Two years ago, almost every aspect of our daily lives changed. Employers had to adapt to a virtual setting, not only with their current employees but also with hiring new employees. Thus, virtual interviewing became the new norm. Fast-forward to today; a recent graduate can expect both interview settings when applying to positions, as employers decide what works best for their company. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of virtual and in-person interviews and how to tackle both like a pro.
Virtual Interviews
Pros: quick process, schedule flexibility, increased employee involvement, less cost
Cons: Body language and non-verbal cues can be tough to decipher, may face technical issues, distractions, if the job is in person, interviewees do not get to tour the facility.
Tips: Virtual interviews might be flexible and cost-effective, but it can often be harder to convey attentiveness. Practice maintaining eye contact beforehand by looking at your computer’s camera and not the person on the screen. Test your technology ahead of time to ensure no updates are needed, and everything works properly.Even though you are remote, still dress for success to feel more confident during the interview. Also, think about your environment and what kind of background the employer may see. Going to a more professional area can also help to feel like you are actually going to the interview. And while it might be nice to have a cheat sheet to the side, still practice your notes ahead of time, so you do not feel the need to rely on the sheet.
In-person Interviews
Pros: body language, more in-depth connections, get to experience the employer environment and culture, greater commitment to participate
Cons: Time consuming, expensive, physical impression bias, harder vetting process.
Tips: while in-person interviews are as old as time, there are still new ways to ensure your interview is the best yet. Arrive at the destination early, but not too early; ten minutes is a good rule of thumb. Practice your elevator speech and what stories or projects you definitely want to highlight. Think about telling these stories using the S.T.A.R. method (situation, task, action, and result). You also want to finalize any plans for traveling beforehand, whether that be planning the route you will take or if you take public transportation where you need to be to ensure you get to the interview on time. Lastly, hone in on your posture and body language and how employers might interpret both.
Become a pro
Interviewing in any setting can be challenging, but the more you prepare, the more confident you are in conveying that you are the right person for the position. Still not feeling optimistic about either environment? Head down to the Breen Center for more information about both in-person and virtual interviews. Our coaches are here to help you take on any type of interview and answer any questions you may have, so we all can become interviewing rockstars.
