If you have had many virtual interviews you probably already know what to expect. Perhaps, this is your first time having a virtual interview and you are not sure what’s in store. In this blog, I will cover what not to do or say during a virtual interview so you can exit the call knowing you left your best impression.
DON’T BE TOO CASUAL
I’d encourage loosening up during a one-on-one interview. It shows you are professional but not uptight and able to relax. This does not mean joining the meeting room and greeting your interviewer like “What’s up bro”. Keep in mind you can be genuinely yourself while maintaining a professional image and that goes for the way you dress as well.
NEVER LIE
You should never lie during an interview. I understand if you feel the need to lie out of necessity, maybe you really need the money and a white lie can’t hurt, right?
Unfortunately, that isn’t the case, when you say you have a skill or ability and that’s not the truth you are setting yourself up for failure when it comes to actually performing the job and its tasks. Aside from that if caught lying, which will most likely happen, it can make you look unprofessional, untrustworthy, and overall bad.
I once conducted an interview with a young woman, she was engaged during the interview, had a nice personality, and had a decent amount of work experience.
Unfortunately, she didn’t have all the skills required for the position but I thought I would give her a chance anyway as I felt her eagerness and good attitude to work could speak for her. When asked if she had any experience or knowledge of the software she was expected to use, she studdered and claimed “uh yes I actually do know a little bit.” I was surprised as I’d already assumed she didn’t so, I proceeded to ask her to elaborate on her experience.
She hesitated for a second and said, “Well… it was a tiny bit so I don’t really remember much, honestly… it wasn’t that much.” To me, it seemed like she tried to lie, and then she regretted it and tried to backpedal, although she was a good candidate I no longer felt comfortable moving her forward. This is why I believe the best thing you can do during an interview, virtual or not, is be honest.
NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT PAST JOBS
Constantly bad-mouthing your previous company can make you seem like the problem especially if you have negative comments on more than one of your past jobs. I get it, there are companies with terrible work environments and sometimes we have bad bosses, supervisors, or managers, but if you have an issue at every job it’s a definite red flag.
Of course, it depends on the way you express yourself and the context. For example, during interviews, I will often ask, “why did you leave your previous job?” or “why do you hop around jobs a lot?” This would be a more appropriate time to talk about any problems you had with your previous employer if that’s the case and in a professional manner, of course.
WHY ARE YOU JOB HUNTING
The reason you are looking for a new opportunity can, at times, say a lot about you. One we have been hearing a lot lately here at the figurative office is, “They want us back at the office at my current job and I want to work remotely.” I’m of the firm belief that if a job can be done from home there is no reason it shouldn’t be allowed but if that’s your main or only reason it’s not a good sign, especially if you have only been at the company for a short time.
A better reason would be if you needed a higher salary, a really good reason is if you are looking for growth opportunities. Depending on your reason you can convey yourself in a certain way.
If you make note of these things and consider them when preparing for your next virtual interview I’m sure it’ll go well. I hope this information is valuable and helps you land your next remote job but if you want more tips please consider reading this great blog by my colleagues Ruben Murillo and Airelle Arellano. “How to Succeed in a Virtual Interview”
This blog was written by the staff at Ventes Mexico LLC Ventes Mexico is a top-rated outsource recruitment firm located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Founded by an American, with 16 years of living in Mexico, Ventes Mexico operates in the USA and Mexico. The company specialized in remote staffing and headhunting. Each of its employees is 100% bilingual (English/Spanish).
