You’ve been invited to a Webex interview, but you’re not sure what it is.
Even as virtual interviewing is growing popular, recruiters are using diverse tech to do their interviews such as Webex, Skype, Google Meet, or Zoom. This form of interviewing is becoming more popular because the interviewer can see the person’s life and assess them in real-time.
Wondering how to prepare for your next virtual interview?
In this guide, we will be sharing what is a Webex interview and how to get comfortable on camera without getting overwhelmed.
What Is a Webex Interview
Today, face-to-face interviews are often replaced by Webex interviews. But what exactly is a Webex interview?
A Webex interview is a video-based interview that allows the interviewer and applicant to see each other on their computers while they talk.
Webex is Cisco’s web conferencing system that companies use to conduct interviews with candidates. Here you e-meet each other by sharing screens over the internet.
Recruiters and candidates are able to meet, interact and conduct a conversation over live video. Post pandemic, this is a viable virtual interviewing option that is convenient for both parties.
Check out the Webex user interface ahead of time.
What makes Webex different from other video-based interviews
In the post-pandemic scenario, many companies hold virtual face-to-face interview round using the ‘conference bridge.’
Here both interviewer and interviewee interact through a speakerphone while sharing screens at the same time.
You have to be comfortable handling both video and audio formats to ace this type of interview. It will help if you also learn well to juggle between video and audio interfaces to succeed in the Webex interview format.
How to Prepare for Webex Interview
Preparation is key for success in the Webex interview format.
We recommend you practice by doing multiple mock interviews before the big day and testing what works and what needs improvement. Doing this will help you sharpen your strength and work on your weaknesses.
The best way to prepare for this type of interview is by practicing your answers ahead of time so that you won’t be caught off guard when it comes time for your meeting.
7 Effective Tips to Ace Your Webex Interview
Companies are increasingly using Webex interviews in the place of one-on-one interviews. To ace a Webex interview, you need a ‘conference bridge.’
You will want to deliver in the interview and exceed the expectation of your prospective employer.
Show off any important skills or qualifications that you have and stand out from your competition. If you do what many others won’t during your interview, your employer will surely notice and appreciate your efforts.
Now, we will discuss some of the best tips and strategies for acing your virtual interview and making a great first impression.
Dress professionally for the Webex interview
While it may be alluring to wear a jumpsuit during a video interview, that’s not advisable. What you’ll really need to do is dress professionally for this meeting.
Your professional attire will make you stand out and help your interviewers remember and identify you when they see you next time.
It’s always best to dress in appropriate business attire, irrespective of the company or position you’re applying for.
Make sure what you’re wearing is clean and pressed, not wrinkled or ripped. It should be free of stains or strong odors, so limit what you wear to pieces that can be laundered.
Get the tech in place before the interview
Before you click on the Webex interview link, make sure your equipment is in order.
First, have a computer with a good internet connection and webcam hooked up to it. Then, ensure your video and audio settings are at an appropriate quality level.
Once you are doubly sure that everything is working fine, it’s time to hit the start button.
Video conferences tend to take up more bandwidth than regular phone calls. If your internet isn’t working or is operating slowly, your interview process may abruptly end.
Technical glitches can be very annoying to your interviewer, so look over what you’re using before starting the interview.
Preparation is key for Webex interview
Practicing well before the interview will give your interviewer a good first impression of your preparedness.
For example, if they ask why you want to join the company and about your career goals, having an answer ready will show them that you’ve put enough thought into what you want.
Also, what you bring to the table are some of your unique traits that can be indispensable for your employer. Again, this will reflect your preparedness for this interview and the skillsets the interviewer may be looking for.
Preparation will also make you more confident during the interview process.
Before answering each question, take a deep breath, remember your USP and what you want to convey, then say it confidently to the employer.
Have a two-way conversation
One thing that sets Webex interviews apart from other video-based interviews is the opportunity to ask relevant questions to the interviewer.
During a regular video interview, your interviewer may be too busy to give you enough time to shoot your questions.
You won’t have that problem during the Webex interview. Instead, if something about the company or position interests you and needs clarification, confidently ask what you need to know.
Some helpful questions to ask during this interview are:
- what your future with the company would look like?
- what are the 3 great things about the company as per the recruiter?
- why was the recruiter motivated to join the company?
- what are the goals that the company is looking to solve by hiring for the open position?
Remember, when an interviewer completes their barrage of questions, it’s time for you to shoot intelligent questions to them and get into their good books.
Politely ask them what you want to know about the job role or company. You should try to understand if the job role will meet your career goals.
Webex interviews are a great opportunity for employers to get what they need from prospective employees and vice versa.
You should be well prepared for the questions to ask during the interview and practice answering them before. More practice will help you get better and eventually have a lasting impression on your interviewer.
Focus on your body language during the Webex interview
When you’re attending a Webex interview, your body language can significantly impact the interviewer’s decision.
So what kind of impression will your body language make on them? You can guess what the interviewer is thinking about you based on their facial expressions.
Some helpful things to avoid during your Webex interview are what’s known as “secondary behaviors,” or what people do when they’re nervous.
For example, you should not make your nervousness evident, forget what you’re saying, and stare blankly at the screen for a few seconds.
Slouching or moving around in your chair too much shows that you are uncomfortable. Fidgeting your fingers during the interview shows that you are anxious.
You should also show your interest by adding relevant points to what your interviewers are discussing. Lean forward slightly and nod your head to show that you listen to what your interviewer says and find it intriguing.
As a thumb rule, you should rest your one hand on top of the other and maintain “good eye contact” during the conversation.
Get away from distractions during Webex interview
Another thing that can make what you’re saying uninteresting to your interviewer is a distraction or annoying noise.
The presence of pets or small kids in your background could distract you so make sure they are in another room. Get a babysitter or request your partner or a family member to take care of them in your absence.
Follow up with your interviewer with a video message
It’s a good idea to follow up after every interview.
You could make yourself stand out by recording a quick video message thanking the interviewer for their time and reinforcing why it was important for them to find someone like you who shares similar interests or professional values.
Show how these qualities would benefit your prospective employer if they hire you.
Master your Webex interviews effortlessly!
The final aspect of the interview process is to prepare for any questions they may have. You can do this by anticipating what you might be asked and being ready to answer them in a concise manner that will impress your interviewer.
This way, when you’re sitting across from someone who’s trying to determine if you are qualified for their position, they’ll see how confident and capable you are. It also helps put your nerves at ease knowing that everything has been planned out ahead of time!
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