Preparing for a virtual job interview

Preparing for a virtual job interview

Mark Smith:
Good afternoon, Jess.

Jess:
Hello.

Mark Smith:
Now, I would normally be sitting in the same office together in Sydney, and I just happen to be here in Melbourne this week. It's been typical Melbourne weather, about to absolutely chuck it down. It was sunny about two minutes ago. Is it ironic or serendipitous that we're talking about virtual interviews virtually when we're normally face-to-face? Tell me more. What tips do you have for those watching today on virtual interviews?

Jess:
Yes, so essentially, we have three key tips that I would give to my candidates on a daily basis. Over the last year, two years, we've seen that the world of work has gone fully online, so we're having to fully adapt that interview process. The first key tip I tell my candidates is essentially to really set the scene. Make sure that you've got no distractions, no kids around you, no TV playing in the background. Make sure you are the center of the frame, and they can see at least your head and shoulders. You really want to make sure it's like a virtual conversation as if they were in person.

Jess:
Dress to impress. Just because it's a virtual interview doesn't mean you don't need to make an effort. Set yourself aside from the other applicants. Wear that blazer, a nice blouse, suit and tie. It will set you apart from the other applicants for that job interview. The final thing is to prepare. Do your research on the role you're applying for, reread your resume, reflect back on the job description. Make sure you are doing as much preparation as you can so that it's a cohesive conversation.

Jess:
Those would be my main tips.

Mark Smith:
Fantastic, three very important tips. Virtual interviews are ubiquitous now. The first part of every process tends to be a virtual interview. How's the market in Sydney?

Jess:
Well, the market is buoyant. In legal support, there are so many jobs and a lot of need for it. Many jobs coming in, but not as many candidates to fill them. We're slowly seeing an increase in working holiday makers. People are eager to get in there, and there's a lot of choice for legal support candidates.

Jess:
If anybody is interested in getting into legal support, send your resume to me at jessica@people2people.com.au or contact me on 0282709750.

Mark:
Great to see you again, even though it's virtual, Jess. I'll see you in the office next Tuesday. Thanks for joining us again.

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Season One

Join Mark Smith and people2people team as we bring you all of the hottest job opportunities across Australia. This week, we discuss how to prepare for a virtual job interview and share some tips. We will also take a look at some of our urgent jobs across Australia in Fill Jobs Friday.

Mark, a qualified Accountant, began his career with Deloitte in the late 1980’s. In 1994, he decided to make a career change to the recruitment industry. During his early recruitment career with two listed recruitment entities, Mark recruited and managed teams in both temporary and permanent disciplines in the Sydney, Brisbane and London markets.

In February 2005, Mark established people2people with Manda Milling and Simon Gressier. Mark is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), a member of the Recruitment & Consulting Services Association (MRCSA) and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD).​