15 VIRTUAL INTERVIEW TIPS

Below are some of my tips for candidates who are interviewing virtually to ensure you have the best chance of being seen and heard.

Interviewers, you might also want to consider some of the points as they may apply to you.

1. Don't have a distracting background. An unmade bed can be off putting and show the interviewer you aren't organised. Ideally you should have a plain background in the living room or a study (if you have one).

2. Make sure you are in a quiet location. That means no phones, television or noisy flatmates in the background. Exceptions to this include children or pets, especially those who make the interviewer say “ahhhhhh, how cute".

3. Dress appropriately. This doesn't necessarily mean formal/business wear but think about how a t-shirt with your lunch on it might be perceived.

4. Check the technology works at least 15 minutes before the interview. You may need to download software and don't want to be late to the interview!

5. Check your camera before the interview. Use the preview function to make sure you are in shot, in focus and importantly, THAT YOU ARE THE RIGHT WAY UP. Interviews where candidates are on their side or upside down are distracting to say the least.

6. Check for glare. Don't sit too close to a window or light. Also ensure your accessories aren't blinding the interviewer by reflecting light.

7. Technology problems, this is common! Usually the organiser will tell you the back up plan should the technology fail. If not then ask in advance (or at the beginning of the interview). Ensure you have a phone nearby (on silent and hidden) and that you know dial in or phone number.

8. Lags can result in people talking over each other so let the other person finish speaking. A one second pause is fine but interrupting each other is awkward. You can use clues to signal your answer is complete (e.g nodding or a strong one sentence summary of your answer).

9. Explain long pauses. This shows the interviewer you are aware of the situation and assures them its the technology rather than you being unable to answer the question.

10. Mute when you aren't talking. This is optional and depends how much you are talking. Sometimes in large conference calls there is feedback/echo. Two things stop this, using headphones or muting the line when you aren't talking.

11. Posture. Whilst interviewing at home can be relaxing it does also create some potential pitfalls. Being overly relaxed can result in slouching as you slide down in the comfy chair. One tip is to place an extra cushion behind your back to push your body forward and ensure you don't slouch.

12. Maintain eye contact. Your camera should be at eye level. You should not be looking up or down the whole time as to to the interviewer it will appear you are not maintaining eye contact.

13. Your Voice. This point is similar to some of the above but make sure your voice is coming across clearly. Ensure your microphone is set up appropriately and that you are the right distance from it. As part of your preparation you should run a test call with a friend. You don't want the interviewer to miss any of your incredible answers.

14.Use hand gestures, nod and smile. Whilst I am not suggesting doing the robot on camera (unless you are interviewing for a dance troupe) the use of hand gestures can be useful in stressing points. You should also nod and smile when the interviewing is talking as you don't want to appear rigid. It shows you are listening and creates rapport.

15. Prepare and research. This is the most important bit of advice for any interview whether it is in person, on the phone or via video. You must be prepared!!!! I really hate hearing the following feedback from partners or line-managers; "the candidate couldn't answer basic questions about the firm or what we do." Why do I hate it? Because it means the candidate wasn't prepared. The simple fix involves preparation in advance of the interview. You should take at least an hour to;

• Research the interviewers and their backgrounds
• See if you have any mutual connections or clients
• Think about if you have worked across from them on a matter
• Have questions prepared

James Oliver is a Resourcing Manager at Ashurst, a global law firm with 26 offices worldwide. He is responsible for Australia-wide recruitment of all lawyers. For any questions please contact james.oliver@ashurst.com

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