Interviewing In A New Post-COVID World In 2021
Interviewing in a new post-COVID world has changed.
COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies and transformed the way people work. Remote working, social distancing, and masks are now the norm rather than the exception. Video-conferencing software such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams are the new essentials for people to collaborate at work. And the list goes on.
Despite the global economy being heavily hit by the pandemic, hiring will still continue in 2021 and beyond.
So, how can you better prepare for interviewing in 2021?
Get Familiar and Comfortable with Video Conferencing
If you have shunned video-conferencing because you are shy, you cannot afford to do so anymore. This is the new normal.
Know your Zoom, Meet, Teams etc.
As part of social distancing guidelines, many companies now use video conferencing as a primary means to conduct interviews. As an interviewee, this means that you have to be familiar with the relevant software. The common ones include Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Cisco Webex and so on. You can find The 7 Best Video Conferencing Software Platforms for 2021 here.
Get Comfortable on Camera
Apart from being familiar with the these software, another key aspect is learning to be comfortable with virtual social interactions. This includes getting comfortable talking to people online via the camera and even with yourself appearing in the front of the camera.
The goal here is to be as natural as possible online as you are offline, which helps build the rapport between you and your interviewer(s).
Optimize and Test your Technical Setup
The rise of video conferencing means interviewing in the post-COVID world has shifted increasingly online. You as an interviewee must make the video interview as smooth as possible for the interviewers. For the most part, your technical setup directly determines this smoothness.
Good Internet Connection
First, make sure you have a good internet connection. That is, it is fast and stable. This is the absolute foundation of smooth video-conferencing and without it, nothing else you do matters. If you’re on Wifi, try to have your computer as close to the Wifi router or point so you get a strong signal. If that’s not feasible and Wifi really isn’t giving you the network performance you need, consider wiring up using an ethernet cable. A wired connection is still the best.
Decent Webcam and Microphone
Second, make sure you have a decent webcam and microphone for a good video and audio quality. Most in-built laptop webcams are OK for this purpose, but audio is not necessarily good to go. As such, I recommend you get an external microphone either standalone or as part of a earpiece / headset to achieve good-quality audio.
Test your Equipment!
Third, before the interview, test, test, and test your equipment. Do a test video call and ensure that all your equipment works well and the overall call quality is great. The last thing you want is to go into an interview and have problems with your internet connection, video or audio. Choppy and unclear video, inaudible audio, or random disconnects is sure to put the interviewer(s) off and dampen your chances of success.
Understand the Touchpoints in Video Conferencing
Compared to face-to-face meetings, virtual meetings have limitations in terms of extent of non-verbal cues and touchpoints between people. For example, as an interviewee, you cannot project a confident first impression by giving a firm handshake and walking with your head high and chest out. This means you should understand the remaining “levers” or touchpoints available to you – and make the best use of them. Interviewing successfully in a post-COVID world requires you to build that understanding.
Attire
Similar to a physical interview, your interview attire is obvious enough in a video conference to influence first impression. In fact, it’s the first thing that interviewers see when you get on video. Therefore, it is key to dress as how you would in a physical interview. The one exception would be your lower body attire, which is typically not visible. In that case, anything you like is fine. Make sure it is truly not visible though!
Voice
One aspect that still persists is your voice. That’s why it’s critical to ensure you have good-quality audio over the call. With that in mind, be sure to speak confidently. That means, speak loudly, clearly, and with a speed that is just right i.e. not too fast nor slow. For video conferencing in particular, consider slowing down a little more than usual to account for lag and choppiness issues.
Eye Contact
Another key aspect is eye contact, which is crucial in building rapport. Unlike in a face-to-face meeting, eye contact in a video conference is difficult to maintain. That’s because you tend to look at the other person on your screen, rather than look at the webcam. From the other person’s viewpoint then, you won’t be looking at him / her directly in the eye. So, when it’s your turn to talk, try to look directly at the webcam to give the other person an impression of eye contact.
Be Mindful if It’s a Physical Interview
Although video meetings are now a norm for interviewing in a post-COVID world, some companies may still request for in-person interviews. In these times when the pandemic is still ongoing, on top of usual interview etiquette, you should also follow a “pandemic etiquette”.
In particular, you should be mindful about behaviors that relate to personal hygiene and social distancing. For instance, wear a mask when you attend the interview. Do not shake hands and instead, use an alternative means to greet your interviewer(s). For instance, consider using a fist-bump instead. Wash or sanitize your hands before and after the interview. And of course, if you’re unwell, postpone the interview – lest you come across as irresponsible.
Are you ready for interviewing in 2021?
Moving into 2021 and the pandemic nowhere near the end, virtual interviews and social distancing measures are here to stay. At least in the foreseeable future. The usual rules of interviewing such as making a great first impression still apply, but one must adapt to rise of virtual interviewing in 2021.
The real question is – how ready are you to ace them?
Risk Manager by Profession, Mentor and Coach by Passion.
Recent Comments