Virtual, phone, or pre-recorded interviews have advantages and disadvantages compared with in-person interviews. All of these types of interviews require additional preparation to ensure you will be successful.

Preparations for All Types of Interviews

Phone Interviews

Employers use the phone interview to screen candidates and narrow the pool of candidates who will be invited for face-to-face interviews. It can also be used to conduct interviews with candidates in other locations.

  • Schedule the appointment in advance in order to avoid having to answer an unexpected call. 

  • Confirm details of the appointment and who will be initiating the call.

  • Prepare a quiet, comfortable, and private space for your phone call. Avoid locations with background noises and interruptions. CCE offers interview rooms for phone and virtual interviews.

  • Find a place with good reception and make sure that your phone is sufficiently charged.

  • If it helps you feel more focused, you can dress professionally.

  • Keep your resume and notes close by for reference, but do not read from them. Prepare well before the call so that you can speak conversationally.

  • Have water available.

  • Answer the phone promptly with a professional greeting such as, “Hello this is ___.” 

Virtual Interviews

Purpose

Virtual interviews over Zoom, Skype, Facetime and other online platforms have become increasingly popular. Companies can interview candidates who are far away and save time and travel costs. It is more dynamic than a phone interview because the participants can see each other’s body language and facial expressions.

Virtual Interview Guidance

  • Make sure that your equipment and software are functioning and that you have a reliable internet connection.

  • Find a quiet location with minimal background noise or opportunities for interruption. CCE offers interview rooms for phone and virtual interviews.

  • Dress as you would for an in-person interview

  • Log on a few minutes early to test your equipment and make any necessary adjustments.

  • Place the webcam at eye level so that your head and upper torso are visible. Experiment to find a comfortable and flattering seating position. Check that your face is well lit and that there is nothing distracting in the background.

  • Balance between looking at the camera to simulate eye contact with looking at the screen to check the interviewer’s facial expressions and body language

Phone and Virtual Interview Etiquette

  • At the beginning of the call make sure you understand the caller’s name and title.

  • Ask if the caller can hear you will and make adjustments if not.

  • Convey warmth, energy, and enthusiasm in your voice.

  • Listen carefully to the questions and avoid interrupting.

  • Ask the interviewer to repeat a question if you did not fully hear it.

  • Expect pauses in between when you finish answering a question and another question is asked.

  • Follow up with a thank-you note by email.

Pre-Recorded Video Interviews

Process

As a first-round interview screening, some employers may ask you to record and submit a video of yourself responding to interview questions on a virtual interview platform. The employer will send you instructions about how to access the platform and the timeframe for responding. Sometimes the employer shares the interview questions in advance, and sometimes they do not.

When you access the virtual interview platform, you will be given a short set amount of time to think and prepare your response. The video will begin and you will answer the question. The process continues like this until you have answered all of their questions. You will follow the employer’s instructions to submit the video.

Pre-Recorded Video Interview Tips

  • Review  the online platform’s instructions on how to prepare your equipment and best practices for recording.

  • Check the instructions for details about the amount of time you will have to answer each question and if you have the chance to re-record your answer.

  • Practice answering common interview questions within the allotted time.

  • Outline your answer during the time allotted to prepare a response. You will not have time to script a full answer. Instead, focus on the key points that you want to communicate.

  • Speak clearly and don’t rush through your responses. Make sure that the employer can understand your recorded reply.

  • After submitting your pre-recorded interview, send a note to your contact confirming that you have submitted the recording and thanking them for the opportunity to interview.