You’ve ironed your shirt, practiced your answers and found the perfect quiet spot (or at least bribed your siblings to keep off Netflix for an hour). You are ready for your virtual interview. But have you ever wondered what the person on the other side of the screen is doing? Do we just roll out of bed, sip tea and start firing questions?

As a recruiter, I can tell you we prepare just as much as you do! Well… sometimes. While you’re rehearsing your STAR method, I’m wrestling with my own set of challenges, from unpredictable internet to candidates whose “camera-shy” excuse deserves an Oscar.

So, here’s a peek into my world: how I get ready for an interview and the colourful cast of characters I meet every day.

My Interview Prep: The Recruiter’s Toolkit

Before I even log on, I have a ritual. I call it preparing my “tools of the trade” because winging it is how recruiters end up asking, “So…tell me about yourself” three times in a row.

• Interview Schedule – Who’s coming in and at what time. No surprises, please. Nothing like realizing you were meant to meet Brian when you’ve been psyching up for Brenda.
• CV Links & Job Ad – Because even recruiters need a refresher. (Don’t judge me please)
• Score Sheet – My sacred scribble pad for notes, ratings and those golden one-liners you drop. (“I’m a team player but I also work well alone” is still undefeated.)
• Stable Internet + Backup Plan – KPLC may plot against me but I’m ready with mobile data
• Conducive Environment – If I ask you to find a quiet space, I must return the favour. Translation: I’ve already threatened the house help with chai withdrawal if they start blending smoothies mid-interview.
• Water Bottle – Because yes, recruiters get nervous too. And nothing says “I’m composed” like a strategic sip while you think of your next question.

The Gallery of Virtual Candidates

Every day is a new episode of Kenya’s Got Talent. Here are a few of my favourite “types” you might secretly belong to:

• The Frozen Statue – Your Wi-Fi connection is working harder than your nerves and we spend half the time guessing whether you’re deep in thought or stuck mid-smile.
• The Echo Chamber – No headphones. Just pure surround sound of barking dogs, matatus hooting and children playing or crying in the background.
• The Super Prepared – You’ve printed your CV, highlighted the job description and probably rehearsed in front of the mirror with motivational background music. Respect!
• The Mysterious Shadow – Lights off. Curtains drawn. Just you and a faint silhouette. Am I interviewing a candidate or an anonymous whistleblower?
• The Casual Genius – You log in wearing a hoodie, speaking like you have better things to do… then casually drop insights that make me consider hiring you as my boss.

The Recruiter’s Reality

By the time you click “Leave Meeting,” I’m already typing notes, scoring your answers and trying to remember if I turned off my mic before muttering about VGG Internet. It’s a dance of multitasking; listening carefully while silently praying my internet holds on.

So, next time you’re sweating bullets before a virtual interview, remember this: the person on the other side is human too. We are rooting for you, silently cheering when your camera finally focuses and secretly wishing for a smooth session free of power outages.

Now, go crush that interview because if I can survive KPLC, you can definitely survive me.