Physical interviews are being replaced by their digital equivalents. With their help, job seekers can submit their applications without leaving the convenience of their own homes or offices. This is convenient for working professionals who have a full schedule yet want to stay within a short distance.

Online job interviews are rapidly gaining popularity. Some applications require candidates to fulfill requirements before they may be submitted. The length of time these interviews can vary widely from company to company. If you’re going to conduct a virtual consultation, how much time should you give yourself?

Before scheduling a virtual interview, a corporation should evaluate its current technology infrastructure. Timekeeping is substantially less hassle when using a video chat service like Skype (or Google Hangouts).

You may have to rely on them to update you on the time if you contact them via a different medium, such the phone or email.

In this article, we’ll discuss the average length of an online job interview and provide suggestions for passing the time.

What is a virtual interview?

Virtual interviews are becoming increasingly common in today’s workplace. They offer businesses several advantages over traditional one-on-one meetings and allow employees to work together without traveling long distances.

While some companies still use physical interviews, many see virtual interviews as an effective alternative.

A virtual interview is similar to a regular in-person interview, except it happens virtually rather than physically.

Typically, a virtual interview is conducted via telephone, video conference, or remote communication. Companies usually conduct these discussions to save money, reduce employee turnover and increase productivity.

How long does an online job interview take?

Depending on where in the process the candidate is, how many interviewers there are, and what is being evaluated, live virtual interviews can last anywhere from 15 minutes to more than an hour.

Most companies will ask you to complete at least two rounds of questions during your interview. You will likely wait 30 seconds between each game while the interviewer selects the next question.

The time it takes to complete one round varies greatly depending on the type of questions asked. A typical multiple-choice question might only take about five minutes to answer.

However, a behavioral-based interview could take considerably longer. For example, a behavioral interview that includes a situational exercise might last up to 20 minutes.

When conducting a phone interview, you’ll need to ensure you’ve enough time to get through all the questions. You’ll have to reschedule the discussion or start over if you need more time.

If you have trouble keeping track of time during your interview, use a stopwatch application on your computer or phone. You can also set reminders to remind you when time is running out.

If you need to keep track of time, consider asking the interviewer to let you know when they have finished speaking.

What to expect from a virtual interview

A virtual interview is different than a traditional face-to-face meeting because it doesn’t involve physicality. Instead, you’re communicating via audio and video chat. You can talk about anything — like what happened during the day, how you got hired, or why you want the job. And unlike a phone screen, there are no awkward silences.

You should do some things to make sure you look good on camera. First thing first: dress well. Next, practice talking to someone over Skype or another video call app. This way, you will feel relaxed while chatting with your future boss.

Finally, think about what questions you’d ask in person. For example, you should know how much experience the hiring manager has had working with people like you.

How to prepare for a virtual interview

A virtual interview is a great way to learn about potential opportunities without traveling globally. But how do you know if it’s worth it to schedule one? Here are some things to consider before booking a virtual interview.

1. Prepare in advance

The most important thing to do about interviewing is preparation. This applies to both job seekers and employers. If you’re using jobs online, make sure you have some sample resumes.

Think about what you’d like to talk about during the interview, and practice answering those questions ahead of time.

If you’re meeting someone face-to-face, make sure you know what to say and how to act. Don’t just wing it; think about things beforehand.

What do you want to accomplish? Do you want to establish rapport? Be yourself, but don’t overdo it. Remember, people pay attention to you, so keep your body language relaxed and smile often.

2. Wear professional attire

When interviewing remotely, you want to look your best. You don’t want to show up looking sloppy because you didn’t plan.

Before you head into the interview room, think about what outfit you’ll wear. If you’re uncertain, choose something similar to what you’d wear to an in-person interview. Business casual works well here, too.

3. Test your technology beforehand

A computer with a camera and microphone, some sort of interviewing software, and access to the internet are the bare minimum requirements for a successful virtual interview. You’ll need to make sure your computer is up to spec and have access to the appropriate software.

At least one day before your virtual interview with a potential employer, ensure you have tested all of your technology to see if it works effectively and can connect well during a live interview. You want to avoid being caught off guard because something needs to be fixed.

4. Limit distractions

The best place to take an online job interview is in your living room. You want to ensure there aren’t too many distractions — like children running around, pets barking, or neighbors talking loudly — because those things could distract you from answering questions properly.

If you’re interviewing over video chat, try to find somewhere comfortable without furniture or objects blocking the camera lens. Also, keep the background clear and avoid having bright lights directly on the webcam. Finally, make sure the lighting is sufficient enough to see clearly.

5. Use professional body language

Interviewing via video or phone limits your ability to communicate with body language. This includes leaning forward, sitting straight, shaking hands, and making eye contact. These are key components of body language that help you convey professionalism and confidence.

If you get a question that seems out of the left field, remain calm and collected. Take a moment to think about how you want to answer the question. And remember to smile and give a confident wave with eye contact.

6. Be authentic

Recruiters will look for ways to see how you interact with others. They’ll watch your body language, listen to your tone of voice, analyze your facial expressions and notice how you answer questions. If you don’t feel comfortable expressing yourself during the interview, you won’t feel comfortable working there either.

So, practice being yourself. Ensure you’re showing off your strengths and demonstrating how you’d contribute to the team. Also, keep in mind that recruiters are looking for something other than perfectionists. Instead, they want people who can work well under pressure and meet deadlines.

7. Build rapport

Establishing rapport is important to successful job hunting. When you are interviewing remotely, there are several things you can do to make sure you’re establishing a connection with your prospective employer.

When you interview in person, you’ll want to show up well-groomed, dressed appropriately, and ready to answer questions. Your enthusiasm, body language, and handshake create a positive impression.

If you’re looking to apply for a position that requires physical presence, make sure you dress appropriately and prepare ahead of time. Show up clean-shaven and wearing a suit or dress code-appropriate attire. Bring copies of your resume and cover letter. Handwritten notes are always nice too.

Conclusion

Job seekers should aim to keep their virtual job interviews between 30 and 60 minutes.

You may leave a lasting impression on potential employers by being well-prepared for the interview, providing examples in your answers, and following up afterward.

Always keep in mind that less is more when doing interviews online. Therefore, make the most of your opportunity to impress a recruiter if you only have one. Concentrate on expressing your skills and abilities as much as you can. Expect nothing and be ready for everything. And lastly, be who you are!

Are you seeking more help perfecting your resume or conquering the virtual job interview process? Our team of expert resume writers is here to assist you. Contact us today to get started!