Virtual interviews have become a new norm in the job search process due to the current pandemic. In these virtual interviews, it can be difficult to engage with the interviewer and build rapport. Asking ice-breaker questions is an effective way for job seekers to get comfortable and establish a connection. Ice-breaker questions can also help the interviewer understand more about you as a person, beyond your resume. It is important to have some thoughtful, creative questions prepared before any interview.

Virtual interviews can also be challenging as they require a different set of skills compared to traditional face-to-face interviews. One of the most important skills in virtual interviews is the ability to establish a connection with the interviewer. This is where ice breaker questions can be particularly useful.

Ice breaker questions are designed to help break the ice and create a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. They can be particularly useful in virtual interviews as they help to build rapport with the interviewer and create a more conversational tone. 

With everything moving to a virtual format, it’s important to approach these interviews with the same level of preparedness and professionalism as an in-person interview. One way to break the ice and make a great impression is by asking thoughtful questions. Not only does this show that you’re interested in the company and position, but it also helps build rapport with your interviewer.

To start off, consider asking about their experience with remote work. This can help you gauge how comfortable they are with managing a team virtually or if there are any unique challenges they face when working from home. Additionally, this question can provide insight into what tools or processes they use to stay connected and productive while working remotely. Another great question to ask is about company culture.

As an interviewee, remote interviews can be challenging due to the lack of face-to-face interaction. However, with the right icebreaker questions, you can break the virtual barrier and establish a rapport with your interviewer. There are various types of icebreaker questions that you can use in a remote interview.

Firstly, personal questions are a great way to start off the conversation on a positive note. This type of question helps in building an emotional connection with your interviewer. For example, you could ask about their weekend or their hobbies which will give them an opportunity to share something about themselves and create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Secondly, open-ended questions allow for more comprehensive responses from your interviewer as opposed to closed-ended questions which require only brief answers. Open-ended questions also demonstrate your interest in the role and company by asking thoughtful inquiries regarding specific aspects of what they do or how they approach certain situations.

1. What made you interested in this position?

This is a great ice breaker question as it allows the interviewer to talk about themselves and their motivations for the job. It can also give you some valuable insights into the company culture and what they are looking for in a candidate.

2. Can you tell me about your background and how you got to where you are today?

This question is particularly effective for senior-level positions or roles that require a certain level of experience. It allows the interviewer to showcase their skills and experience and provides an opportunity to discuss their career path.

3. What do you enjoy most about working for this company?

This question allows the interviewer to talk about the company culture and their personal experiences working for the organization. It can provide valuable insights into what it is like to work for the company and what you can expect if you are offered the job.

4. What are some of the biggest challenges you face in this role and remote work?

This question can be particularly useful for roles that are challenging or require a lot of problem-solving. It allows the interviewer to talk about the challenges they face in the role and can give you an idea of what to expect if you are offered the job.

5. What are some of the biggest successes you have had in this role?

This question allows the interviewer to showcase their achievements and can give you an idea of what is possible in the role. It can also give you an idea of what the company values and what they consider to be a success.

6. What do you think sets this company apart from its competitors?

This question can provide valuable insights into the company’s unique selling points and can help you understand what makes the company different from its competitors. It can also give you an idea of the company’s values and what they prioritize.

7. What do you think are the most important skills for success in this role?

This question can provide valuable insights into what the company is looking for in a candidate and what they consider to be important for success in the role. It can also give you an idea of what skills you should highlight in your application and during the interview.

8. What do you like to do outside of work?

This question is a great way to build rapport with the interviewer and create a more relaxed and conversational tone. It can also provide valuable insights into the interviewer’s personality and interests.

9. Can you tell me about a time when you had to overcome a difficult challenge in your career?

This question allows the interviewer to showcase their problem-solving skills and can provide valuable insights into their experience and how they handle difficult situations. It can also give you an idea of what to expect if you are offered the job.

10. Is there anything else you would like me to know about you or the company?

This question provides the interviewer with an opportunity to share any additional information that they think is important for you to know. It can also give you an idea of what the interviewer thinks is important and what they want you to take away from the interview.

In conclusion, remote interviewing is an increasingly popular way to interview candidates. Preparing for these interviews can be daunting, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Icebreaker questions are a great way to break the ice and get comfortable with the interviewer before getting into the formal questions. By understanding what types of icebreaker questions may be asked and how you can best answer them, you can enter your remote interview with confidence.

Interviewer.AI is a technology platform purposely built to support Recruiters and HR teams in finding top talent for their companies. Interviewer.AI is a state-of-the-art video recruiting software that uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) to screen in advance and shortlist the candidates that meet the criteria set. HR teams use the software to make the recruitment process more efficient and shorten the hiring cycle.  Learn more about how Interviewer.AI can help your business.

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Gabrielle Martinsson is a Content Writer at Interviewer.AI. She’s a tech geek and loves optimizing business processes with the aid of tech tools. She also loves travelling and listening to music in her leisure.