Virtual and Phone Interviews
Interviews are going virtual
Virtual interviewing is becoming more and more popular with employers. You’ll need to prepare for a virtual interview differently than an in-person one. Below are checklists for different types of virtual interviews.
Cameron Booher, a recruiter for Volkswagen, is here to tell you what employers are looking for. Watch this video to get insights from an employer who is a heavy user of virtual interviewing.
Live Video
- Researched the organization and the position?
- Practiced using InterviewPrep or scheduled a virtual mock interview?
- Selected a quiet place with a non-distracting background?
- We have interview rooms available; click here to reserve.
- Tested the technology (including the camera angle, audio, video, etc.)?
- Confirmed the time, name, email and contact information of the interviewer?
- Selected your attire?
- Professional on top and bottom… i.e., no bunny slippers or sweatpants!
- Silenced your phone and computer notifications?
- Be aware of your body language.
- Sit up straight and remain calm.
- Maintain eye contact with the camera.
- Don’t lean in too close.
- Cover your own image with a post-it note.
- Relax, smile and show enthusiasm.
- Send thank you email and handwritten note within 24 hours.
- Watch for and follow up on next steps from the employer.
Recorded Video
- Researched the organization and the position?
- Practiced using InterviewPrep or scheduled a virtual mock interview (check IS access through Handshake)? Make sure you know the recording/time limits.
- Selected a quiet place with a non-distracting background?
- We have interview rooms available; click here to reserve.
- Tested the technology (including the camera angle, audio, video, etc.)?
- Confirmed the time, name, email and contact information of the interviewer?
- Selected your attire?
- Professional on top and bottom… i.e., no bunny slippers or sweatpants!
- Silenced your phone and computer notifications?
- Confirmed the interview “rules” (how long can your answer be, how many recording attempts can you do, etc.).
- Be aware of your body language.
- Sit up straight and remain calm.
- Maintain eye contact with the camera.
- Don’t lean in too close.
- Cover your own image with a post-it note.
- Relax, smile, and show enthusiasm.
- Send thank you email and handwritten note within 24 hours.
- Watch for and follow up on next steps from the employer.
Detailed live virtual interview tip sheet:
Detailed recorded virtual interview tip sheet:
Virtual interview practice with Interview Stream
Room Request for Virtual Interview
If you’d like to request a room in the Brockway Recruiting Center for your virtual interview, please fill out your name and email below and you will be emailed instructions.
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Telephone Interview Tips
- Interview in a quiet place.
- If possible, use a landline phone and temporarily disable call waiting.
- Keep these items at hand: copies of materials you have sent the interviewer (resume, cover letter, writing samples, etc.), information you have received from the organization, a “cheat sheet” of research information you have gathered about the organization, a list of your significant experiences and skills that you wish to communicate, a list of your questions about the organization and the position, pen and paper.
- Consider standing throughout the interview. It will help you project energy and reduces the risk of sounding too casual over the phone.
- Smile and be enthusiastic.