With virtual interviews becoming increasingly the norm as workplaces continue to evolve to meet the needs of their employees. Follow these 8 Charterhouse tips to mastering the virtual interview, and you’ll be one step closer to landing your next job.

Where ever you are in the world in 2021, there's a good chance your next job interview will be a virtual interview.  While there are some benefits of interviewing remotely, there's a lot that can go wrong. There's also a lot you can do prepare for a successfull meeting with your prospectiver employer.

01. Test Your Technology
Avoid potential technical glitches by testing your equipment before the call. Remember to ensure your microphone and video are enabled when you start the interview.

02. Keep Your Virtual Identity Professional
Keep your email and usernames simple. If possible, use your name or personal email as your username. If you have an email that could be viewed as inappropriate, use something you know won't raise eyebrows for the wrong reason.

03. Dress for Success
Dress as though you’re preparing for an in-person interview. If you can, stick to jewel tones. Avoid any overpowering patterns or flashy accessories as you don't want to divert your employer’s attention from your expertise. 

04. Create a Set
If possible, sit in front of a blank background, so that you remain the focal point. Set up an area that looks the most businesslike and check your lighting. Sitting near a window works best, as the best way not to appear washed out is to keep the light in front of you.

05. Monitor Your Body Language 
Convey confidence through your body language. Sit up straight, smile, and keep the camera at eye level to avoid looking up or down. So be sure to keep your eyes focused on the camera.

06. Get rid of Distractions 
Be sure to do what you can to eliminate these potential interruptions on your end prior to beginning the video call. If you're at home, let other's know you'll be busy and not to interrupt you unnecessarily. One final thing; do not forget to turn your phone onto silent-mode.

07. Practice Answers to Common Interview Questions
Consider prepping answers to ensure you put your best foot forward on camera. Here's a list of common questions you could be asked:

  • What do you know about this company?

  • Tell me about your work experience

  • What is your greatest professional achievement?

  • Tell me about a challenge or conflict you have faced at work and how did you deal with it?

  • What are your strengths?

  • Any areas for development you would like to focus on in your next position?

  • Why are you leaving your current position?

  • Can you explain why you changed career paths?

  • What are you looking for in your next position?

  • What type of work environment do you prefer?

  • How would your previous manager describe you?

  • What motivates you?

  • How do you like to be managed?

08. Prepare Questions of Your Own
Don’t forget to prepare questions of your own to ask the hiring manager. Employers want to gauge your interest in the position and better understand how your goals align with the job’s requirements. There’s no perfect number of questions you should ask, but more than one is usually good. Kerry Saes says candidates should always ask at least two or three questions. Here's some you might consider:

  • How would you describe your organisation’s culture?

  • What have past employees done to succeed in this position?

  • What does a typical day look like in this role?

  • What type of employee tends to succeed here, and what qualities are the most important for succeeding here? How do you help your staff grow professionally?

  • How do you evaluate success in this role?

  • What would you expect me to have achieved after 6 or 12 months in this role?

  • What new initiatives or changes are on the horizon for the organisation? 

  • What qualities are the most important for succeeding here?

  • How do you help your statt grow professionally?

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These insights on mastering the virtual interview were brought to you by Kerry Saes, General Manager of Charterhouse Partnership in Australia.

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More About Charterhouse Australia

Charterhouse is a forward-thinking, award-winning recruitment agency on a mission to expand the talent pool by creating remarkable candidate experiences. Charterhouse Partnership supplies professionals across IT, Accounting, Strategy & Policy, Legal, and Professional Support. We do so on both a permanent and interim basis. Our depth of relationships spans across Government, Commercial and Financial Services sectors. We place professionals at the outset of their career right the way through to the pinnacle of their career. Charterhouse’s primary focus is to help bring together amazing prospective employees with amazing employers and workplaces with the goal being to find them fulfilling employment that brings job satisfaction.