You should expect virtual interviews to continue for the foreseeable future. They will probably even stick around after the pandemic is over. They are convenient for both the candidate and the hiring manager since virtual interviews tend to have a bit more flexibility when it comes to scheduling and time. However, just because the interview might be virtual, it should still be treated as if it were a traditional face-to-face. To avoid missing the mark and standing out as a viable hire option, make sure to avoid these four virtual interview mistakes.

Not Dressing Professionally

It might be tempting to think you can shrug off dressing up for a virtual interview or that you can keep those PJ pants on, but you shouldn’t. If you wouldn’t wear it to an in-person interview, you shouldn’t wear it to a virtual one. Dressing unprofessionally can negatively impact the hiring manager because it can come across as unprepared or unorganized. Dressing professionally also helps you feel more confident and focused, which will benefit you in the interview overall!

Improper Body Language

A lot of what we say is non-verbal. It comes from how others are reading our body language. Having improper body language during a virtual interview can turn off the hiring manager as they may think you’re uninterested or distracted. You should have good eye contact and posture as well as be actively listening. A hiring manager wants to see a candidate who is engaged while interviewing.

If you’re slouching, looking off in other directions, or don’t appear to be listening, the interviewer is going to take notice. Instead, sit up straight with your feet on the floor, keep eye contact, nod appropriately as you’re listening to the questions you’re being asked, and be ready with engaged responses. This will show the hiring manager that you’re invested and interested in the role you’re interviewing for.

Too Many Distractions

If you have too many distractions happening while you’re trying to interview, you’re probably not going to do as well as you could. While it’s impossible to remove all distractions completely, you should take steps to mitigate as many as you can.

If you have children or pets at home, try to do the interview elsewhere or find a separate area of your house where their noise or presence will be limited. Turn off any music or TV that might be playing in the background. Close all open tabs or windows on your computer that aren’t related to the interview. And finally, turn your phone off – at the very least, put it on silent and turn the screen away from you.

Connectivity Problems

Having connectivity problems can hurt your chances of getting hired. A spotty internet connection can mean that you’ll miss questions the hiring manager is asking, you’ll have to repeat yourself continually, and you’ll be blurry on the video feed – or worse, not be able to stream the video. If the hiring manager can’t see you, they won’t be able to make a personal connection with you, won’t be able to read your body language and non-verbal cues. If you have a spotty connection, you might leave a bad impression on the hiring manager. It may look like you didn’t prepare for the interview by testing your tech beforehand. Take the time to plan before the interview where you know you’ll have a strong internet connection.

Virtual interviews are not something you take lightly in your job search. They are just as important as a traditional face-to-face, so you will need to take the time to prepare and conduct yourself in a professional manner. You should avoid not dressing professionally, improper or uninterested body language, having too many distractions, and connectivity problems if you want to impress the hiring manager and potentially get that job offer.

About EG Workforce Solutions

We’ve been in this business for decades and have developed a deep network of professional connections. Whether they’re companies looking for talent, job seekers looking for work, or an up-and-coming store in need of some temporary help, we know the right people to bridge the gap between the hiring and the hired.

But what’s more, we get to know people. From employers hiring to candidates looking, we take the time to listen and learn. We hear your likes, talents, and needs. We gain an understanding, and with it, we’re able to facilitate lasting relationships between businesses and people.