How to Ace Interviews in a Virtual Environment

Since the onset of COVID-19, you’ve likely swapped nervously pacing outside the location of your upcoming job interview for some unfettered fidgeting in front of your laptop camera — your finger hovering ever so slightly above the mute button.

Fear not: FiscalNote’s recruiters are here to help. As you prepare for — and participate in — virtual interviews, we’ve assembled some pro tips and prep methods framed by one of our core company values: #knowyouraudience.

Research. Research. Research.

• Does the company uphold a mission, vision, and values system? How do these align with your professional experience and/or personal values?
• Zero in on the interviewer(s). Do they have active LinkedIn profiles or website bios? Consider asking what led them to the organization.
• Drum up the company’s latest news and updates. Have they made any big announcements or netted any awards recently?
• In the time of coronavirus, webinars and virtual town halls are ever-popular, too. Have they hosted any that align with the prospective role you’re pursuing?
• Craft questions that demonstrate your general understanding of the company and its marketplace, clients, and competition, if applicable.
• Inquire about the culture of both the company and the team you’re interviewing to join. Ask what a day in the life of the position — and within the greater organization — is like. How, if at all, has this changed if said company has shifted to a fully remote environment?

Mic Check, 1–2.

• Perform a thorough audio-visual pre-check. Is everything — laptop, camera, WiFi — functioning as it should? This process should also include a hard restart of your device at least 20 or more minutes prior to the scheduled call to clear out the cobwebs and ensure all is operating smoothly.
• Create a distraction-free environment. Ensure your backdrop is clean, clear, and well-lit. Your interviewer should be able to focus on you, and you alone.
• You don’t need a ring light to achieve a professional-grade ambiance; a simple desk lamp or natural light from a nearby window can create the kind of warmth that allows your interviewer to comfortably “step” right into your environment and see you.
• A backup plan is crucial. Should you lose your connection mid-call, be prepared to swiftly call or email your interviewer — or ensure they have your contact information if technology fails.

Showtime

• During your interview, maintain eye contact throughout and position your camera at eye-level, if possible.

• Be authentic and aware of your body language. Amid this virtual “new normal,” it’s all the more important to avoid rigidity. Blink! Nod! Heck, you can even smile!
• Dress the part. Wear what you would if it were an in-office interview. Ask your interviewer ahead of time whether or not the organization follows a dress code or policy.

Post-Interview

• Shoot a thank-you email to the recruiter or person(s) with which you interviewed. In your correspondence, consider including a couple of specific examples or talking points from your conversation.

Additional Resources

→ What to Say in a Job Interview

→ How to Respond to “Do You Have Any Questions for Me?”

→ Best Tips to Prepare for a Video Job Interview

FiscalNote recruiters Natalie Brooks, Dana Pierrepont, and Erica Blum also contributed to this piece. Check out open roles at FiscalNote here.