Whilst not quite the ‘new’ normal these days, business critical roles are still being recruited for using Zoom, Skype and other virtual tools.

This is especially for the earlier stages of interview processes – and first impressions, as always, count.

Despite not getting suited and booted ahead of an in-person meeting at your potential new HQ, thorough preparation is as important as it has ever been.

With that in mind, here are some crucial pointers for making a great first impression from behind your laptop.

1. Do your homework

For any interview, in-person or otherwise, this is crucial.

If using a recruiter, you should have had some notes from them but it’s so easy to Google companies these days and find out about product launches, newsworthy updates, notable hires etc etc.

Have an opinion on the company, the category and your function more broadly – what are the key trends? Who’s doing interesting stuff? It’ll show you’re engaged.

You should also use LinkedIn to find out both about the company but also who you’re meeting online – who knows, you might spot something in their background that you have in common giving you the perfect ice-breaker.

Finally, re-familiarise yourself with the job spec and ask your recruiter what the format will be: relaxed or maybe something more formulaic and competency-based.

2. Prompt Yourself

The beauty of being on screen is you can keep notes/prompts out of view off screen.

Don’t make it obvious but if you lose track or think of something important to say, jot it down and refer back to it when you get chance to.

This sort of ‘hack’ isn’t as easy in person to take advantage of it.

3. Do Not Disturb

Pets, kids, Amazon deliveries… they all interrupt your day and, if in the middle of an interview, your train of thought too.

See if you can hide yourself away for an hour or so in order to get in the zone

4. Tidy Up

Easy enough these days because you can blur your background or even make it look like you’re on a desert island – don’t do that!

If you are proud of your home office and your Feng Shui efforts then show it off… a tidy home equals a tidy mind after all.

5. Fix up, look sharp

As my mother always said, ‘dress for the job you want, not the one you have’. It’s those first impressions again…

If you’ve been wearing shorts and a t-shirt for work then that’s fine but at least wear a shirt with your shorts for this interview!

6. Practice beforehand

We’re all used to virtual calls nowadays. Interviews are different though – you’re meeting someone less familiar than a teammate or family member and nervous habits can creep in.

If you think your eyes wander or you click your pen incessantly when placed under a bit of pressure, maybe think about doing a dry run with a friend. Every little detail helps after all.

Equally, a dry run will also test everything is working ok – your video camera, microphone, Wi-Fi connection etc etc.

Maybe make a quick video call to a friend or family member – it’ll be a nice chance for them to wish you luck anyway.

A bit like being able to hear your own voice on a phone call, watching a mini screen with yourself on it can also throw some people.

You can switch this off with most media these days so as long as all the above is order, your washing pile’s away, your hair’s combed and your shirt’s ironed you won’t need to look at yourself anyway.

7. Keep Calm & Reconnect

If – as it does – tech fails you then drop your recruiter a quick text or send a note to the meeting organiser.

Try to test your connection at least 15-20mins before the call though… there’s nothing worse than getting a message with seconds to spare.

Try to reconnect.

If you can’t suggest 2-3 times that work for you so you can get a call re-arranged asap. Your proactivity in the face of a problem won't go unnoticed.

If you need advice with your career, or to find out how POET helps candidates to prepare for interviews, get in touch here - we'd love to connect.

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