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What should we be careful with since interview now becomes virtual?

Online interview
New answer on Jul 23, 2020
6 Answers
1.1 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jul 21, 2020

What should we be careful with since interview now becomes virtual?

Overview of answers

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Christine
Admin
replied on Jul 22, 2020
PrepLounge Community & Marketing Manager
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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 23, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello! My toughts here:

BEFORE

  • Prepare your workspace
  • Try the program you are going to use: download and do a trial with a friend
  • Have the number of the IT person from the company who could help you in case of tech problems
  • Have a back-up devise ready in case yours decides to not work (classic!)
  • Have a back-up wifi opportunity (e.g., hotspot from your phone)
  • Have a printed copy of your CV handy

DURING

  • The morning before, ensure you have paper & pen, as well as your copy of the CV
  • Turn off all electronic devices
  • Ensure you will not be disturbed (even pets!)
  • Look at the camera when speaking, not down to your note

AFTER

  • Ensure you send a thank you note to HR/interview

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Anonymous B replied on Jul 21, 2020

Everything that you would be careful of in F2F plus:

- appropriate / professional backgound

- WiFi speed

- Quiet area without distractions

- Avoiding reliance on non-verbal cues

- Most importantly - not focussing on your own reflection in the Zoom call (can be a major distraction) :)

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Anonymous replied on Jul 22, 2020

Dear A,

In addition to all your preparations that should be for your traditional interview like case, fit questions and qurstion for the interviewer, please be prepared with the following:

- Good internet connection. If you don't have this opportunity at home^ find an appropriate place

- Good light

- Proper sound, I would ecommend you to use an earphones

- No distractions. It wouldn't be good neither for your to concentrate, nor for the interviewer

- Proper office look. Put a button shirt at least.

Wish you best of luck,

André

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 22, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi,

Very good question!

1) Make sure you have a good + working headset

2) Make sure your camera works

3) Setup a space without distracting items/activity behind you

4) Make sure you have a good internet connection AND be prepared to hotspot with your phone

5) Test the videoconferencing platform/tool a day before (to make sure it's installed, compatible, etc.)

6) Login 10 minutes before to prevent any issues

Good luck!

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 22, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

This is what I usually recommend for video calls:

  • Prepare the place for the call. A quiet environment is a must-have. Also, be sure that there is not strange stuff in the background!
  • Prepare on the wall in front of you all the material you need (structures, tips for fit part, etc) so you won't have to look for it during the interview/ won't make it clear you are reading it
  • Smile during the call. It is an excellent way to express energy
  • Use numbers when communicating your structure. This will make easier for the interviewer to follow you, since they probably cannot see your notes. As an example:“In order to help our client, I would like to focus on three main areas. First, I would like to focus on [FIRST TOPIC], secondly on [SECOND TOPIC], finally on [THIRD TOPIC]. Let me start with the first one."
  • Prepare your own questions. Relevant questions at the end are a great way to show your interest in the company and get additional points. This is particularly important in a phone/video interview, as the interviewer will naturally connect less with you. In the first reply at the link below you can find some tips on the ideal questions to ask at the end of your call: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/open-house-at-bcg-311

Best,

Francesco

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