Virtual interviews have become an integral part of the recruitment process in recent years, even when being interviewed in the same city. There are a multiple of reasons why a company would choose to do a virtual interview rather than face-to-face. It’s fast, convenient and allows for a lot more flexibility in scheduling.
Along with Zoom and Google Meet, Microsoft Teams is rising in popularity as a tool that allows you to interview anyone from anywhere. But for many, this could be a new and intimidating method of interviewing.
So here are some ways you can prepare for a Microsoft Teams interview if you’ve never used it before.
Test Your Tech
A great way to start preparing is by ensuring that your computer, internet connection, and webcam are all working properly, and make sure you familiarise yourself with Microsoft Teams, including how to join a meeting, use the chat feature and share your screen.
Quiet and Well-Lit Environment
Choose a quiet and well-lit space for the interview to minimise distractions, as well as making sure the background is clean and professional.
Camera Placement
Position your camera at eye level for a more natural and engaging interaction. Avoid extreme close-ups or having too much empty space above your head in the frame as this can look unprofessional.
Dress Professionally
Dress as you would for an in-person interview to convey professionalism. You could also choose solid colours to avoid distractions to the camera.
Practice with a Mock Interview
A great way of preparing for your upcoming interview is by conducting mock interviews with a friend or family member using Microsoft Teams to get comfortable with the platform. You can practice answering common interview questions while looking at the camera to simulate eye contact.
Share Screen Proficiently
Learn how to share your screen if the interview involves technical discussion or presentations. Practice sharing specific documents or slides relevant to your discussion.
Use Headphones
It’s not always necessary if your background is already quiet but you could also consider using headphones with a microphone to reduce background noise and improve audio quality. Make sure you test your headphones in advance to ensure they are working correctly.
Prepare for Technical Questions
If your interview involves technical aspects, then you should review key concepts related to the position. Be ready to solve problems or answer coding questions using a shared code editor if required.
Have a Backup Plan
Anticipate potential technical issues and have a backup device or communication method (phone) ready in case of problems. Make sure to keep the contact information of the interviewer or recruiter handy.
Engage Actively
Maintain eye contact by looking at the camera when speaking. Use non-verbal cues like nodding to show engagement and interest in the conversation as well.
Research Microsoft Teams Features
Be sure to familiarise yourself with collaboration features like chat, file sharing, and integrations that might be relevant to your potential role just in case they are needed.
Ask About the Interview Format
To be extra prepared, you can reach out to your recruiter beforehand to confirm the interview format and any specific technical requirements.
Remember, a Microsoft Teams interview is not just about your qualifications but also about how well you can navigate and engage in a virtual setting.
Being well-prepared technically and practically will help you present yourself in the best possible light.
Good luck!
