Most people are a ball of nerves when they sit for an interview. Hiring managers know this and are trained to make the interview process comfortable for you. Not all do this well, but there are ways that you can increase your comfort level in an interview. Here’s how.

1. Before You Arrive

Often, interviews begin before a couple shakes hands and sits down. You never really know how your interviewer could get off your bus or train or get to your workplace. So keep your professional and friendly air on your first steps. 

There are no handshakes with virtual interviews, but hiring managers have other ways to get a peak at who you are before the interview. They may look at your LinkedIn profile or other social media accounts. Ensure your social media profiles reflect an accurate picture of who you are. 

Always arrive at least 15 minutes before a virtual interview. In most cases, the interviewer or facilitator will have you wait before allowing you to join the video conference. Before the conference, check your surroundings. Ensure any distractions, such as pets or kids, are put away. Have a neutral background. We recommend you use a virtual background or use a blur feature to blur the background. 

2. Create a Strong First Impression

The saying, “First impressions last forever,” is cliche, but the implications of it are accurate. First impressions go a long way and if you want to make an excellent first impression with the hiring manager, ensure that you show up well-groomed, in business attire, and with a bright smile.

Interviewers note everything about you, from your arrival time to how you greet them. Your dress will be at the top of the list. Men should wear a dark-colored suit with a tie. Women can do the same. They should wear light-colored blouses. Remove any facial piercings that could be a distraction. Some companies are conservative with their dress code expectations. 

3. The Greeting

At the start of your interview, greet the interviewer by name. Make eye contact and engage in small talk with the interviewer. Usually, the interviewer will guide the conversation. Some interviewers will start the interview with an ice-breaker. Use this time to let your personality show some. Be willing to engage the interviewer in a personable conversation if they take it there. Be mindful of the interviewer’s queue so that they are ready to begin the formal interview. 

4. Be Engaging

The hiring manager will guide the interview and ask questions about your resume. Examine the company, job description, and resume before the interview. Make sure you can answer job-related questions to highlight how your skill sets match what they are looking for.

Engagement includes asking the right questions. The employer usually allows you to ask questions at the end of the interview, but a savvy interviewee will engage the interviewer in a conversation about the role. If you can pull this off, you allow yourself to ask questions throughout the entire interview and not just at the end.

5. Treat everyone you meet as your interviewer.

Make it a point to make your interview pleasant. If there is an intermediary facilitating your access to the video call, be sure to present a positive impression. Sometimes hiring managers will seek opinions from all personnel who have interacted with you about their first impressions of you. 

Virtual interviews make it easier for multiple parties to join the interview. Everyone you come into contact with should see your best. Engage with them as if they are the hiring manager.

Update Your Resume and Ace Your Next Interview

A mediocre resume will lead to a few interview offers. Still, a great resume expands your reach and captures the attention of many more hiring managers. Have your resume updated by us. We will review your work history and consult with you about your career objectives. Once your resume is perfected by the best resume writers in Surrey, use the points above to give a good interview.