The first time you heard “virtual interview,” you might’ve thought, “Great, pajama bottoms all day!” But now, staring down a Microsoft virtual interview invite in your inbox, the reality is a smidge less cozy. The sweat isn’t just from your broken AC; it’s interview jitters, too.
In this blog post, you’ll snag straightforward, actionable advice that’ll help you turn your virtual interview into a real success story.
Quick Takeaways:
- Log in early with a tech-checked, eye-level camera setup, and dress fully professional to create a virtual space as serious as your ambition.
- Embrace Microsoft’s mission; convey alignment with their values, especially regarding inclusivity and sustainability, in your responses.
- Post-interview, send a thoughtful thank-you email and a strategic follow-up that includes industry insights, showing your proactive engagement.
How Can You Make a Great First Impression Virtually?
You’ve landed a Microsoft virtual interview, and you’re on the brink of an exciting opportunity. So how can you ensure that you kick things off on the right foot? First impressions count, even when they’re made through a screen.
Punctuality is just as crucial online as it is in person. Plan to log in at least 10 minutes early. This gives you a buffer to tackle any last-minute hiccups and shows your interviewer that you respect their time.
Before your interview day rolls around, run a tech check to ensure everything is shipshape. Is your camera at eye-level? Is your microphone crystal clear? A tech-savvy impression is a must, especially for a tech giant like Microsoft.
Setting the right scene is also vital. Choose a quiet room, with a clean, uncluttered background and good lighting. A professional setting prevents distractions and lets your potential future employer see you mean business.
It might be tempting to rock your comfy pants with that smart shirt, but dress to impress—completely. Dressing the part, top to bottom, puts you in the right mindset and shows you take the interview seriously.
Remember, small details make a big impact when it comes to virtual first impressions.
What Should You Know About Microsoft’s Culture?
“Empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.” Microsoft’s mission isn’t just a catchy sentence—it’s the guiding star for the company’s culture. Get to know it, live it, breathe it.
Pre-interview, dive into Microsoft’s values and recent developments. A quick look at their official blog or recent news can provide conversation starters and show you’re up-to-date and genuinely interested in what’s happening within the company.
During the interview, weaving in insights about how inclusive development or sustainability (core aspects of Microsoft’s ethos) align with your own values can strike a chord. Don’t just regurgitate the company’s homepage info—share how these principles are reflected in your work ethic or past experiences.
How Do You Answer Common Virtual Interview Questions?
When a question comes your way, remember: specifics are your best friend. For the “tell me about a time when…” inquiries, the STAR method is your ace in the hole.
- Situation: Set the scene. Give enough detail for the interviewer to understand the context.
- Task: What was your role or responsibility in that situation?
- Action: Spell out exactly what you did.
- Results: What was the outcome of your actions? Whenever possible, quantify your success.
In preparing your answers, practice with a friend or in front of a mirror to ensure you’re coming across confidently but not rote. Consider recording yourself to pick up on any quirks or mannerisms that could detract from your message.
But here’s something that’s often overlooked: in your prep, craft a “Questions for the Interviewer” section. Having thoughtful questions ready shows initiative and engagement. For instance, inquire about how a recent company announcement might impact your role and show that you’re thinking long-term.
Remember, while this is a virtual interview, the impact you leave should be as tangible and lasting as if you were there in person. Keep your answers personable, structured, and full of the genuine passion that’s driven you to this point.
What Are the Dos and Don’ts During a Microsoft Virtual Interview?
Nailing a virtual interview requires blending traditional interview best practices with the nuances of digital communication. Let’s dive into how you can make the best impression during your Microsoft virtual interview.
Dos:
- Dress Appropriately: Just because you’re not in the office doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dress to impress. Don a professional outfit to show you mean business.
- Test Your Equipment: A tech hiccup can throw you off your game. Make sure your computer, webcam, and internet connection are all in tip-top shape well before the interview starts.
- Look at the Camera: When you look into the camera, it simulates eye contact, which is a key part of building rapport and showing confidence.
- Create a Professional Background: Clean up the clutter and ensure your background is professional and distraction-free.
- Prepare Your Space: Ensure the lighting illuminates your face clearly without harsh shadows and that the sound quality is crisp, so every word you say is heard without distortion.
- Engage Actively: Nod, smile, and use hand gestures when appropriate to show you’re actively engaged in the conversation.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Multitask: You might think you can sneak in a quick email check, but it’s obvious when your attention shifts. Stay focused on the interview.
- Avoid a Casual Mindset: Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can relax. Stay professional and on-point throughout the discussion.
- Don’t Forget to Mute Notifications: Nothing derails your train of thought like a surprise ping from your phone or computer. Mute those notifications!
- Stay Away from Canned Responses: Be genuine in your answers. Interviewers can tell when you’re just reciting pre-prepared answers.
Here’s a nugget of advice that many might not tell you: during the interview, have a glass of water handy. It’s a simple trick that not only helps with dry mouth but also provides a brief pause to collect your thoughts when needed. Just be discreet and take small sips.
How Do You Follow Up After the Interview?
You’ve logged off the call, let out that sigh of relief, and now – it’s time to follow up. But hold your horses, there’s an art to this, too.
Thank You Email: Within 24 hours after your interview, send a thank-you email. Express gratitude for the opportunity, reflect on a key point discussed that excited you about the role, and reinforce your interest. Like a good handshake, it should be firm and sincere, but not overbearing.
Timing is Everything: Don’t rush to send that email within an hour of your interview — it may come across as overly eager. Instead, aim for that sweet spot: later in the day or the next morning.
Proactive Inquiry: If a week has passed and you haven’t heard back, it’s appropriate to send a polite follow-up email. Inquire about the timeframe for a decision and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
Remember, Microsoft is a company that values initiative and follow-through, so showing your continued interest could be seen as a positive reflection of your work ethic.
A unique angle? In your follow-up, include a brief insight or an interesting article relevant to the discussion you had, or the industry at large. It shows you’re engaged in your field, proactive in your communications, and that you offer value beyond the interview conversation.
Lastly, always keep the tone professional, yet warm. It demonstrates that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in building genuine connections with the team you hope to join.
