Your resume got noticed and now the employer wants to interview you. Congratulations!

Many jobs require multiple rounds of interviews, including an initial phone or video interview prior to the in-person interview. We put together a list of successful virtual job interview tips for dietetic professionals to rock the interview and take it to the next round.

Be sure to download your own Virtual Job Interview Checklist for Dietitians.

Let's start with telephone job interviews. That's often the first step a hiring manager or person on HR will take when your experience and interest in the job caught their eye. That first meeting will usually be brief, focused on making sure you meet the basic job requirements before moving to the net step.

Even though this may seem like a casual step, don't underestimate the power you have so that you can move forward in the process. Here are some steps for success:

Telephone job interview tips

1. Be Prepared. “Take a look at the job description prior to the interview. You want to position yourself as the right person for this specific job,” recommends Stacey Dunn-Emke, MS, RDN, founder of NutritionJobs and ExerciseJobs. Write down reasons you are the best applicant for the job based on the job description and include answers to potential questions the interviewer may ask.
   
2. Listen Carefully. “Listen carefully to the questions being asked by the recruiter, jot them down to help you stay focused. One benefit of being on the phone is that you can briefly refer to your notes for key points you would like to share. If you didn't hear the question, ask them to repeat the question. If you need some time before answering, let the recruiter know you need some time to think before providing your answer,” informs Maree Ferguson, RD, MBA, PhD, FAND, founder of Dietitian Connection.
   
3. Have a Cheat Sheet. “Take advantage of this virtual opportunity by having your job interview cheat sheets, resume, and cover letter that was submitted in front of you to prompt your answers! For any interview, always have a list of your past quantifiable accomplishments and experiences top of mind (or in front of you) to sprinkle into your answers,” advises Dunn-Emke.
   
4. Practice. Practice. Practice. “Never read your notes verbatim in a phone or video interview. Make sure that you have practiced saying your responses out loud from memory so you don't need to heavily rely on your notes,” counsels Ferguson. Your responses should seem natural and genuine.

Download your own Virtual Job Interview Checklist for Dietitians

Video job interview tips

At some point in the interview process, they may request a video meeting via Zoom or other technology. Here are some basic tips for success:

1. Test Your Technology. “Make sure your technology works ahead of time. Take the time to test your system is working at least 24 hours ahead of time and that your background setting looks professional,” advocates Ferguson. You want a quiet space with no distractions and functioning equipment. Make sure you ask which technology.
   
2. Set the Stage. “Take the time to present yourself professionally. Get fully dressed, as if you were in an in-person interview. Put down the coffee mug, do a mic check and video check before the interview. Take a look behind you to see what your recruiter will see for a video interview. Find or create a quiet space with no in-person distractions or digital notifications (turn off all apps). Distractions will truly change your focus and cadence,” instructs Dunn-Emke.
   
3. Be Prepared. “Just like a phone interview, have your job interview cheat sheets, resume, and cover letter that was submitted in front of you to prompt your answers. Be prepared for lots of potential questions and have some questions ready for the recruiter as well to show your genuine interest in the job,” notes Dunn-Emke.

Download your own Virtual Job Interview Checklist for Dietitians

Nonverbal communication skills

Communication skills are extremely important during an interview to increase engagement, demonstrate professionalism, and make a strong first impression with the employer.

Nonverbal communication skills are included in this importance and will be a big part of your success. Nonverbal communication includes facial expressions, body language, posture, gestures, eye contact, tone of voice, touch, and even silence.

Here are essential tips to Perfect Your Nonverbal Communication Skills for Successful Dietetic Job Interviews.

1. Facial Expressions. Ever heard of the “resting bitch face?” Not a good face to have at an interview. People feel more comfortable around those who smile and have facial expressions that are approachable and inviting. Smile and nod when appropriate. Practice your facial expressions in the mirror to fine-tune the way you want to be perceived.
   
   
2. Body Language. Hold yourself with confidence. Stand up tall. Own the moment. Dress professionally. Be groomed appropriately (hair, nails, face). Arrive to the interview at least 5-10 minutes early so you are not stressed or seemingly rushed in appearance. The first overall impression the interviewer sees is everything to set the stage for the interview.
   
   
3. Posture. The way you sit and hold yourself exudes confidence and interest. Sit upright. Don’t slouch. Lean forward a little to seem engaged. Keep your hands to your side or on the table. Refrain from crossing your arms in front of your chest. It sends the message of disinterest or seeming unapproachable.
   
   
4. Gestures. Using your hands while talking and pointing are different types of gestures. Be aware of how you use your hands because different cultures use hands differently. You can always keep your hands at your side or hold a pen for taking notes to avoid inappropriate gestures.
   
   
5. Eye Contact. Maintain the right amount of eye contact for this can be a dominant representation. Depending on the culture, some people don’t even look directly at one another’s eyes out of respect. Gage the other person’s eye contact and emulate yours accordingly throughout the conversation.
   
   
6. Tone of Voice. Maintain the right voice fluctuations. Keep an even tone that is polite and professional with the right volume. Use proper English and refrain from using slang words or words such as “um,” “ah,” and “like.”
   
   
7. Touch. Use appropriate touch at the interview. Let the interviewer extend their hand first for an initial handshake greeting. Touch varies from culture to culture. If the interviewer shook your hand at the initial greeting, shake their hand again at the departure for an official good-bye with confidence.
   
   
8. Silence. Listening and not interrupting is important. Silence is ok while the employer is talking.

Virtual job interview mistakes not to make

1. Don't take a virtual job interview casually. While a virtual job interview may feel less formal, it is not. Take it seriously. What you learn and how you interact with the recruiter during this interview will determine whether you move forward or not.
   
2. Not preparing for this one question: "Tell me about a difficult problem/person you worked on and how you solved the problem."
   
3. Not asking questions: You've prepared your answers to questions, but have you considered a few questions for the recruiter/hiring manager? This shows interest and preparedness. It really can make a difference! See below.

Questions you can ask the hiring manager

The Hiring Manager is looking for an engaged and knowledgeable candidate who wants to jump in and add value in a specific way, not a passive participant. Always ask something!

Tips: Ask your questions one at a time. Avoid personal questions. Don’t ask obvious questions that you should know from researching the company (e.g., What does this company do?). Also, hold off on asking about the salary on the first interview.

General questions

1. How do you see a candidate being successful in this job?
2. Where do you see this position going in 5 years?
3. Who would I be reporting to?
4. How many people would be reporting to me?
5. How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?
6. What are the biggest challenges of this job?
7. How would you describe a typical day in this position?
8. What is the typical work week?
9. Is overtime expected?
10. What type of employees excel here?
11. What's the most important thing I should accomplish in the first 6 months?
12. How much travel is expected?
13. Why is this job available? Is this a new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do?
14. What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
15. How does one advance in the company?
16. Do you provide professional development opportunities?
17. Do you have any reservations about my qualifications?
18. Is there anything I can clarify for you about my qualifications?
19. If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?
20. When can I expect to hear from you?
21. What are the next steps?

Enhanced questions to ask

These additional questions that could be even more valuable to ask during a virtual job interview, to show engagement and a proactive approach to understanding and adding value to the role. You might want to save these for 2nd and 3rd interview to impress the hiring manager but to also give you a better understanding of how you would enjoy the job and the company.

1. Team Collaboration and Culture
   • "Can you describe the team I would be working with and how we would collaborate on a day-to-day basis?"
   • "What is the company culture or inter-disciplinary culture like, and how do dietitians fit into this culture?"
2. Role-Specific Inquiries
   • "What are the most common patients or clients that I would handle in this position?"
   • "Can you provide examples of projects or initiatives that I might lead or contribute to in the first 6-months or year?"
3. Performance Evaluation
   • "How is success measured for this position, and what are the key performance indicators?"
   • "What key performance indicators is my manager tracking for their success and how can I contribute to that success?"
   • "Can you describe the performance review process and how feedback is typically given adn how often?"
   • "How is the pay grade attached to the performance evaluation?"
4. Career Development
   • "What opportunities are there for professional development and advancement within your organization for dietitians?"
   • "Are there opportunities for cross-functional training or exposure in this role?"
5. Technology and Tools
   • "What technology and tools are utilized most frequently in this role, and is there ongoing training for these systems?"
   • "How has the integration of technology affected the efficiency and outcomes in your department?"
6. Client Interaction and Impact
   • "Can you share how dietitians in this role directly impact patient outcomes or the overall success of the organization?"
   • "What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the organization in the area of nutrition?"

These questions are designed to show that you are not only interested in the job but that you are also thinking about how you can contribute effectively and grow within the company.

Virtual or In-Person?

These tips we have provided can be used interchangeably during a phone and video interview or an in-person. Remember to be prepared and be yourself. Your true personality will shine through and wow the employer to hire you.

Often a first interview will be by phone or video. But subsequent interviews might be conducted in-person. Many of the tips we provided apply for in-person, as well.

We are rooting for you!

Download your own Virtual Job Interview Checklist for Dietitians

Additional Helpful Insights

1. Don't take the job interview call from your bed. Or in a noisy coffee shop. If you have more family members or roommates working from home, let them know you have an important call that will last 30 minutes and to find a quiet place away from you, please. But if you have few options the video platform you use might have a background cancelling option. And use headphones so noise is somewhat contained.
2. Be ready with quantifiable statements about your qualifications. So instead of offering that you are an excellent speaker, share that you have given over 17 nutrition-related talks to 5 different organizations in the last 9 months with an overall 4.7 star rating. That sounds awesome! Because you are awesome.

Resources

• Communicating Nutrition: The Authoritative Guide (* affiliate link)
• Stacey's favorite tripod to hold phone while interviewing (* affiliate link)
• Download your own Virtual Job Interview Checklist for Dietitians

For more resume and interviewing tips, check out these must-watch webinar resources from the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics:

Dietetic Career Hacks Part I: The Complete Networking and Resume Guide

Dietetic Career Hacks Part II: Interviewing Tips & Tricks

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of MIJA, a superfood supplement company, and Haumea Health, a fertility wellness clinic. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube