How to Ace Virtual Interviews for Accounting Jobs

Tips to Help You Relax and Be Confident Remotely

Whether because you’re searching for accounting jobs in a different state to where you live, or because of the response to COVID-19, it’s likely that you’ll be invited to a virtual interview. This option of a remote ‘in-person’ interview uses technology such as Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom to connect you to the interviewer.

Just as you would when invited to a face-to-face interview, you’ll need to prepare for your accounting interview. You should research the hiring company and prepare a few answers that demonstrate your key skills and experience. But there are also other things you should do to stand out in the virtual world. Here are our top tips to ace your virtual interview.

1. Test Your Tech

As soon as you know which technology will be used to conduct the virtual interview, download the app, and test it. Test your internet connection, your camera and audio settings, and practice a couple of calls with friends to learn how to use the tech effectively.

2. Make Sure You Can Be Seen

Often, your laptop or desktop is in the corner of a room, or against a wall. If this is the case, your face is likely to be shrouded in darkness. You want the interviewer to see you, so invest in a light that lights you from the front.

3. Don’t Forget the Background

It’s important to have a non-cluttered background. If there is a bookcase behind you, ensure that it is tidy and only contains appropriate reading material – books that show your love of accounting and finance jobs.  Your background should reflect a professional, well-organized, professional personality.

4. Dress to Impress

Dress as you would for a face-to-face interview. This will help psychologically put you into ‘interview mode’ and present a good impression. Wear a plain shirt or blouse and understated colors – you want to stand out subtly, so ensure that your clothes contrast with the background.

5. Eliminate Distractions

In an interview room, you’ll have few distractions. When you are interviewing in your home, potential distractions are multiplied. Turn them off or shut them out. Turn off the TV, your cell phone, and the radio. Disconnect a landline phone. Have a family member take the kids to the park. Close the windows to eliminate traffic noise. Do whatever you can to create a quiet space in which you can focus and relax.

6. Be Yourself

It’s not only your experience and qualifications that will get you the accounting job. The hiring manager wants to see the real you. Try to make a connection, and relax into yourself during the interview. Let your confidence shine through, and take care to portray yourself through positive body language. Show your enthusiasm, and make sure you ask questions that demonstrate you have prepared for the interview. Know the company you are interviewing with, and be enthusiastic about building your career with them.

7. Follow Up

After your interview, always follow up. This is best done around 12-24 hours after the day of the interview. Email the interviewer and thank him or her for their time. Confirm how much you want the job, and quote the interview – this will demonstrate that you were focused and engaged throughout.

This follow-up is a chance to market yourself a third time (following your resume and the interview) and reconfirm how your strengths complement the role. It’s also a chance to ask any questions you wish answered (never ask about salary or benefits at this stage!).

Finally, if there was a personal connection made between you and the interviewer, don’t be afraid to mention it in passing. Remember, though, you need to pack all this in a short email. You’re not writing War and Peace. Keep it concise and get your point across quickly.

Summing Up

Virtual interviews are becoming more common. It’s essential that you prepare as diligently as you would for a face-to-face interview, but there are also extra steps you should take to stand out from your competition. Make sure you can be seen and that your background and appearance reflect your professionalism. Ensure that your tech won’t let you down. Do all this, and your follow-up will be met with enthusiasm.
For the best accounting jobs in Atlanta, get in touch with 6 Degrees Group today. Either by phone or email. We can then arrange to meet – face-to-face or virtually – to discuss your career confidentially.

Take the next step in your job search today