Virtual Job Interview

Jordan2 · ‎03-16-2010

I have a job interview today, I'm very nervous. Gone are the days you would fill out an application in person or call a phone number and you would be invited to come in for an in person interview. I have applied to numerous ads on Indeed and haven't had too much luck. I'll see the ad says urgently hiring, they haven't hired anyone in a month, how urgent can it be? I get I might not be suitable for the job, however I'm not even given an opportunity to interview for it. I'm not crazy about the virtual interview process, I prefer sitting in front of someone speaking face to face. The job interview isn't even what I want, it's part time and no benefits, but I feel I need to get my foot in the door.

amyb · ‎04-05-2010

Breathe...calm yourself...list reasons why they would be lucky to have you.

But I get it totally...I have never had a virtual or phone interview...and the idea of them make me nervous for whatever reason, also. Plus I'm rusty.

My most recent gig that I loved, where I was actually working for myself, as a contract buyer/merchandiser, went away when the business was sold during Covid.

Then I decided to be "retired"...and was laying low anyway during Covid. I'd like to find another gig I love, part-time. like the last one, where I was in control of my time, or that has a schedule that works for my life. There IS a lot out there right now...hard for people to find good help.

Best of luck today, that you are calm and centered and do a good interview, no matter the outcome. You may find it's not that bad and it gets you over the hump of feeling nervous about these type interviews, especially as they are quite common now.

I find, for me...I interview best when I really want and feel suited to the job, rather than just any job.

catter70 · ‎10-11-2017

Good luck. I can't imagine doing an interview that way, but I guess that's progress. The best to you.

KailaS · ‎03-09-2010

Good luck!

WenGirl42 · ‎07-05-2012

Good luck @Jordan2 !

I did a ton of virtual interviews last year as a candidate, and this year as the hiring manager. I actually love them.

From the candidate perspective...I was already nervous of course, and having the interviews virtual removed any stress about finding the location/person entirely, and made attire selection easier. Not that I didn't look professional and great! But I didn't have to worry about things like shoes/bag and all the "details". I made myself comfortable and relaxed in my home office. I also taped a list of my accomplishments and anything I wanted to be sure to mention or highlight for each interview on the wall behind my camera, so I could refer to it without the interviewer knowing. I didn't need to (should have trusted myself and my memory more ), but having it there gave me added confidence. Like with everything else, there are some benefits to having things be virtual, so for me the trick has been finding those benefits and really leaning into them.

CatsyCline · ‎07-24-2013

Good Luck. it's hard not to be nervous. for me a virtual is easier than phone

one time a recruiter called as i was about to board a plane to Florida for Daytona Beach! he wanted to set up a Skype interview. i said i'm not sure i can get online at the beach house - no internet. he said well, are you serious about this job - this is a great position for you - but i need an answer quick! see if you can line something up!

i had my laptop with me and after a few dead ends was able to get to a fast food place using wifi for a Skype interview, the next day. i had nerves of course. but i got the in-person interview the following week and was hired.

gizmogal · ‎05-09-2014

I think you should look at a virtual interview as a chance to show yourself as prepared and confident. You're in your own environment and not someone's office. You actually are face to face as you feel is important, but you are not in person. The interviewer and you can see each other.

If you have a Zoom or FaceTiime with a friend or relative or any favorite child do you think of it as a visit, a way to be yourself and communicate and share ? Do you cherish the time spent and feel it is authentic?

That's how you approach a virtual interview. Obviously, you skip the affection and be mindful of tasteful humor. But you will see facial expressions and gestures and be showing your own. If all equipment is working right, you will look professional and be heard with your responses to interview questions. It is face to face and it is very effective for you to come across as composed and at ease with technology. There's no commute to the interview so you don't get caught in traffic. You're already inside so it doesn't matter if it rains--your interview clothes stay dry.

Make a list of questions you have about the job. Remember to smile. Be aware of whatever is behind you that the camera will see, keep it orderly and neutral. Be sure to say thanks for the opportunity. Even if you don't get the job or don't want the job, you now will have more interview experience.

If you think negative and nervous you'll show that. Think positive and confident. You don't need to be in an office to see and talk to someone about a job. You'll feel the same nervousness as any interview, but it's not any different than any other visit done with a camera and a computer connection. You got this.

Good luck.

godi · ‎03-09-2010

Be yourself and answer honestly. Good luck.

lady macbitch · ‎11-17-2021

i've had many virtual job interviews in the past 18 months. i greatly prefer virtual interviews to in-person ones. i feel like you get judged way less for things like body language, etc. i have a list of common job interview questions on my screen that i refer to in case the interviewer asks me something i didn't prepare for - definitely not something that you can do with in-person interviews!