2020 brought a huge shift in how we communicate in the professional world. With social distancing and more people than ever working from home, virtual communication is now integrated in our personal and professional lives.

Many businesses now operate under the idea of “if it can be done virtually, do it virtually.”

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Some of these changes will be temporary, but as businesses recognize the financial and time savings of some of these practices, more of them will become a permanent part of their business. Zoom meetings and interviews, conference phone calls, and digital meetings all existed prior to 2020, but they are now more of the rule of how things are done, instead of the exception.

If you’re in the job market, there are 2 reasons you need to be aware of your virtual communication skills.

First, it’s highly likely that some part of the process of being considered for a position will be conducted virtually. It may be a phone or video interview, or even a preliminary skills screening or test. Odds are your first interaction with your next boss will be virtually so you want to make sure you make a good impression to get to the next stage in the process and get an offer.

Second, it’s possible, maybe even probable, that your new job will require you to communicate virtually with colleagues, customers or anyone else your job involves interaction with. Part of the hiring decision now, is not just how will you represent the company in person, but how will you represent them virtually.

Here are 10 tips for improving your virtual communication. Practice these now to make this a strong skill you can sell and so that you’re prepared for interviews and interactions in the hiring process.

1. Set up your physical space. Make sure you have a space that is quiet and free from distractions. Set up your computer and camera and make sure the background won’t distract from what you have to say. Do a test run of the technology and connection in that space with a friend to try to minimize any potential technical difficulties.
2. Dress the part. Casual dress is definitely a perk of working from home, but how we dress can affect how we present ourselves. Even if you’re just on the phone, I suggest dressing for the role you’re playing. Maybe you don’t wear exactly what you would to the office, but at least change out of your pajamas. Especially for a job interview, I recommend dressing just like you would for an in-person interview to get in the right head space to present yourself professionally.
3. Be early. Plan to be ready and in position early so that you’re not late. It’s easy to think that we can just head to the computer right at the start time since we don’t have to go anywhere, but there’s still a potential need for preparation. Batteries run out, systems needs to re-boot, and other glitches can delay you. Give yourself a few minutes to show you’re reliable and committed.
4. Make eye contact. In this sense, look at the camera. It’s always tempting to watch ourselves on the screen to make sure we look ok, or we just simply get distracted by what’s on the screen. But when you’re talking in a video setting, make sure you look at the camera. If it helps, put a small sticker next to the camera to give you a focal point.
5. Watch what you say. Scientists estimate that only 7% of what we communicate is through the words we use. Tone of voice, audible sighs, and filler words (uh, like, um, so, etc.) are even more noticeable when we’re not face-to face, so make sure your tone and your words are conveying what you want them to.
6. Smile. But in a nice natural way – not the fake cheesy way. And even if it’s just on the phone, when we smile our tone noticeably changes. If you’re not smiling, at least be aware of your facial expression. Happy, interested, curious, attentive, and engaged are all good choices of facial expressions. Bored, tired, and apathetic are not. Check out your natural resting face in the mirror – if it doesn’t portray a positive emotion, find one that does and make sure you use it. This isn’t about being fake – it’s about making sure that an unintentional nonverbal communication isn’t ruining other’s perception of you.
7. Sit up and hold still. If you’re on video, your posture and movements can either be telling of how you really feel, or may give an impression that you weren’t trying to make. And you don’t want to be a distraction to what is actually taking place. Also note that your posture can have an impact on the tone of your voice even without video. If you are lounging on the couch or slouching in a chair, your tone can come across as unmotivated or uninterested if you’re not conscious of it.
8. Be prepared. Not only will this help you feel more at ease in these interactions, but you’ll come across confident and competent. Take some time beforehand to consider the topic and what you have to contribute to it. Anticipate questions that may be asked of you directly or to the group and how you want to respond. Also, prepare questions you’d like to ask. Asking thoughtful questions shows interest and personal investment in the topic.
9. Be concise. We’ve all experienced that phone or video call with the person that uses a lot of words and doesn’t say much. Like non-verbal communication, this can be even more noticeable and irritating when done virtually. Being prepared with the points you want to make and the information you have to share will help. Practice saying what you need to say to make your point, and saving the rest for another time.
10. Be clear and get clear. It’s critical to leave virtual meetings with clear expectations and understandings. If you need to restate what is expected of you or ask clarifying questions to make sure you’re headed in the right direction, before the call ends is the best time. Don’t waste time after the call stewing and reflecting to try and figure out what’s expected of you, then email to get answers. A lot can get lost in virtual communication with technology glitches and different expectations, so your job is to make sure you’re clear in what you say and what’s expected of you. Good listening and taking notes is helpful, but make sure to ask if needed so you’re not just guessing.