Congratulations, if you are reading this you have more than likely impressed a client with your CV and personal profile and are now preparing yourself for the virtual interview process!

Virtual interviews can be daunting but as you will be a purely remote worker, it is the only way that you will work and communicate with your potential future client so it is important to make a great first impression and sell yourself!

We have put together six of the top tips we recommend taking on board ahead of your remote Virtual Assistant interview.

Test Technology

One of the most stressful parts of an online interview is the thought of a technical error. Unfortunately, at times, technology does fail us, so our team will understand if you have had an emergency but having issues due to something that could have been sorted in advance does not reflect very well on the selected candidate.

Before your interview make sure you are in the best possible spot with the strongest wifi connection. Our interviews usually take place on Zoom, so it is essential to ensure you have the software downloaded and can easily access the meeting room. Other elements to check include if your microphone is working ok and if you need to wear headphones.

Dress For Success

Although the interview will take place in a virtual setting, it is still important to look the part just as you would do for a face-to-face interview. Not only will dressing for the part make you look professional but it will also get you in the right mind frame for the interview. It might be a blazer, a shirt or a dress that you decide to wear, but it should be something you feel comfortable in and won’t be fidgeting at during the call.

Check Your Environment

It is important to not only present yourself well but also your surroundings and your working environment. Having a clean background might not stand out to an interviewer but a messy one will. Although the interviewer will be understanding that you will be working from home, which for many means in their bedroom or kitchen and not an office space, it is still important to tidy up as much as possible.

Good Lighting

For any type of video call, natural lighting usually works best. Try not to have your back to a window though as this sort of set-up means you more than likely won’t be clearly visible. Although it might seem like an obvious one, a clean camera lense can make the world of difference on a call by increasing your visibility and only takes a quick second to wipe down before you jump on the video call. 

Prepare In Advance

Ahead of the interview, it is vital to study the company you are interviewing for to have the best chance of success. Be familiar with the information we have provided in the job description which will include an overview of what they do, the types of skills and expertise they require and how you can support them with the Virtual Assistant role they are looking to fill.

Not only is it important to be familiar with your future client and the work the company does but being confident with your own CV & any skills/experience you listed on your application form is non-negotiable and should be something you can discuss inside and out. Remember, your interview is your chance to shine - so prepare for it with a tailored piece about yourself that showcases your skills, accomplishments and unique value proposition that you would really like the interviewer to know about you

Show Up On Time

First impressions are everything and showing up late for an interview does not set a good tone for your future client. Before the actual interview begins, you may need to join a waiting room or input login details, so give yourself enough time to get started and set up. We always recommend candidates log on to the virtual meeting platform and be ready for the interview 10 minutes ahead of the scheduled time.

Ensuring you have taken our six tips on board, as well as organising a test run ahead of the virtual VA interview with a family member or friend, will ensure that you are ready to go and make the best first impression!

If you have any further questions, we are always here to help! Send us an email at support@virtualassistants.ie and we will do our best to try and help you