Do you treat a virtual interview the same as you would an in-person interview? If you are wondering what to expect from this process in the virtual realm, you are in luck because today is all about the virtual interview process.

 

I spend a portion of time in my business helping entrepreneurs hire their support teams. I see lots of people come through the interview process, and I wanted to give you a heads up on best practices for interviewing. Lots of you are in the contractor space, and I want you to be able to apply with confidence. We are going to cover my best tips for before, during, and after the interview process.

 

Prepare

Preparation is key. I hate to see great quality people disqualified because of lack of preparation. Remember, you won’t get to show off your skill sets, abilities and personality unless you make it through the interview process.

 

Review Your Social Profiles

Prepare by looking at your social media profiles. Everyone you interview with will be checking you out on Facebook and LinkedIn. Use common sense about what you post so that you are representing yourself in a way that you would want someone new to your circle to see you. Alternatively, you could lock down your social media profiles.

 

You need to have a Facebook business page at minimum, and I want that page to be a great representation of your best work. Make sure you:

• Have the demographic info filled out
• Have a link to your website
• Make sure your about section is consistent and current on both LinkedIn and Facebook

 

Make sure you have a robust LinkedIn profile that is up to date, and that your best work is highlighted. Employers are checking both Facebook and LinkedIn to get a sense of who you are, and to validate your professional background.

 

Make sure your website is up to date; particularly your about page. It should be consistent with your Facebook business page and your LinkedIn profile. You can give the most information about yourself on this page and communicate your values.

 

“One of the easiest ways to get in the door with an entrepreneur in a small business is to share the same value set.”

 

When you get on an interview call, they will ask you to introduce yourself. Script it out, and practice what you are going to say. This is the most predictable question you will have in an interview, and I want you to nail it.

Stalk the Company

Spend your time doing research on the company. Do your fact finding on their website and social media. Understand exactly what they offer. Learn about the leader, their values, and what their progression in business has been. This will help you in the interview, and it will naturally come through in the process. 

 

Learn about their current offers. I often ask interviewees for feedback on a company's current offers to see if they have done any research on their part. As you are looking through, find opportunities that you could recommend to them. 

 

“Every single person who is hiring right now is looking for solutions.”

 

Ace the Final Round Review the Job Description

Before you get on the interview, review the job description. Pay attention to the skills, responsibilities and values that the company is looking for, and reflect that language back to them. If you can come to that interview knowing what you can provide to them, this will be a game changer. What would be your 30 day goals? If you can articulate this in an interview, you will be a stand out candidate.

 

“How do you plan to provide a return on investment for the role you are in?”

 

Pro Tip: When you are filling out an application, screenshot your answers and review them before you get into an interview situation. I want you to leverage the answers you’ve provided.

 

The Interview

Do not disqualify yourself by showing up unprofessionally. You are being interviewed to provide leadership in a business, so you need to look professional. Know who you are interviewing with, and dress appropriately (even though you are doing the interview virtually). 

 

• Dress appropriately
• Do your hair 
• Be aware of your background
• Schedule a time where kids/family members will not interrupt you

 

Harness Your Energy

Show some enthusiasm and energy. Entrepreneurs are looking for people who are passionate about our businesses and can share the same zest that we have for our businesses. 

 

“Show up as a polished candidate and you will be a candidate that they cannot refuse.”

 

Weekly Ops Activity

Update your social media business page. Make sure your bio is updated, update graphics, contact information and services before Episode 51 of the Ops Authority podcast drops.

 

Other Ways to Connect with Me:

Website

Private Facebook Community

Facebook Page

Instagram

This episode was first published at theopsauthority.com/podcast/50.