The last few years have thrown the job market into chaos as people try to navigate a post-pandemic era job market. Virtual interviews increased significantly since 2020 and have become the preferred method for many companies and hiring agencies for the initial interview. There are extra steps you will need to take to prepare for a virtual interview. You will need to ensure you have a stable internet connection, a quiet, distraction-free workspace, and knowledge of specific software.
At Behavioral Health Jobs, our website specializes in jobs and career advice for men and women who are interested in finding behavioral health jobs. Our job board is searchable via work experience, education level, organization type, keyword search, and other criteria. We also provide beneficial career advice to increase your chances of getting an offer for employment. For more information on what to expect in a virtual interview and other tips, check out the Behavioral Health Jobs website today.
What to Expect in a Virtual Interview
A virtual interview is when you meet with a recruiter or potential employer through video conferencing software such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Hangouts. While the way you conduct yourself will be similar to an in-person interview, there are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare yourself. You will need to be familiar with video conferencing software and have a medium to high-end video camera with audio capability.
When you schedule an interview, verify that it is in-person or virtual. In most cases today, an initial interview will be held online. As your interview date approaches, here is what you can expect in a virtual interview:
- The person you schedule the interview with will give you details on which video conferencing software to use and any login information if needed. Some recruiting companies use their own software that may require you to create an account to log on.
- It is common practice for the company to send an email with details about the interview date and time and instructions for joining the virtual meeting.
- 12-24 hours before the interview, the company may contact you to confirm the interview time and that you are able to connect successfully.
- On the day of the interview, the company will call you 15-30 minutes ahead of time to get you connected.
You want to be in a quiet, distraction-free space where you can devote all your attention to the interview. Never do the interview from your car, poolside, or in a public space. You will need to have a clean and simple background with good lighting with no one else in the room, including pets.
As you prepare yourself for an interview, be sure to read through all of our tips for a successful virtual interview and other beneficial career advice at Behavioral Health Jobs.
How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview
Virtual interview etiquette is the same as in-person interviews, and you need to dress and conduct yourself as if you are sitting directly in front of the person. Imagine being in the middle of an interview and something unexpected happens, and you have to get up and reveal you are only half dressed. There are plenty of videos on Youtube that show that anything can happen during a virtual interview.
Here are some tips for a successful virtual interview:
- Test your video and audio equipment 2-3 days before your interview. You don’t want to find out your video camera or microphone isn’t working a few minutes before the interview starts. Ask a friend to help you test everything out, and practice looking at the camera while speaking.
- Be familiar with the video conferencing software you are using. Make sure any name that is displayed is your full name or a professional email address.
- Dress nicely and professionally. No business suit up top and shorts on the bottom.
- If you have children or pets, make sure someone is caring for them so you will not be interrupted. If you are interviewing for a work-from-home position, you want to show you have a dedicated workspace.
- Set up your background in a professional manner with minimal decorations. Some interviewers can get easily distracted by a busy background.
Virtual interviews will become more common now that the majority of the country has a stable internet connection. Be sure to practice your virtual interview with a friend so you can get used to looking at the camera while talking. Employers and hiring managers will notice wandering eyes and may assume you have a difficult time focusing on one task.
Find Exciting New Careers in the Behavioral Health Industry at Behavioral Health Jobs
Knowing how to prepare for a virtual interview is essential for everyone currently in the job market or planning to start a new career search. Behavioral Health Jobs is for men and women who are looking for a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry. This industry is one of the fastest-growing job markets in the country, and thousands of new positions are being created every year.
For more tips on virtual interview etiquette and other career advice, check out the Behavioral Health Jobs website.
