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Virtual Interviewing

Many employers have increased their use of virtual interviews, whether it is by telephone, video conference or video recording in order to save costs. Review our recommended tips below to better prepare for this format.

Types

  • Interactive (Two-way communication with visual): Similar to FaceTime or Google Hangout, interactive interviews feature two people communicating like a video telephone call. Common technology platforms include Google Hangout, Skype, GoToMeeting, Zoom and WebEx.
  • Telephone (Two-way communication without visual): Strong interview answers are still effective whether delivered by telephone or in person, but by telephone, the interviewer(s) cannot see you, so it is important to be sure you are being heard and understood.
  • Prerecorded (One-way communication): A prerecorded interview uses recording platforms like HireVue or Bluejeans and is more like YouTube. It features you alone answering questions that pop up on computer screen, often with a countdown timer of about 2 minutes for you to record your answer. Sometimes you get another chance for a “do over” on your recorded answer.
  • Selfie (One-way communication): Yes, one firm actually did “selfie” interviews this semester. It is somewhat unusual, but you should be ready for anything. A selfie interview is just another form of prerecorded interview, as in HireVue, so the same advice applies, but be sure you speak loud enough into your cellphone.

Tips for Success

  • Prepare as you would for a normal interview. Effective interview answers are still effective when delivered by telephone, video or in person.
  • Speak clearly and articulate your words. If you normally speak quickly, you may need to slow down.
  • Do not shout or mumble.
  • Use a professional tone and language in all interview situations.
  • Be sure the interviewer is finished talking before you answer their question. You may want to pause before answering because there could be a slight time delay. It can be easy to talk over the interviewer when communicating virtually.
  • Be sure to get the employer’s contact information at the end of the interview if you do not have it already. Use that information to send a thank you email after the interview.
  • Practice virtual interviews 24 hours/365 days through Big Interview from UB Career Services. This online tool is free when you register with your UB email address.
  • Prepare for interviews or practice interviewing in person with your career advisor from the Career Resource Center. Schedule an appointment through BizLink.
  • Specifically with telephone interviews, the interviewer(s) cannot see you, so it is important to make sure you are heard and understood.
  • Practice via telephone with a friend or family member to gain confirmation on the volume, reception and pacing of your communication.
  • Confirm whether you will be calling the interviewer or vice versa.
  • Choose a quiet area for the call and be ready to start in a positive manner by thanking them for the interview opportunity.
  • You can use notes to reinforce/guide your prepared answers by topic, but do not rely on them verbatim.
  • Dress professionally from head to toe. They may ask you to stand up and walk out from behind a desk or table.
  • Smile, especially when introducing yourself, and convey enthusiasm.
  • Avoid excessive sharp or quickly recurring hand or body movements, which may be distracting during video communication.
  • Use notes in preparation, but do not bring them into the interviews.

Setting Up Technology

  • Choose a suitable environment for the interview with decent lighting. Be sure it is not too public with distractions, and not too private like your bedroom.
  • Position yourself close enough to the camera so that the interviewer can see your facial expressions, but far enough away so that some of your torso fits in the screen.
  • Be sure the light (including a window) is facing you and not behind the camera so that the interviewer can see your face and not just a silhouette.
  • Look into the camera to replicate eye contact that you would want during an in-person interview. If you look at the interviewer’s face, it will appear as though you are not making eye contact. It can help to post a picture of a person’s head right near the camera…so you can look at it.
  • Practice recording yourself before the interview to see how you come across on camera.

Are You Camera Ready?

  • Test your technology ahead of time. Be sure your internet connection is working properly and you have the appropriate interviewing platform up and running in advance to avoid any technical difficulties during the interview
  • Dress appropriately for the occasion, from head to toe. You may be asked to stand up in front of the camera
  • Check your lighting; is your face well lit? It is best to have lighting, such as a window and/or lamp in front of you, not behind you
  • The camera should be at eye level, and you should be an appropriate distance away from the camera: close enough for the interviewer to see your facial expressions, but far enough so that some of your torso fits in the screen
  • Make an effort to avoid distracting or nervous habits such as slouching, fidgeting or looking down
  • Look into the camera to replicate eye contact that you would want during an in-person interview

Resources for Virtual Interviewing

Bizlink logo links to Bizlink student website.

Contact Us

Frank L. Ciminelli Family
Career Resource Center
School of Management
University at Buffalo
308 Alfiero Center
Buffalo, NY 14260-4010

Tel: 716-645-3232
Fax: 716-645-3231
mgt-crc@buffalo.edu

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If you have a scheduled meeting between noon and 1 p.m., please knock.

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