Since the pandemic began, the digital way of doing business was hard to get used to at first, but has revolutionized the white collar jobs industry, actually improving communication skills and efficiency.

As an engineering manager, I was already used to doing virtual interviews for candidates that were far away, but since the pandemic began, I have now been exclusively using Zoom ever since.

What I’ve come to realize is that, pandemic or not, virtual interviewing is so incredibly convenient and saves a mess of time, which has allowed me to revolutionize my working style and efficiency.

Virtual interviewing, at least in some capacity, will be a permanent thing for me and I know other managers feel the same.

So if you haven’t adjusted your skillset and communication abilities to adapt to the virtual world by now, you are getting left behind.

So what can you do to get better at interviewing virtually?

Throughout my experience of interviewing people remotely, I’ve noticed several simple things that could have been done to greatly improve first impressions and the chances of getting hired.

The article below lists seven things you can do to improve your virtual interviewing skills and ace your Zoom interview. These things are so simple and easy to do, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of them!

 

1. Rehearse and Prepare for THE #1 QUESTION IN ANY INTERVIEW: What are Your Best Qualities and Skills?

Ok, this isn’t really unique to a virtual interview, but I have to talk about it.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve interviewed people, digital or in person, that are unprepared for this question!

It’s the most popular, most asked question in any interview, for any job!

“What are your best qualities and skills?

Without a doubt, you must know what it is that you are good at.

What makes you better than the others and what are your strengths?

These are the core skills that employers really look for in a good employee, and you must know these instantly without having to think about it. Plus, it’s good for you to know as well so you can continue to develop these skills and orient yourself into the career path you want.

What is the best way to determine your best qualities and skills?

Sit down and think about it for a while.

What you are passionate about? What compliments have you gotten from other people? What do you enjoy doing at work? What is easy? Where have you excelled? What traits do you think are the best for people and what can you work on?

Write down 3-5 of your best qualities that define you. These could be things like excellent communication, organization, critical thinking, work ethic, customer service, team work, leadership, etc.

Put in writing why you are good at each one and be prepared to list examples of each. Recall how you’ve developed those skills using real projects or experiences from your life.

These skills will define you for years to come. They are your strengths and you should build from them.

Bottom line is, know your strengths, because odds are this question will come up.

 

2. Practice Beforehand

PREPARATION, PREPARATION, PREPARATION!

One way to impress the interviewer right away is to take the initiative and demonstrate that you can learn software on your own. If you can, it’s totally ok to ask them beforehand what software they will be using.

This preparation will also go a long way to help you look like an expert during the interview, making you calmer and boosting your confidence.

So, do whatever it takes to get comfortable with the software you will be using before the interview. Find a person who has Zoom, or Teams, or the like, and practice with them. Or you could watch a YouTube tutorial, or find another way to get to know the software.

Be sure to play around with settings, making sure your microphone and sound work and get comfortable with everything you can before your interview.

In addition, many people are thrown off by seeing themselves talk in their little viewport while they interview.

Avoid this by practicing either by talking at yourself in the mirror, or by recording yourself on your phone and playing it back. You could also use Zoom or FaceTime with a friend to get used to seeing your face looking back at you.

 

Related story: A few months ago I had an important Microsoft Teams meeting with my bosses and some executives of a few other companies. I had to lead the meeting and hadn’t used Microsoft Teams much before. When I logged on at meeting time, my sound wouldn’t work and I couldn’t hear anyone.

My boss introduced me and gave me the floor, but I didn’t hear him. Everyone was sitting there waiting and wasting precious company time as I panicked and scrambled to try and fix the settings.

Everyone saw the stress on my face and as adrenaline pumped through my veins, and I was never actually able to fix the problem!

I had to leave the meeting and join on my phone, which was awkward. Then, I had to rally to complete the meeting on time. I couldn’t think or talk as clearly since I started the meeting in a panic and I felt like a complete idiot.

Don’t let this happen to you!

Sometimes things like this just happen and are unavoidable, but this could have been prevented if I had prepared better.

 

Remember, engineers are people who plan and prepare and we should take this approach with as much as possible in life. A Zoom interview is certainly one of them.

 

3. Find a Cool, Smart, or Funny Background

It may seem trivial or dumb, but to me having a cool virtual background demonstrates that not only do you know how to have a bit of fun, but you’ve taken the initiative to investigate a new software and prepare for your interview. You are a forward thinker, planner, and can learn things yourself.

Your background might even spark an interesting side conversation that says more about you that wouldn’t otherwise be uncovered in an interview. It will demonstrate you’re not too boring and serious. You’re well rounded, flexible, approachable and more importantly, employable!

Be careful though! Don’t pick something distracting or offensive (obviously). Make it something that relates to your interests, hobbies, or passions.

Whatever it is, it will be better than your unmade bed or boring room (unless you have a sweet ocean view pad) in the background.

 

4. Treat This Interview as You Would an In-Person Interview:

Dress Up and Sit with Good Posture. Present Yourself Well. Speak Clearly

Even though things seem more relaxed since you are not in person, employers are still using the video to see what kind of person you are and the effort you put in.

They will still take indirect cues about your habits, lifestyle, and generally how you present yourself and approach the world. Your background, attire, and body language still matter.

You would be surprised how many people I’ve interviewed that seemed a bit too lax since it was a virtual interview: wearing t-shirts, interviewing outside, chewing gum, etc. Virtual interview aside, managers are still looking to hire a professional.

Dressing nice and presenting yourself well shows employers you’re serious about your work and your approach.

 

5. Use Good Lighting

All too often, I’ve interviewed people on Zoom and they have a bright window at their back and I can’t see their face very well.

They look like a silhouette with a back lit sun behind them that I find both distracting and off-putting, and I have a hard time seeing facial expressions.

Test out your camera and lighting before the interview so that you look your best. Find a light source in front of you. Turn lights on/off if you have to. Again, we are talking preparation.

 

6. Use a Computer or Laptop and Not Your Phone

Laptops have a more stable, wider picture, and are easier to see and hear you from.

They also have just a better overall Zoom experience, for you and for those looking at you, so use one if you have it.

If you don’t have access to a computer, make sure your phone is charged enough, switch it to “do not disturb” so the video doesn’t become paused if someone calls you, and prop it up and secure it so that it doesn’t fall over during the interview.

Don’t be a “bobble head” from a wobbly laptop or phone during the interview, it’s distracting and you look unprofessional. Try to put your laptop on a table or stable counter during the interview.

 

7. Position Yourself in the Picture Well

Make sure your laptop or phone is secure and that your full upper body is in the picture.

I’ve interviewed a few people where I only saw their head and up their nostrils. Adjust your camera so that you are centered in the picture and it shows you from shoulders up, not just your head and neck.

I’ve heard that if you look into your camera at a slight downward angle, it makes you look slightly more flattering. Really? Is this true?

Employers will like seeing a bit more of you to look for body language cues and to help make a judgement on who you are. It will also help you if you emphasize points using your arms or hands. And for Pete’s sakes, please wear pants!

 

Conclusion

You might think these tips for virtual interviews are petty, nit-picky, or dumb, but I can tell you that they matter.

As an engineering manager, I’m always judging during an interview and looking for who is the best. I want someone that is professional, prepared, and has obviously put their best effort forward.

More and more companies are going to keep interviewing people virtually in the future, so remember to follow these tips in order to maximize your chances for success:

1. Know your best qualities and skills
2. Practice using the software before the interview. Practice seeing yourself speak by using either a mirror or recording yourself with your cell phone
3. Find a cool background to use
4. Treat this just as you would any interview. Present yourself well
5. Use good lighting
6. Use a computer or laptop if possible
7. Position yourself correctly in the picture

These are all things that are easily fixable and can do a lot to improve your interviewing skills and also your confidence. Why not change things so that you are giving it your best shot?

After all, this website is about guiding young professionals and engineers to perform toward their maximum potential. Another exercise of perfectionism in an effort to take your life and career to the next level.

Good luck!