Over the past 18 months, virtual meetings have become a ‘big deal’ and even as the majority of people have returned to some normality in their working lives, the Virtual Interview is here to stay!

From a Recruiter’s point of view this is great news – a way of speeding up the recruitment process, keeping potential candidates engaged, not waiting weeks on end for clients to synchronise diaries for when they will be in the same office at the same time, and less excuses from candidates about their cars breaking down (always happens on the day of an interview btw!).  It can even mean more candidates get a shot at a first interview as the process is so time effective…

They do however have some disadvantages which almost all fall in the disfavour of the interviewee.  So with over 60% of all first stage interviews now being carried out on a virtual platform, here are a few hints and tips on how to avoid those potential pitfalls:

BEFORE

• Always accept the inbox invitation as soon as it is received rather than wait until just before the meeting. In addition to common courtesy, this also shows your keenness to attend, interest in the opportunity and avoids any doubt as to whether you have received the details and/or will attend.
• Ensure you have the correct app or platform downloaded in good time and check that it works! Practice calling a friend or family member beforehand for peace of mind.
• Set your device up in a tidy, quiet space with good lighting. Ensure there is nothing offensive or embarrassing in the background (don’t be caught out by reflections in mirrors displaying  the pile of dirty washing you thought you had moved out of sight!).
• Do Not Disturb – tell everyone in your household that you are not to be disturbed, turn off any notification alerts on all devices, pause the washing machine and shut any pets (and children) out of the room.
• Dress to impress – and not just your top half! Treat the virtual interview in the same way you would treat a normal face to face meeting.  You only get one chance to make a first impression.
• Ensure the internet connection is strong and the battery is fully charged on your device.
• As with any interview, be PREPARED! Have a copy of the job spec and your CV to hand and anticipate the most likely questions – this is something your recruiter can help you with.
• If you don’t already know how to ‘screen share’ in order to present your CV or other documents, you should master this skill just in case!

DURING

• Arrive online early – its good practice to be waiting online before the host arrives.
• Ensure the camera is ON and mute is OFF.
• Make small talk – just as you would when you are met in reception by your interviewer at a face to face interview. Sitting in silence whilst waiting for other interviewers to arrive can be awkward.  This is an opportunity to show a glimpse of your personality, which isn’t always easy on a screen!
• Make sure you look into the camera rather than the screen itself.
• Avoid slouching in your chair – this could portray disinterest.
• Try not to be too ‘familiar’ with the interviewees – whilst you may be sat in your home, your ‘safe place’ and where you feel most comfortable, it is all too easy to become overly relaxed in both body language and speech. Be mindful throughout.
• Pause before and after speaking to avoid talking over others.

AFTER

• Double check you are definitely disconnected before you let out a sigh of relief (or worse)!

We hope this information is helpful.

If you are currently seeking a new opportunity, or if you are not quite there yet, but would like a career chat, then please Contact Us  to talk through your options, the market and anything in between.

Super Power

Teleportation - I’d love the ability to just be anywhere without the hassle of travelling

If you were an animal.

As much as I want to say Panda, the honest answer would probably be a duck- seemingly fine on the surface but flapping like crazy underneath.

Biggest regret

Not taking the opportunity to travel more in my younger years

Biggest hope

Winning the lottery!

Celebrity dinner guests

Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Stone, Melissa McCarthy, Hugh Jackman, Bradley Cooper and David Beckham- they seem like they would be a nice fun bunch!

Dream job

Sports journalist, specifically football.

Last supper

Roast lamb with all the trimmings

Karaoke song

Nope

Super Power

Being able to fly

If you were an animal.

Shark

Biggest regret

Not doing my dream job when I had the chance

Biggest hope

Buy a villa to retire to in Zakynthos

Celebrity dinner guests

Barack Obama, Dave Grohl, Jurgen Klopp, Ryan Reynolds, Scarlett Johansson

Dream job

Scuba Diving Instructor in the Caribbean

Last supper

Fillet steak and a bottle of Charles Melton Nine Popes

Karaoke song

We built this city - Starship

Super Power

Mind reading

If you were an animal.

Family dog Murphy what a life!!

Biggest regret

None so far…

Biggest hope

A wild card into the Wimbledon main draw!!

Celebrity dinner guests

Michael Jordon, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Barac Obama, Helena Christensen Dame Judy Dench, Kelly Slater.

Dream job

Pro Surfer

Last supper

Scallops to start, Steak for main, banoffee pie to finish.

Karaoke song

Never forget – Take That

Super Power

Mind control

If you were an animal.

Domestic Cat, although I prefer dogs cats have a great life.

Biggest regret

Not buying some Bitcoin 10 years ago

Biggest hope

All cancer irradiated

Celebrity dinner guests

Steven Gerrard, Peter Kay, Bruce Lee, Liam Gallagher, President Obama, Stephen Fry, Noel Fitzpatrick The Super Vet, Mohamed Ali, Cameron Diaz.

Dream job

Premier league manager, only job you can be awful in and get paid millions when you are sacked.

Last supper

Steak and chips followed by Lemon Cheese cake.

Karaoke song

Suspicious Minds - Elvis

Super Power

To be able to Fly – holidaying would be much easier!

If you were an animal.

An eagle

Biggest regret

No regrets!

Biggest hope

To tick off all the travel destinations on my bucket list

Celebrity dinner guests

Russell Brand, Mat Fraser, Leo DiCaprio, Chris Hemsworth, Joe Wicks

Dream job

Travel blogger

Last supper

Sushi

Karaoke song

Mr Brightside – The Killers

Cavendish Maine have been a fantastic partner to work with during our recruitment drives. They have been thoroughly professional, genuine and has put forward amazing candidates making it extremely hard for us to choose at final stages! Highly recommended! I look forward to putting to the team the challenge of our next hire soon!

I found Cavendish Maine to be very professional. They have excellent knowledge and intuition in relation to finding and placing the right candidates with the right company. I would be happy to recommend Cavendish Maine to any other companies.