Once upon a time, the vast majority of interviews took place face to face, that is, face to face with the interviewer (s) while a small proportion of interviews took place virtually. Often, virtual interviews were reserved for recruitment processes involving candidates who live great distances from the potential employer or workplace.
Since last March, the reverse is now true, as the vast majority of interviews are now virtual. But in reality, is the preparation required for a virtual interview different from that for a face-to-face interview? The answer is no, not really!
The two main differences are the management of your physical environment for the interview and the technological aspect (IT equipment). When it comes to your physical environment, it is important to set the stage, that is, to choose a quiet, well-lit space and to avoid having inappropriate elements in the background. Your interviewer doesn't want to see a pile of clothes on a desk in the background or hear your kids playing next to you in the room!
For the technology side, take the time to test your system before the interview to make sure everything is working properly. Make sure you have good video and sound quality. The pre-interview test will give you time to resolve your technical issues and, if a problem persists, you can always ask to postpone the interview or request a telephone interview until you are able to correct the problem.
For the rest, the formula does not change. It is important to be well informed about the job and the company. If you are not familiar with it, take the time to take a look at all of its products and services and its operations (number of employees, different geographic locations, customers, etc.) .
It is very important to be dressed in a clean and consistent manner for the intended position. In other words, do not land in a three-piece suit if you are applying for a position as a mechanic.
Additionally, pay close attention to your overall appearance. Bushy hair and a 4-day beard may not be recommended for a pharmaceutical sales representative position, but may be fine for other employment.
You need to have a good handle on your CV in order to be able to explain your career path well and to respond quickly to all questions regarding your CV. After all, your CV is your road map and if you are hesitant about questions regarding its content, it will make your interviewer look bad.
You should also demonstrate your interest in the job and the company by preparing a few questions that you can ask when the time comes. Remember, however, that it is you who are being interviewed and not the other way around. The goal here is not to take control of the interview, but rather to learn more about the job and the company.
In closing, feel free to send a short thank you email a few hours after the interview to re-express your interest and gratitude to your interviewer. It probably won't change the outcome, but it will certainly give a positive image.
