A study from Forbes revealed that candidates typically have 7 seconds to create a good first impression. And approximately 69% of people decide what they think of someone before the other starts talking.
Creating that perfect first impression is unlikely, but we can definitely improve those odds by getting prepared.
An interviewer could ask hundreds of questions. Preparation isn’t memorizing the best possible answers for each question. Instead, you expect any of those questions to come, and you will know how to navigate and communicate effectively.
After attending nearly a hundred interviews, I’ve documented what worked for me and what didn’t. Now, I am sharing my top tips in preparation and why I believe it will be a deal breaker in your interviews.
Before we proceed, let me remind you that these tips are what worked for me and landed me a high success rate on getting that job offer, but everyone’s circumstances are different. What worked for me may not work for you — so use them at your disposal.
Before your technical skills are assessed, hiring managers would first want to know the person behind the job. Assessing if you’re the right fit for the team, by understanding your work ethic, your teamwork and communication skills, how well you can carry out your duties and many more.
It could all get so confusing and nerve-wracking.
You never get a second chance to make a good first impression, so going in well-prepared is key.
So, keep reading to nail your next virtual interview and get that job offer!
The first section of the interview: Greetings.
Setting the dynamics between the interviewer and yourself begins here.
Understanding the impact of greetings in interviews can give you an edge and set the tone for a successful interaction.
Starting with facial expressions, you might be surprised to know that smiling does wonders.
Research done by Jobspin revealed approximately 39% of candidates leave a bad impression due to their overall confidence level, voice quality, or lack of a smile.
Not only does it increase your positive outlook, but it also increases your level of confidence and sets a positive atmosphere.
Next, remember to keep it simple and don’t feel pressured to talk excessively or prove yourself from the get-go.
Have a few lines to start the conversation, followed by a simple open-ended question to get to know more about your interviewers, which is a great strategy to break the ice between your interviewers and yourself.
How to introduce yourself confidently.
“Before we start, could you please share a bit about yourself?”.
This question is commonly asked in various interviews. Many tend to talk about less relevant topics, such as their elementary school or hobbies
I believe this question should be answered in a concise manner and to the point.
You probably will not be the only candidate who is interviewed, and with so many more, you’ll want to communicate effectively and make the best possible impression with the limited time that you have.
Here are a few topics you may use to structure your introduction:
- Briefly bring up your most recent qualifications.
- Talk about your career and emphasize your most recent position and responsibilities.
- Highlight specific skills and strengths that are directly applicable to the position you’re interviewing for. These could include technical skills and soft skills.
- Your ambitions and career goals that relates to why you’re applying for this position.
- Highlight how and why you’re a fit for this role and what sets you apart from other potential candidates.
Know the company you are applying to.
A survey conducted by Twin Employment revealed that 47% of interviewers will not offer the job to a candidate who has little to no knowledge about the company that they’re applying to.
It’s widely agreed among hiring managers that candidates should have a fundamental understanding of the company they’re interviewing with.
As a start, try asking yourself these questions. Do I know enough about:
- The company’s primary products and services.
- The company stands within its industry—is it a market leader, a challenger, or a niche player?
- Any recent milestones, challenges, or innovations the company had experienced.
- What are the company’s main clients or customers, and what markets does it serve?
- The role you’re applying to and its responsibilities/expectations.
- Your hiring manager and/or direct manager.
The 6 points will serve as a great start to research and learn more about a company and the team behind it before the interview.
Understanding the company’s information isn’t just about answering questions; it’s about being equipped to ask insightful questions that go beyond what’s readily available online.
This proactive approach demonstrates a go-getter attitude and a genuine curiosity to understand more about the role and company.
Prepare and ask intelligent questions
Generally, it’s wise to avoid questions that could be easily answered with a quick online search.
Instead, focus on questions that delve deeper into understanding the company culture, the specific challenges and opportunities of the role, and how your skills align with their needs.
Also, the way you ask questions is just as important as the questions themselves.
Consider the dynamics between you and the interviewer, and tailor your approach accordingly.
Pay attention to the sequence of your questions, the tone you use, and how you frame them to ensure they are effective in communicating your intentions.
If you’d like to learn more about how to ask great questions and the approach to it, consider reading this article in Harvard Business Review written by Alison Wood Brooks and Leslie K. John.
Learn to improvise
Learning to improvise during an interview is about smoothly adapting to unexpected twists and turns, showing off your flexibility and quick thinking.
To excel at improvisation, you need creativity and a high level of problem-solving skills. It’s like creating the perfect response or solution on the spot and communicating your point across.
This skill isn’t just about handling surprises. It’s about showcasing your ability to navigate uncertainties confidently.
You will appear to be the calm and collected candidate who can handle any challenges thrown your way.
Follow up with the status of your interview.
I’ve noticed that many job opportunities often favour candidates who proactively follow up on their application status.
Yet, it’s surprising to see that so many fail to follow through with their application.
Think about it, after interviewing a few more candidates, those interviewed earlier might not be as memorable.
So if you’re wondering about a good way to set yourself apart from the other candidates, strategize and work on setting a timeline to follow up if you haven’t heard of any news from your interviewer
Ensure you avoid flooding your interviewer’s mailbox and refrain from reaching out via social media platforms, as it can come across as unprofessional and desperate.
Stick to professional communication channels, such as email or the designated follow-up process provided by the company.
It’s usually your final chance of communicating to the hiring manager to seal the deal and land yourself that job offer.
Congratulations! You walked the talk about being proactive and displayed your interest in the job you were interviewed for.
Don’t overlook computer technicalities
Pay attention to the small details; they can make or break your interview.
Understand which platform will host the virtual interview and ensure you’ve downloaded and tested your device’s compatibility with it, including your voice and video camera.
You will want to sound and look the best. Choose a quiet, uninterrupted location for the interview. Consider running a mock interview with a friend to practice and receive feedback on your presentation and responses.
Non-verbal language
Lastly, be aware of your body language and facial expressions. Are they communicating the right signal?
According to Albert Mehrabian, when a person communicates their emotions, feelings, and attitude, 3 aspects contribute to whether a person likes or dislikes someone.
- The message
- The tone
- Non-verbal language (body language and facial expressions)
55% of communications are done through body language and 38% through the tone of voice. Only 7% are in the words.
The way you sit, hand gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions say a lot, even without words.
Identify your non-verbal language and eliminate what may not be advantageous for you. Sometimes, it can be hard to know, so while you test out a mock interview, ask for feedback or even consider recording yourself and re-watch it to look for gaps.
It’s important that you take a deep breath and calm down to perform your best in an interview. We all have flaws in our own ways, and it’s impossible to eliminate all of them.
These steps ensure you’re well-prepared and can confidently showcase your skills and personality during the interview. Best of luck, and feel free to share any additional tips in our social media comments!
