You just got an invitation to interview for your perfect internship – congratulations! But, your employer is conducting all interviews virtually. YIKES!
No need to panic. We are going to walk you through a few tips and tricks to ace your virtual interview from head to toe!
Set Your Mindset
- Make sure you have researched the company beforehand and feel comfortable with the position for which you are interviewing.
- Create a calm environment for your interview to take place. Consider things like lighting, items on the walls, and quietness when picking this space.
- Dress professionally for the interview, whether or not your interviewers can see you. This is particularly important if you are interviewing from a more informal space (i.e. home or a dorm room).
- Set up your video or phone equipment 15 minutes beforehand to make sure you are ready to go and not rushing to join the interview.
Want to practice this beforehand? Check out this blog on creating the best video interview environment.
Work on Eye Contact & Virtual Communication
- Complete a mock interview online using interview practice software! This can be a great way to reflect on how you interview virtually and how you can improve. If your school does not provide practice software, schedule a mock interview online or over the phone with one of your career advisors.
- Pay attention to your wording and body language. These small mannerisms are even more important over virtual interview. Try to avoid monotone responses or moving too much while interviewing – stay focused and engaged!
- Don’t eat, drink, or chew anything during your interview.
- If using a webcam, look at your camera instead of your screen. Looking at your screen can appear as if you are not making “eye contact” with your potential employer.
Want to practice this beforehand? Check out virtual interview tools like interview stream, standout, or schedule a virtual practice interview with a career advisor at your schools.
Print Materials & Take Notes
- Print out your resume beforehand and highlight key points about yourself that you would like to convey during your interview.
- Stay engaged throughout the interview by taking notes and asking relevant questions. Make sure that your notes are visible or let your interviewer know that you are taking notes – otherwise they might think that you are not paying attention!
- Keep note of who you are talking to and their position titles. Keep these contacts as resources for your professional network.
Want to practice this beforehand? Check out this UNCG interview guide to learn more about what questions to prepare and how to take great notes during an interview.
Next Steps
- Write a thank you note to the employer via email or mail. Make sure to highlight aspects of the position and interview that stood out to you.
- Save your notes from the meeting to reference later.
- Follow up with your employer if you have not heard back from the position in a few weeks.
Want to practice this beforehand? Check out this blog on writing great thank you notes after internship interviews.
