If you’ve been invited to a virtual interview, you’re probably facing a double-whammy of standard interview nerves combined with the stress of doing it all virtually. Interviews can be unsettling as it is, so how do you prepare for one conducted via video conference? Will you be asked different questions? One of our roles as a recruitment agency is to prepare you for the things you’ll face in the recruitment process.
Before we get stuck into the main questions you’ll be asked for office support jobs and more general roles, there are a few other things you should do:
- Showcase you can use the tech: An interview is a way of showcasing your skills. If you’re applying for office support or PA jobs in London, you can’t mess up the technology during the interview!
- Think about the home office area you’ll be interviewed in. Don’t just consider the background. The prospective employer may ask you to show them your home working area.
- Speak slowly, clearly, and in a considered manner. Make sure the lighting is good.
Likely virtual interview questions
Many of the questions you’ll be asked will be similar to an in-person interview. Ensure you’ve prepared for these too. Top virtual interview questions include:
Have you been working during lockdown?
The interviewer won’t want a simple “yes” or “no” answer. Expand and demonstrate how you’ve used your time productively. If you’ve been working from home, you can talk about any work projects you’ve been involved with. If you’ve been furloughed or unemployed, discuss how you’ve used your time for online training, career development, temp work, or volunteering.
How have you adapted to working from home?
It’s okay to say it’s not been plain sailing. What matters is that you have adapted and that you can explain the process of how that happened. Talk about self-motivation, technology, communicating with team members, and how you’ve adapted different processes.
What has been your greatest challenge during the pandemic?
Here, the employer is looking to see how resilient you are, as well as how you’ve coped under stress. Before the interview, think about a challenge you’ve faced and the steps you took to overcome it.
How have you stayed in touch with colleagues and other people during lockdown?
The recruiting manager is trying to uncover how well you’ve communicated during lockdown. They will want to hear about any proactive steps you’ve taken to ensure that homeworking isn’t a barrier to collaboration and teamwork.
What have you learned about yourself?
This is an opportunity for you to showcase how you’ve turned a difficult situation into a positive one. There is no right or wrong answer; the key is to show that you’ve reflected on your abilities and situation and can apply that learning to the future.
Why are you looking for another job now?
There are several elements to this question. Firstly, the interviewer wants to hear that you’re interested in them, not just any job (particularly if you’re job hunting due to redundancy). They also want to feel reassured that you’re a genuine candidate and not just testing the waters with them. Employers need the right person in the role, so explain how you fit in.
Be prepared
Spend time preparing for a virtual interview in the same way you spend time preparing for one in person. If you want to line up some virtual interviews and get started on your new job search, get in touch with us on 020 7870 7177.
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