In the post-pandemic period, virtual interviews have become a thing. People are able to do job interviews and take on assignments remotely without having to sit before an interview panel.

During the Covid-19 pandemic when people had work or meet remotely, there were cases of embarrassing ‘zoom moments’ where people would end up exposing themselves forgetting that the camera is on.

A good example was a man sitting in a board meeting on Zoom, appearing to be wearing a suit and tie on top but forgot to turn off the camera as he went to pick a drink from the fridge. It is then that fellow board members noticed he was wearing his ‘boxers’.

You don’t want a similar incident happening to you during your virtual interview. Human resource managers and employers have certain things they look out for while conducting the virtual interview and those things could earn you the job if you passed them.

Some of these principles include communication and presentation, which are key for employers. That is why most virtual job interviews have no option of turning off the video.

You might think they have your CV and can hear your voice but that is not enough. They want to see how you conduct and express yourself, among other qualities.

As you prepare for that remote job interview, keep in mind the following five tips to consider if you want to nail it.

Dress to impress

Some people will argue that it’s just virtual; I don’t need to dress well. Well, that is not right according to U.S-based employment expert James Philip. Experts say it’s important to dress for a remote interview the same way you would for an in-person one.

You must make sure your clothes are pressed, and try to wear things that match. Have a haircut or your hair styled as you would when going for a physical interview.

If it means applying a layer of makeup, do so because this is a one-off opportunity and you have to look your very best.

Be well prepared

Because it is a virtual interview, don’t jump out of bed 10 minutes to the interview. Wake up early, shower, dress up, put your notes and essentials together and prepare the location early.

Test the camera, light and sound as well as internet connection so that the interview can go smoothly. It is easy for the people interviewing on the other end to see that you are ill-prepared, especially when you are fidgeting with your responses.

Do some rehearsals of how you will respond to a question, test how audible your voice is and practice how to confidently look into the camera and how to occasionally smile.

Check the background

Part of preparations means that you have to carefully check the location where you are going to be seated for your remote interview. This is really important because it has to match your appearance.

The background must look professional and ensure that noise and interruptions are cut out. Make sure there is minimal sound. You don’t want your prospective employers to hear trucks driving by or honking or children crying in the background.

 Having a tidy and noise free interview space can help you make a positive first impression during a remote job interview. Look sophisticated, have some books in the background, a flower and other accessories that appeal to the eye.

 Stay calm in case of a glitch 

Technology can always surprise us. The internet could go off or cameras could malfunction on your end or the interviewer’s end. Glitches happen, but you need to be able to handle them.

In a remote setting, there are bound to be some hiccups – even if you’ve prepped your space in advance.

Having backup plans for unexpected disturbances will likely help you remain calm if a tech issue interrupts your remote interview.

Don’t panic when it happens but behind the scenes go for the backup plan. If it is the router going off, tether quickly with your phone if you don’t have a second internet source.

Your interviewers will want to see how you handle a small crisis which might say a lot about the person they want to hire. When you are back online, apologise but most importantly look calm and composed.

Research about the job and organisation

Remote job interviews can be tricky most especially because you need to have information off your fingertips. It gives small room to read and for some people it is hard to speak and read at the same time.

Besides, appearing to read in the middle of an interview might give an impression that you are not well-prepared and can show lack of experience. You should be able to speak about something you do as a profession without having to read.

Read and research about the job and the employer and be sure you can speak off-head with confidence. This will impress the interviewers.