How to make a good impression on a Virtual interview

Virtual interviews combine the best of both worlds – if you don’t live locally, you get to meet a prospective employer virtually while saving time and money on travel. However, it can be difficult to express your interest in the position and connect with the employer if you’re not careful. Here are a few things to keep in mind so you can rock your online interview.

1. Dress appropriately. Just because the interview isn’t in-person doesn’t mean you should be more casual with your approach. We would suggest dressing a step up from how you would for an in-home interview. You won’t be getting down on the ground and playing with children in this interview, so save your more casual wear for the trial.
2. Look at the camera, not the screen. It’s tempting to watch yourself or your interviewer during a Skype session, but looking directly at the video camera is the only way to maintain direct eye contact with your interviewer.
3. Watch your body language. Have good posture and try to relax. Not all body language cues are translated over the computer, so that make the ones that do even more important.
4. Have your resume in front of you. You want to be prepared with your dates of employment, ages of children and responsibilities so you can focus on the employer and easily relay your background and experience.
5. Close other programs on your computer. You want to be present, focused and making a good first impression. If reminders or text messages pop up you may get distracted. Simplify your screen so you can keep full attention on the interviewer.

Good luck!