The image shows a young man in a suit sitting at a desk and having a virtual job interview on his laptop. He is smiling and looking at the camera. There is a cartoon blue bear mascot beside him. The bear is also wearing a suit and has a big smile on his face. The background is a bright yellow color. There is text at the top of the image that reads:

Mastering the Art of Virtual Interview: Tips and Strategies for an Awesome Interview

Career | 24 May 2024

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Hey there, future job conquerors! Gee, can't remember the last time I had a face-to-face interview! These days, recruiters are prowling the digital realm to find the best candidates. You’re probably here because after days, or even weeks, of grinding on resumes fueled by caffeine, someone finally noticed your resume. Sure, it’s not in person, but the vibe’s the same—palm sweaty, knees weak, mom’s spaghetti... just kidding! You clicked on this hoping to calm those pre-interview butterflies, didn’t you?

But worry not, because your favorite guide, me, Yobi Salazar, is here to pump up your confidence and help you navigate the job jungle of the Philippines with style!

Set the Stage for Success

Before we dive in, let's talk about the setting. The right environment can make or break your virtual impression:

Find Your Quiet Spot

Pick a place away from the chaos of home life. Trust me, interruptions from pets or family members aren’t the best look during an interview! I once had Father Bear stroll by shirtless with a coffee in hand during an interview. Talk about awkward! Better stick to a nice wall as your backdrop.

Light It Up
Make sure your face is well-lit, preferably with natural light. Avoid backlight from bright windows that can turn you into a shadow. Or better yet, use a ring light. I might just add that to my online shopping cart later on. But the bottom line is, that how you present yourself can work wonders. So, light it up, buttercup!

Dress Fully & Keep it Neat

Just because you're working from home doesn’t mean you should slack off on the dress code. You might have seen those memes about people wearing formal on top and jammies on the bottom for business meetings. It's funny, but if you want to feel super professional like me, dress fully for that real interview vibe. Solid colors work best on camera; avoid distracting patterns. And please, don't wear that beloved Hawaiian shirt to a formal interview like I did once. Trust me, it didn't end well. Now that you know, let's be best friends and avoid such fashion mishaps together!

Mastering Virtual Communication

Now, let’s polish those virtual communication skills:

Eye Contact: Look into the camera, not at the screen or the ceiling or your cat chasing chickens outside your window! It feels weird, but it simulates eye contact with your interviewer. But don't forget to blink, and don't stare directly for too long because we don't want it to get creepy, you know.

Express Yourself: Use clear and concise language, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Be your best self. If possible (especially if not required and irrelevant to your desired job position), you may even request to answer in a language you'll be most comfortable expressing yourself with. In that way, you can give more genuine answers.

Practice Makes Perfect: Consider recording yourself answering common interview questions. Playback can reveal habits you might want to tweak, like fidgeting or saying “um.” Prepare Like a Pro. Like what I said earlier, being prepared saves you a lot of stress. You can't wing most questions, especially the very specific ones like "What were your relevant experiences?" whatsoever. I may need to write a separate article for that but that would be soon.

“Preparation can make the difference between a good interview and a great one.”

Research the Company: Show off your knowledge about the company’s culture, recent achievements, and industry status. This is now your time to shine in getting them to tell you about the company as well. You can even slip in a question on what it's like working in their company! They'll often let you get a glimpse like you're a part of the team! How exciting! It shows them how curious you are about working with them too! Don't be afraid to ask.
Ready Your Examples: Have a list of accomplishments and experiences that highlight your skills and fit for the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure compelling stories. If you have none at the time and are still looking for experience, you may want to describe how willing you were to learn a specific skill and the benefits it gave you! Show off your willingness to learn new skills, help others, and be more understanding, and kind.. You may not be confident in your skills yet but can always work, especially when you highlight your character.
Question Time: Prepare insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This shows you’re engaged and truly interested in the role.
Follow-Up: Last, but not least, seal the deal with a classy follow-up:
Thank You Email: Send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview. Reiterate your interest and why you’d be a great fit for the position. End it with gratitude and style! You got this!

Remember, virtual interviews are a unique opportunity to showcase your skills and personality without stepping outside. With these tips, you’re ready to turn every pixel to your advantage and impress like a pro.

Rock that virtual interview and show them who's the boss of the digital domain! Go get 'em, tiger!

Until next time,

Yobi

For now, check these jobs near you

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