The Iglu Guide | Blog
Student tips for standing out in virtual job interviews
Although normal life has pretty much returned in full, there are still some elements of our pandemic past that have remained. Now that we have discovered the wonders of the digital world in all its time saving glory, remote work is considered completely normal, and many activities that were previously ‘in-person’ have been relegated to a screen. With time of the essence and the boardroom a busy place, it does make complete sense to do student job interviews online – but mastering this new technique is critical to success. Here’s what you need to know to standout as the virtual best every single time.
Know the difference
Remember, virtual interviews have their very own dynamics and it’s important to adapt your approach appropriately. Instead of relying on personal interaction for that emotional connection, the gateway to success now comes through Zoom, Teams or Google Meet. Know how these platforms work so that you can interact with confidence, whether that’s screen-sharing, breakout rooms or background appearances. Coming across as familiar and comfortable with the technology at hand is reassuring for all employers, particularly if remote working will form part of your week. By showcasing your preparation, enthusiasm and skills you can stand out and leave a positive and lasting impression on your potential employer.
Test your equipment
Sounds obvious, but it’s definitely one to remember. Check your camera and microphone are all working, and make sure you will have access to a secure internet connection beforehand at your student accommodation. Check and double check the platform required for the interview, and ensure your operating system is completely up to date. Make sure you have a couple of test runs, as there’s nothing worse than floundering around in front of an interview panel, as your prospective job chances fizzle away in front of you. If you do run into any tech issues, try not to panic. It could be an opportunity to demonstrate your problem-solving skills instead.
Choose the best place and time
Don’t feel pressured by a recruiter to agree to a time that doesn’t suit you. Make sure you take the time to check your own schedule, and that you select a time where you’ll have access to a private space when you will be fully prepared and in the best frame of mind. Once you have made the appointment, think about where you will take the call. If you are in shared student accommodation, you might want to consider booking a private room for the meeting. Choose a clean, clutter-free background that is well-lit and free from any distractions.
Dress to impress
Some things just don’t change, whether it’s in-person or online. The trick here is not to fall into the classic Zoom outfit trap. Always dress in full – you never know if you’ll be required to get up and go and collect something. So that means taking a bit of time to research the company culture and dress code, and dressing appropriately just as you would for a real life interview. First impressions still matter, and hitting the right notes from the get-go will stand you in good stead. It shows your respect for the business and puts you in the right frame of mind for the task at hand.
Practise good body language
This is probably the hardest part about virtual job interviews, as it can be difficult to build a natural rapport through a screen. With this in mind, there is probably greater emphasis on the limited amount of body language we are able to see. Here’s some top tips:
- Maintain eye contact as much as possible – this may mean looking at your camera rather than at your screen.
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Nervous environments can often speed up our speech or encourage mumbling.
- Actively nod along while you are listening to demonstrate non-verbal engagement.
- Use open and confident body language to convey enthusiasm, but try not to fidget.
- Smiling is good! It conveys your excitement for the role and company and conveys positive energy.
Do your research
Research the company just as you would in an in-person interview, and get familiar with its values, products, services, and recent developments. You can even use the odd sticky note around the back of your computer if you need an occasional prompt or reminder. Make sure these don’t become a distraction. Once you have fully grasped the job and role requirements, prepare specific experiences from your working history that demonstrate your suitability for the role. Your time may be limited and on a hard deadline, so keep your examples concise and punchy, with the option to expand further if required.
Remember your superpowers
As a student that has already navigated the pandemic online, you have a host of secret weapons up your sleeve such as resilience, flexibility and tenacity to name a few. And as an international student, you have already demonstrated incredible ambition and adaptability. Don’t be afraid to relate your experiences and personal growth to job suitability, as this could give you greater standout from other applicants and highlight your fit for the role. You already have the technical knowhow and experience of working remotely, and can easily adapt to new situations – and that’s a great asset to any employer.
Mind the clock
Online job interviews are often run on rigorous schedules, and they usually keep to strict time limits. Practise delivering clear and concise answers, keep an eye on the time and make sure you leave enough room to ask any questions you have yourself. Remember, interviews run both ways. You need to understand whether they are the right fit for you as well as the other way around.
Don’t forget to follow up
As soon as the interview finishes, send a follow up email to the appropriate personnel to thank them for their time and to answer anything outstanding. It’s another opportunity to highlight any aspects you think could benefit your application and job suitability. At the very least, it demonstrates good manners and a great attitude.
And lastly…
Some employers have a nasty habit of checking social media activity. It’s a good idea to check that your profile is a good reflection of how you might like to be seen just in case.
