Phone/Virtual Interviews

Tips for Phone and Virtual Interviews

Find a quiet place where there will be no interruptions. You can reserve a room at Smith Career Center to conduct your interview. Call 540-231-6241 to request a room.
Sit at a table or desk to ensure that you stay organized and remain attentive during the interview.
Prepare in advance for certain questions you may be able to expect. Review these common questions that may help you prepare and be more at ease during the interview.
Have questions prepared to ask the interviewer. Review our list of questions that you can ask an employer. Some questions you prepare may be answered during the interview, so have more than a couple to ask.
Do some research about the company or organization before your interview. This will show the interviewer your dedication to the application process and for the organization.
Slow down and breathe during your interview. Take a breath between the interviewer asking you a question and when you start to answer.
Send a thank-you email or letter after your interview. Let the interviewers know you appreciated their time and that you enjoyed the meeting.

Avoid reading a script. If you write out answers for prepared questions, avoid reading them verbatim. You want to have a conversation and not robotic, rehearsed answers.
Have your resume handy. Have your resume and the job posting printed out in front of you. If the interviewer asks something specifically on your resume, you can reference it easily.
Write out key words. You may also want to write out key words on post-it notes to help if you are caught off guard. These key words could include some of your strengths and weaknesses.
Pay attention to the audio quality. When answering questions, be sure to speak clearly into the phone.

Position your camera at eye level. Having the camera sit slightly above your hairline will help you maintain good posture while interviewing, which exudes confidence.
Look directly into the camera. Make eye contact with the interviewer. This means looking at the camera and not the screen. Making eye contact with the camera is critical.
Watch your posture. Because the interview will take place in an area where you are comfortable, it is easy to forget that it is a formal interaction. Avoid slouching, squirming, and looking away from the camera too frequently. When you are in the interview, act like you would in the interviewer’s office.
Manage the background. Find a simple background and set up your camera to capture it. The best image is your head and shoulders against simple backgrounds (not white). The image should not show any of the table. Separate yourself from distractions, such as roommates, pets, and traffic.