you have not used the video conferencing platform before. This gives you time to create an account if required, check your connection, troubleshoot video or audio issues, and set up your background.
Technical issues give candidates an opportunity to display resilience and adaptability in managing unforeseen challenges. Employers value those who can handle unexpected situations with professionalism!
3. Craft Your Virtual Environment
Your environment contributes to how you are perceived virtually.
Optimize Your Background: Choose a neutral and uncluttered backdrop. Use virtual background options if your physical space is not ideal.
Camera and Lighting: Set your camera to eye level for the most natural and flattering perspective. Experiment with available lighting, and avoid harsh overhead or backlight.
Manage Noise Distractions: Minimize background noise.
Visual presentation shapes initial perceptions during video interviews. A nicely curated environment shows attention to detail and enhances your presence, setting a positive tone for interactions and interviews.
Most popular web conferencing platforms allow users to replace their actual background with a chosen image or a blur effect, so no worries if your “home office” is more like your kitchen table. For more tips on setting up a home office, check out this other helpful article from The Panaro Group: Look Good, Feel Good: How to Rock Working from Home.
Experiment with different setups beforehand to find the best combination of camera angle and lighting that presents you in the best possible light during your online interview.
4. Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal cues are powerful indicators of engagement and confidence in interviews.
Body Language: Sit upright with shoulders relaxed, maintain eye contact, and nod to demonstrate attentiveness.
Facial Expressions: Use facial cues to convey emotions such as interest, enthusiasm, or understanding.
Dress Professionally: Even though you're virtual, dress as you would for an in-person meeting or interview.
Non-verbal communication is essential for building rapport and conveying credibility and can be more challenging for a virtual interview. However, there are a few tricks that can help.
Maintain eye contact by looking directly into the camera when speaking to simulate direct eye contact with the interviewer. This may feel awkward, but it helps convey engagement and confidence. Some have put googly eyes on either side of their computer camera to focus their gaze, consequently encouraging smiling.
5. Verbal Communication Skills
Articulate Clearly: Structure your responses logically and articulate your thoughts with precision.
Active Listening: Demonstrate engagement by paraphrasing and asking insightful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the conversation.
Prioritize active listening during video interviews; it fosters meaningful dialogue. Active listening skills are demonstrated through occasional nodding, facial expressions, and an upright posture.
In virtual interviews, determining when someone has finished speaking can be challenging. When responding to a question, take a moment to pause and ensure the other person has finished speaking before you start your answer.
Effective communication (verbal and non-verbal) positions you as competent, engaged, and more likely to hear back. If you have uncertainties about any aspect of the interview, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. It is better to seek clarity than to make assumptions.
6. Don’t Forget the Thank You!
Sending a thoughtful thank-you note to your interviewer can make a lasting impression.
Be prompt: Send the note within 24 hours of the interview to demonstrate eagerness and professionalism.
Add a personal touch: Tailor the thank-you note to reflect specific aspects of the virtual interview. Mention key points discussed and reiterate your interest in the role.
Effective communication doesn't end with the interview itself; it extends to the thoughtful follow-up you send afterward. Sending a thank-you note after a virtual interview is not just a formality—it's an opportunity to reinforce your candidacy and leave a positive impression on the hiring team.
Acing virtual interviews requires more than technical know-how; it takes a strategic approach to communication and presentation. As virtual interactions become increasingly common in hiring practices, directing focus to proper online etiquette and enhancing virtual presence are both essential to stand out.
The Panaro Group LLC is a top recruiting agency in Milwaukee offering:
Recruitment Process Outsourcing - RPO
Executive Recruiters
Recruiting Consultants
Wisconsin Recruiting
Milwaukee Recruiters
Madison Recruiter
Appleton Recruiter
IT Recruiter
Software Engineer Recruiter
Technology Recruiter
Engineering Recruiter
Manufacturing Recruiter
Technology Recruiter
Construction Recruiter
Accounting Recruiter
Finance Recruiter
Nationwide Recruiter
USA Recruiter
Marketing Recruiter
References
1. Harvard Business Review. (2020, April). How to elevate your presence in a virtual
meeting. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2020/04/how-to-elevate-your- presence-in-a-virtual-meeting
2. Harvard Business Review. (2021, March). 4 tips to nail a virtual job interview. Harvard
Business Review. https://hbr.org/2021/03/4-tips-to-nail-a-virtual-job-interview
3. University of Massachusetts Global. (n.d.). Video interview tips. Retrieved from
4. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2023). Virtual interviews: Best
practices and challenges. PMC8224975.
5. Reddit. (2021). LPT for those of you who are interviewing on Zoom. Reddit
LifeProTips. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/qw5ubt/lpt_for_those_of_you_who_are_interviewing_on_zoom/
6. Hollyland. (2023, Dec.). Tips: Prepare for a virtual interview. Hollyland Blog. Retrieved
7. VirtualSpeech. (2022, Sept. 22). Virtual interview tips. VirtualSpeech Blog. Retrieved
8. Vision2Voice. (n.d.). Improve your virtual meeting presence. Vision2Voice. Retrieved
9. Harvard Business Review. (2022, November). How to write a thank you email after an
interview. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2022/11/how-to-write-a-thank-
11. U.S. News & World Report. (2023, March 27). Mistakes to avoid on a thank you
email. Outside Voices Careers. Retrieved from
Hozzászólások