Virtual interviews — Do’s and Don’ts

This is a checklist of 13 things you need to do (or shouldn't do) right before the interview for a smooth virtual interview experience.

1. Ensure the interview link is working: Virtual interviews usually would take place on a video conferencing platform like Zoom or Google meet, etc. Check if the link has been shared and ensure it’s working 10 minutes before the interview time to get you an ample amount of time to reach out to the recruiter and sort it out.
2. Reconfirm the interview details: Job hunters would be often attending multiple interviews in a day and the last thing that should happen is get into one assuming the wrong company. You can go through the meeting invite to be clear about the company name, whether it’s a technical or non-technical round, how long the interview is going to be, whether you need to take it from the laptop itself, and whether you need to be prepared with some installation, etc.
3. Recollect previous communications: Recollect who were the previous interviewers, how it went, what was the previous rounds about, were there any assignments submitted, previous interview feedback, etc. I keep an Excel sheet to track all these details and I think it’s a good idea to keep everything noted right after every interview. Often I have come across interviewers asking these questions at the start of the interview.
4. Remember the names: Name of persons who are going to take the interview & those who took the previous interviews, and the HR or recruiter who is in touch with you and anybody who is relevant. Who doesn’t love to be remembered? If you got a bad memory with names like I do, then your probably should note down the names like in an Excel sheet or in your notepad against the company name.
5. Join early if not on time: Some interviewers could get offended that you are not respecting their time if you run late. If you stumple upon some unforeseen scenario or for any reason if you do get late, offer an apology politely and explain the reason (if it’s a valid reason) in a single sentence (Don’t make it too long and make it seem like an excuse).
6. What if the interviewer is late? Wait for a few minutes, typically for 3–5 mins max and give a call to your point of contact for the interview. If they are not available over call, reply to them via email.
7. “Waiting for someone to let in” or “Please wait, the meeting host will let you in” scenario: Sometimes the interviewer might forget to notice that he/she has to let you in and might actually think you are making them wait while you yourself are also waiting. This is a more often happening scenario to me, so if the meeting has already started and somebody has to let you in, wait for 2 minutes tops and give a call or drop a mail just like in point 6.
8. Do not schedule interviewes without at least 15 mins gap between them: Often interviews exceed the set time by a few minutes especially if there was a delay in starting the interview on time. Even though it’s fair it won’t look good to inform the interviewer that you are running out of time and you need to end the interview asap. Even after that if the interview is going to overlap with another, inform to the current interviewer at least 2 mins in prior to the next interview scheduled time.
9. Always be ready to smile on camera: Assume that the call is going to be on video and be groomed and presentable. Thumb rule whether to turn the video on or off is that turn it on if the interviewer has it on or unless asked by the interviewer. If you don’t have a good background at home, blur the background or change it to something else if that feature is available (Available in Google meet/Hangouts and Zoom).
10. Be prepared for network & power failure: Avoid low reception areas, prefer Wifi connection if not LAN over a mobile hotspot, and have a mobile hotspot as backup just in case your Wifi connection gets interrupted. Always ensure that your laptop is enough charged, if there is a long power cut and no back up and you are worried about laptop getting turned off midway — it’s better to reschedule the interview mentioning the reason or keep the interviewer informed about this at start. Either scenario, if gets disrupted and you are getting late to connect back, call the interviewer (if you have the number) or the point of contact and keep them informed about the delay.
11. Expect to share your screen: Most technical interviews might involve sharing your screen so even if it is not mentioned just be prepared for it. Ensure to keep your personal windows minimized, open the interview link in a separate window as share that window alone if possible. Basically, avoid sharing anything that is not related to the interview as people could judge you based on various factors.
12. Avoid external disturbances as much as possible: For example, inform your family or flatmates that you are joining a call and will be busy for sometime, or ask the delivery guy to leave the package outside the door or with security, keep phone in silent, etc. If the scenario is unavoidable, inform the interviewer and mute & turn off video and attend to it.
13. Be in a good spot: Choose a corner space in your room if your room is shared else close the door before starting the interview. Have a good lighting such that your face looks bright, nobody get impressed by a a dull face. Though both of these has nothing to do with the interview directly, it can affect the impression you create in the interviewer mind. Chose a space where you are comfortable but not as comfortable as in a bean bag or bed, always use a table.

Have a great interview and best wishes !!