Guide: How To Succeed at a Virtual Hiring Event

Success at a virtual hiring event is about preparing beforehand, arriving on time, looking your best, and leaving the hiring staff with a great impression. This guide will help you prepare for success at your next virtual hiring event.

If you’re an employer hosting a virtual hiring event, visit events.indeed.com to post it on Indeed.

What is a virtual hiring event?

A virtual hiring event is a group interview where employers accept job applications and conduct virtual interviews in group and individual formats. Many employers moved toward virtual hiring events during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this is a unique opportunity to meet them without leaving your home. They may also lead to job offers on the spot, significantly reducing the waiting time in your job search.

Friendly reminder: To find hiring events on Indeed, type “Indeed Hiring Events” in the “what” field, and your location in the “where” field on the Indeed homepage. Each hiring event's description will indicate whether it is virtual or in-person.

To be updated when new hiring events are posted, you can set up a Job Alert by typing “Indeed Hiring Events” in the “what” field, and your location in the “where” field here.

Image description

How to find virtual hiring events on Indeed:

1. Find an event. You can find virtual and in-person Hiring Events in your results when searching on Indeed. You can also search for them directly by typing “Indeed Hiring Events” in the “what” field on the Indeed homepage.

2. Fill out an RSVP form. On the event page, answer any screener questions from the employer and select a time slot. The event page will also indicate whether it is a virtual or in-person Hiring Event.

3. Check your email. Indeed will send you a confirmation email on behalf of the employer with a link to the event and a list of technology requirements.

4. Prepare for your interview. Choose your outfit, find a quiet location and test your equipment. Check the “What to wear” section of the event page for more tips.

5. Get the job. Start your interview by using the instructions provided in your confirmation email. We’re rooting for you!

Virtual hiring event tips

Read the event description

Within the description of a hiring event, you'll find that employers include key information about what to expect. For example, employers will indicate if they plan to make offers on the spot or if this is the first interview within a series of interviews.

They may also include job requirements, such as necessary certifications, requirements of the job or other details that will help you determine if it’s the right fit for you. They may also let you know what you need to prepare, have with you and wear to the interview.

Research the company

Virtual hiring events are designed for employers to virtually meet many candidates in a short period of time. Researching the company before the interview will help you stand out from the crowd.

Find the employer’s company page and read about what it’s like to work there from current and former employees. If the company has a retail or dining location, you may want to visit before the event to get an understanding of the day-to-day operations. Check out their social media profiles and visit the company website.

Related: The Complete Guide to Researching a Company

Update your resume

Review your resume to make sure it’s relevant to the jobs being offered at the virtual hiring event. One way to do this is to reflect on your past work experience while you read the event description. Consider how the job requirements match your qualifications, skills and experience.

Make changes to your resume so the employer can easily see that your background meets their requirements. Read these articles for tips and inspiration on how to update your resume:

• 27 Proofreading Tips That Will Improve Your Resume

• 139 Action Verbs to Make Your Resume Stand Out

Practice your answers

Interviews during a virtual hiring event may be shorter than traditional interviews. Practice a short summary of yourself (one minute or less) to quickly share with employers what you have to offer. Review the following articles for examples of interview questions you may be asked (and questions you can ask your interviewers):

• Behavioral Interview Questions (and How to Answer Them)

• Questions to Ask Your Interviewer

Video interview tips

On the day of the interview you’ll be responsible for finding a quiet location with a good internet connection and a computer, laptop or mobile device with a webcam. Review this checklist as you’re setting up:

• Ensure that you won’t be interrupted, either by locking the door or by alerting others that you can’t be disturbed (a note on the door of the room, as well as the door to the outside, may be helpful).

• Clear your desk space except for a notepad and pen/pencil for you to take notes.

• Have a copy of your resume and any other notes ready to reference.

• Set out a glass or bottle of water for yourself.

• Check that your webcam is working.

• Check that your audio is working.

• Close any windows, tabs or applications on your computer that you’re not using.

• Check your internet connection and make sure you’re not downloading anything in the background.

• Set your phone to silent.

• Check that the background behind you is neutral and free of clutter.

• Adjust the lights in the room. If things appear dark or dim, you may want to bring in an extra desk lamp to brighten the space.

If you don’t have the necessary technology, you may want to consider the following:

• Explore the resources available at the public library in your area. Some libraries have private rooms you can reserve and may be able to loan you the equipment you need.

• Ask friends if you can borrow equipment.

• Rent equipment.

Read this article for audio and video tips to nail your next virtual meeting:

• 9 Audio and Video Tips to Nail Your Next Virtual Meeting

Dress appropriately

You should dress professionally for a virtual hiring event—the same way you would for an in-person interview. Research the company culture before your interview so you have a good idea of what’s appropriate. If you’re unsure, a button-down shirt with neutral slacks is a good option.

To look your best on camera, avoid bright colors and patterns and opt for softer colors instead. If you are wearing a tie, wear a solid color rather than a patterned one. If you wear glasses, adjust the lighting in the room to reduce glare from the lenses.

Position the camera so that you are looking up slightly and centered on the screen. While it’s likely that the interviewer will only see your upper half, it’s still a good idea to wear professional pants or a skirt in case you need to stand up for any reason.

Video interview nonverbal communication

Eye contact is important during an in-person interview and you should convey that same level of attention during a virtual interview. Avoid the instinct to look directly at your interviewer on the screen while you’re answering a question. Instead, when you speak, direct your gaze at the webcam. When you do this, your eyes are more likely to align with the interviewer’s eyes on the other end. When you’re listening, you can look back at the screen.

Throughout the interview, maintain a good energy level and convey optimism with your body language. One way to achieve this is to have good posture. Use hand gestures when it feels appropriate.

Nonverbal communication is one of many tools that can help you make a good impression in interviews and in your professional life. However, candidate assessments should be based on skills and qualifications, and workplaces should strive to be inclusive and understanding of individual differences in communication styles.

Be prepared to wait

One common piece of feedback about virtual hiring events is that there can be some waiting. As the name indicates, these events are open to many people at once, and this means you may need to wait your turn to be interviewed in the virtual lobby. Typically, candidates are interviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

To help employers get an accurate count of attendees, you should RSVP ahead of time if you can. Try to arrive a little early or as close to the time slot you selected as possible. Note that employers may not be able to meet with everyone in the available time frame. In this case, they may ask you to interview another day.

Knowing that there may be a wait, be prepared with something to do in that time, such as reading a book or magazine. You can also use this time to practice your elevator pitch or review your resume for key highlights that show you're a good fit for the role. Remember: you want to be in a good mood when you do meet with a potential employer. Have things that will help you stay calm, comfortable and energized in the run-up to that meeting.

Troubleshooting

With technology, there’s always a chance things could go wrong. Here are some backup plans to have ready just in case:

• If your video or audio stops working: Before the interview, ask the interviewer for a phone number where you can reach them if you experience technical difficulties. If the video cuts out, call them at that number. Ask if you can continue the interview by phone or if you can reschedule.

• If noise interrupts the conversation: If noises (sirens, construction, etc.) interrupt your video interview, apologize for the interruption and ask for a few moments until the noise has subsided. You may want to mute the microphone if the noise is severe.

• If someone enters the room unexpectedly: If family members, housemates or pets enter the room while you’re interviewing, apologize to the interviewer, ask for a few moments, mute your microphone and turn off your camera, and then step away to deal with the interruption. Make sure that the room is secure before beginning the interview again.

Follow up after the event

As you’re finishing up your conversations, ask recruiters at the virtual hiring event for their email contact. After the event, send them a follow-up email. It’s a simple, polite way to thank them for their time and it may help you stand out from other candidates they’ve met. Send a follow-up thank-you email later that day (or the next day if your interview was in the evening).

Virtual hiring events with Indeed

If you are interviewing at one of Indeed's virtual hiring events, your video interview will take place on Indeed. The day before the interview, you will receive an email and a text message both containing a link to your virtual interview. You can join via mobile or desktop. A few things to note once you are on the check-in screen:

• You will see a welcome message from the employer. You’ll also see a pop-up asking for your phone number which will be used to text you when it is time for your interview. Then, you’ll be able to see how many people are in line ahead of you.

• When it is your turn to be interviewed, you’ll be alerted by text and see a five-minute timer on the page. You must join the interview room before the timer is up or you’ll be moved to the back of the line. If you are experiencing issues with connecting or have any questions, you can click the blue chat button, check this troubleshooting guide or ask questions here to receive help from the Indeed support team.