Got a virtual interview lined up? You’re not alone. The global health pandemic has given rise to organizations incorporating technologies such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams to facilitate internal collaboration as well as enable recruiting efforts. According to a Gartner poll, 86% of organizations are foregoing traditional face-to-face meetings in favor of video-based, virtual interviews.
But tech issues and other distractions can quickly derail discussions. Thankfully, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are five tips to help ensure your next virtual interview goes smoothly. Be sure to check out These days, there are plenty of virtual meeting options available, often requiring a download. Make sure the program is working properly on your device well in advance of your interview. Test your speakers, microphone, and camera. Locate controls such as volume, mute, chat, and screen sharing to ensure you look like a pro. And don’t forget to practice sharing content on your screen to impress your interviewer with work samples. While some interviewers may forego the camera, chances are you’ll be on screen and you’ll want to put your best foot forward. Wear the same attire as you would during an in-person interview. Make sure that the space behind you is tidy to ensure that the interviewer focuses on you and not, say, the dirty dishes on your counter. Ensure that your space is well lit—you can always bring in a lamp. Do a dry run with your laptop’s camera—you might be surprised at the items in your background that can look distracting. Speaking of distractions, whether you have a dog or children or noisy neighbors, find ways to minimize sounds and interruptions. Silence your cell phone, turn off IM alerts, close the blinds—do whatever you need to ensure a distraction-free experience. Consider using noise-cancelling headphones. This helps you as well as your interviewer to stay focused on the interview and not your dog chewing on a squeaky toy. Get ready 30 minutes in advance. Close down emails and internet browsers. Pull up any files you want to have handy. And make sure your computer is up to date. There’s nothing more frustrating than when an unforeseen update puts an abrupt end to your call. Sharing your screen? Make sure your background image is appropriate. Good luck with that next virtual interview! Still searching for the right career fit? Check out the latest sales and technical career openings at EveryIT. Sr. Chief of Staff / Director of Operations (Bellevue, WA): If you are a creative, results-driven professional who is passionate about organizational effectiveness and building a strong, diverse, and inclusive team culture, this could be the role for you. In this role, you’ll be responsible for leading the US operations team with responsibilities that range from defining strategic direction to ensuring strategic execution. Solution Architect (Bellevue, WA): We’re looking for a solution architect to drive presales support for data-focused engagements and build out customer solutions. In this role, you’ll work with business decision makers to understand customer needs and collaborate with onshore and offshore delivery teams to ensure high levels of performance, security, scalability, and reliability. Account Manager, Onshore Accounts (Bellevue, WA): In this role, you’ll develop client business relationships and focus on the development and delivery of a broad range of IT products and services, working hand-in-hand with the delivery team to ensure quality and timely execution. Sales Executive, Managed Services (Bellevue, WA): In this B2B sales role, you’ll grow our Managed Services business by generating business opportunities and closing sales primarily in managed/outsourced services, service desk, data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Client Partner, Engineering Services (Bellevue, WA): We’re looking for three senior leaders to drive growth in our Managed Services business. In this role, you’ll be responsible for end-to-end, go-to-market strategy planning, generating business opportunities, and closing sales with new and existing enterprise accounts. Software Design Engineer (Redmond, WA): Participate in the development of software programs, applications, and/or network products. Responsibilities include performing design and analysis tasks, identifying issues, and coordinating resolutions. Software Design Engineer (Redmond, WA): Do you enjoy programming and have experience with back-end services? In this role, you’ll be responsible for expanding and optimizing data, data pipeline architecture, data flows, and data collection. Business Development Manager (Remote): Generate new business leads and build on our existing client base. In this role, you’ll be responsible for the full sales cycle prior to delivery, from establishing effective communications with executives and managers to understanding their needs to delivering effective proposals. Senior Analyst, Marketing Analytics (Remote): Take your love for data and contribute analytics deliverables and supporting strategies for digital marketing analytics clients. As part of this role, you’ll transform data into meaningful presentations with actionable insights on consumer behavior. Localization Project Manager (San Francisco, CA): In this fast-paced role, you will be responsible for executing multiple localization projects and managing our localization program. You’ll also collaborate with internal business teams and external Language Services Providers to provide localized materials to support our customer. Director, DevOps (Plano, TX): Are you a passionate, senior-level DevOps visionary, thought leader, and champion? In this role, you will be responsible for influencing, designing, and leading all aspects of automated infrastructure design and delivery for our North American Business group. Triage Development Engineer (Vancouver, WA): Work with a leading printing company to accelerate the triage process. You’ll partner with development and QA engineers to address and route incoming bugs and defects and develop tools and processes to improve triage capabilities. Manufacturing Supervisor (Corvallis, OR): We’re looking for three individuals who can oversee a manufacturing team in a clean room environment. In this role, you’ll supervise day-to-day activities, manage staffing levels, establish work priorities, perform regular reporting, and coach employees. Manufacturing Tech (Corvallis, OR): We’ve got 50 openings, with a variety of shifts available. In this role, you’ll be responsible for completing manufacturing assignments in a clean room environment using automated tools.1. Download and test the tech in advance
2. Dress to impress
3. Choose your backdrop
4. Limit distractions
5. Get set up early
EveryIT sales and technical job opportunities
