UNLV Career Handbook - Magazine - Page 41
Virtual or Phone Interview Tips
Phone and virtual interviews are used to screen candidates
early in the interview process as a streamlining technique
before inviting candidates for an on-site interview. They can
be with one person or a panel of people and can last anywhere
from 10 minutes to one hour.
• Give yourself a minimum of 30 minutes when scheduling
your interview. You do not want to cut the interviewer
off or rush through your interview because you have not
allocated enough time in your schedule.
• Resist the urge to look at your video and focus instead
on the interviewer. Avoid wandering eyes.
• Keep your camera on for the entire video.
• Use positive body language, including good posture,
hand gestures, and facial expressions, just as you would
for an in-person interview.
In-Person Interview Tips
• Dress professionally and be well-groomed.
• Arrive at least 10 minutes early for your interview.
• Make sure your phone or laptop is fully charged or is
plugged in.
• Bring extra copies of your resume and your
reference list.
• Create a quiet place free of distractions from pets, visitors,
television, children, or other phone calls. If necessary, you
may use the Career Services & Workforce Development
facilities for your interview.
• Carry a portfolio for taking notes or carrying handouts.
• Have your resume, job description, questions for the
interviewer, pen, paper, and other prepared notes in front of
you. However, do not get distracted by shuf昀氀ing documents
during the interview.
• Make a note of everyone on the other end of the interview
when they introduce themselves and use their names
throughout the interview whenever possible.
• Present positive body language by smiling and making
eye contact.
• Shake hands to make a good impression and remember
and use people’s names.
• Treat everyone with whom you come in contact
respectfully, including the front-desk receptionist.
• Make small talk easily so you will come across as
easy-going and relaxed.
• Do not interrupt your interview to take another call during
a phone interview.
REFERENCES & RECOMMENDATIONS
• Be aware that walking around the room may affect
your signal.
References are people who can attest to your professionalism,
character, and quali昀椀cations. They should know you well
and have a positive perception of you to share with anyone
requesting this information.
• Answer the call with your name to avoid an awkward start
to the interview.
• Smile when you talk — the interviewer will hear
your enthusiasm.
• You cannot count on clues from an interviewer’s body
language, so avoid being too long-winded. Pauses are a
normal part of phone interviews and are often because the
interviewer is trying to avoid interrupting you. Stay focused,
calm, and friendly.
Additional Virtual Interview Tips
• Create a professional username.
• Set up your camera to view an area that is neat, clean,
and ideally has neutral decor.
• Adjust lighting in the room to highlight your face from
the front.
• Avoid using a virtual background.
• Test your audio and video before your interview to make
sure your equipment is working properly.
• Make sure you have a strong internet connection.
• Do a trial run with a friend or family member, so that you
can make sure your equipment is working.
Most jobs request 3 references. When providing references,
it is best to create a separate document formatted in the style
of your resume with your contact information at the top of the
page. The document should be titled "References." List each
individual's name, job title, company, phone number, and email
address. At times, employers will also ask you to include your
relationship with the reference.
Recommendations are actual letters written on your
behalf. They attest to your successes, character, and
accomplishments. The information should include the
person's title and organization, how they know you and for
how long, and a brief evaluation of your skills. They should
provide a direct statement of their recommendation of
you for the organization.
You should seek out recommendations early to allow time for
individuals to respond or to 昀椀nd replacements if they decline.
Some professionals are too busy or don't feel comfortable
expressing this if they don't know you well enough.
• Log in at least 昀椀ve minutes early so you can be calm and
centered when the interview begins.
• Dress professionally from head to toe as you would
for an in-person interview. Doing so will make you feel
more con昀椀dent.
INTERVIEWING
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