What You Should Never Do in an Interview for a Virtual Role

John Ajayi
Woken Learn
Published in
3 min readJan 26, 2023
Credits: Chen on Pixabay

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing job market, virtual interviews are becoming increasingly common. While they may seem more convenient, they come with their own set of challenges. From being unprepared to being unprofessional, it’s important to know what to avoid in a virtual interview to make a great first impression.

In this article, we’ll explore the top things to watch out for and how to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward. Remember, the virtual interview is not a less formal version of an in-person interview, it still requires the same level of professionalism, preparation and engagement. With the right approach, you can make a lasting impression and increase your chances of landing the job.

Things You Should Avoid in a Virtual Interview

Being unprepared -

Make sure you have a good understanding of the role, the company, and any technology you’ll need to use during the interview.

It’s important to research the company and the role beforehand so that you can speak to how your skills and experience align with the position. This will also give you a better understanding of the company culture and any specific technologies or tools that might be used in the role.

Being unprofessional -

A virtual interview is still an interview, and it’s important to maintain a professional appearance and demeanour. Dress and act as you would in an in-person interview, and make sure your background is appropriate and free of distractions.

Being late -

Logging in to the virtual interview early will ensure that you’re on time and ready to go when the interviewer joins the call. Being late can send a message that you’re not organized or dependable. With other candidates interviewing for the same role, you might have just lost a point in your favour

Being too casual -

Just because the interview is virtual doesn’t mean you should be less formal. Maintaining good posture, making eye contact, and using appropriate language and gestures will help you to come across as professional and engaged.

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Being too dependent on technology -

Technical difficulties can happen, so it’s important to have a backup plan in case of any issues with your internet connection or equipment. This could include having a backup device or a plan for what to do if your internet goes down during the interview.

Being too focused on yourself –

Showing interest in the interviewer and the company culture sends the message that you’re enthusiastic about the opportunity and that you have taken the time to research the company.

Being too quiet or too loud -

It’s important to make sure your microphone and audio settings are set up properly so that the interviewer can hear you clearly. Speak clearly and at a moderate volume, so that you’re easy to understand and not too loud or too quiet.

Conclusion

Virtual interviews require a unique approach to be successful. By being prepared, maintaining a professional appearance and demeanour, and avoiding common mistakes like being late or too casual, you can make a great impression and increase your chances of getting the job.

Remember to also be aware of technical difficulties, and have a backup plan in case of any issues. Showing interest in the company, and speaking clearly and at a moderate volume are also important steps to take. With the right mindset and preparation, you can make a lasting impression and land the job you want in the virtual world.

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John Ajayi
Woken Learn

Walking through this adventure called life. Am I the only one who thinks this way or life is just like Jumanji without dinosaurs?