Back to top

Encompass® Insurance Insights & Articles



Virtual Interview

With many professionals now working remotely, the job interview has moved online as well. Rather than meeting in person, employers are adopting a virtual model that allows interviews to take place anywhere, at any time.

Thanks to new video conferencing technology, conducting interviews online can save time and increase efficiency. While virtual interviews offer a number of benefits (convenience being top of the list), many interviewers and interviewees aren't familiar with this relatively new process. Learn a few simple tips to help make the most of these virtual meetings.

A woman recruiter on video-conference screen.

Building Rapport

In a traditional in-person setting, building rapport is a key component to a successful interview. For the employer, this means giving the potential hire the chance to try to make a connection. Interviewees shouldn't be afraid of letting their personality show. This is a situation where standing out in a crowd is a good thing!

When interviews are virtual, this means being prepared to discuss a common interest, or having a neutral topic in mind to spark conversation. Since you'll be interacting online, both participants should be aware that internet connection issues may cause lags in the conversation. If a glitch means you're speaking at the same time, treat it with a measure of humor and move on.

Body Language Awareness

In a face-to-face interview, body language is key. Those unspoken cues help an interviewer form an impression of the potential employee that goes beyond words.

When interviewing online, reading body language is a bit different... but it's still important. It may not be quite as easy to gauge a candidate through a screen but interviewers can still take notice of a candidate's behavior. Are they sitting up straight or slumping? Does their facial expression exude confidence and enthusiasm?

For interviewees, this means focusing on the camera in order to maintain "eye contact," rather than looking at the image of the interviewer on the screen. This may feel strange, but you'll come across as attentive and engaged.

Tips for Interviewing On-Camera

When it comes to interviewing (and being interviewed), some things never change: Preparation is still key. This may mean taking the time to get used to asking questions over a laptop, rather than in person. If you're not comfortable in front of the camera, practice a bit with fellow colleagues or close friends.

For interviewees, get ready by coming up with answers to commonly asked questions. Your goal is to be able to answer succinctly, using three or four sentences to get your point across.

What if the interview gets "photobombed"? Both participants should prepare for the possibility of a barking dog in the background, a child interrupting the interview, or other "work from home" distractions. Rather than reacting with embarrassment or frustration, use the distraction as an opportunity. An interviewer can gauge how the potential hire reacts, and the interviewee can give a real-life demonstration of how they've adapted to remote work.

Virtual interviews may involve a learning curve, but remote hiring offers many benefits. By adapting to this new approach, employers and job candidates can safely and effectively navigate the recruitment and hiring process.


A group of Encompass agents

Customer Centric. Agent Focused.

Our simple, tailored approach to coverage offers powerful benefits to you and your clients.

Become an Agent

The general information contained in The Encompass Blog is provided as a courtesy, and is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The contents of this website are subject to periodic change without notice. Information provided on The Encompass Blog is not intended to replace official sources. Although attempts will be made to ensure that the information is accurate and timely, the information is presented "as is" and without warranties. Information contained on The Encompass Blog should not be mistaken for professional advice. Information contained herein should not be considered error-free and should not be used as the exclusive basis for decision-making. Use of website information is strictly voluntary and at the user's sole risk. We encourage you to obtain personal advice from qualified professionals when making decision regarding your specific situation.

Other resources linked from these pages are maintained by independent providers. The Encompass Blog does not monitor all linked resources and cannot guarantee their accuracy. Statements, views and opinions included in an independent provider's material are strictly those of the author(s). These views may not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of The Encompass Blog, the Encompass family of companies or its agents, officers or employees.

ECC Monitor: OK