Going through an online interview may seem like a complicated process at first, but there are ways to make it easier than a traditional interview. According to the survey, 63% of hiring managers say they often conduct online job interviews.
Here are some digital interview tips to keep in mind.
Ask for details
A key part of preparing for an online job interview is knowing in what format it will take place. Make sure you have asked in advance if the interview will be audio, audio and video only or if the questions will be pre-recorded.
The other part of the interview is the platform on which it will take place. Always ask about it before the meeting so that you don’t have to install and download at the last minute. In addition, it would be wise to Google the platform if you are not familiar with it and find out how it works.
Finally, you can always ask how many people will interview you. It is better to know in advance and exclude any element of surprise during the interview.
Run a trial run on your computer
Don’t forget to test the technology in advance and fix the problems. You don’t want to have any connection problems during the interview that could ruin it.
Make sure you have checked your internet connection, sound and video. You should also check the platform on which the interview will take place. This way you will be sure that you know how to use everything and will not look unprofessional.
As an additional measure, try to find a place where your internet connection works best. But be careful, you don’t want to be seen sitting on the bed during the interview.
Dress appropriately
Don’t forget that an online interview is still an interview. Make sure you look presentable and professional. You should dress appropriately, as for a personal meeting.
It’s also useful to remember that solid colors will look better on camera. Anything that has many shapes or lines can look bad and distract attention from your face and what you are saying. To make sure that you are happy with your appearance, you can always open the camera you will be using in advance and adjust it.
Some people even recommend wearing shoes for online interviews. Wearing shoes will serve as a way to enter into “professional thinking”. However, this is optional, and you can do it if you think it will help.
Practice
Practice can be essential for an online interview. Whether you’re playing a role-playing game on a platform or recording online interview questions that you think you might be asked and coming up with the best answers, practice is important.
Make sure you are comfortable in front of the camera, because any nervous actions will be more exaggerated on camera. Make sure you pay attention to your nonverbal communication, and try to reduce the movements that you think are distracting.
In addition, you should practice looking directly into the camera and standing straight. Looking directly into the camera, you create a feeling of face-to-face communication, and if you stand straight, you will look more confident. Be enthusiastic, but try not to make quick movements. These actions will help you look confident and interested in the job you are applying for.
Choose a good location
Unlike a traditional interview, when the interviewer chooses a place, during an online interview you will be responsible for it. Try to find a place with natural light, not artificial, because natural light, for example, close to the window, looks better on the camera.
If this is not an option, you can always try the lamp in front of you and check how you look on camera. The overhead light may not be a good idea, as it creates a shadow on the face.
In addition to lighting, you should also pay attention to the background on which you will be sitting. A plain white background may be ideal, but if that’s not an option, try a background with as little decoration or clutter as possible.
Get rid of distractions
Due to the presence of distractions, there is a possibility of losing concentration during the interview, which will be unprofessional. Find a room in which you feel comfortable, and one where there is practically nothing distracting you.
Also check that notifications on both the phone and the computer are disabled. Any unnecessary noise should be avoided. At the same time, try to find a room that no one will enter or where no one will be throughout the interview.
Avoid a situation where a cat passes in front of your screen or someone passes behind you. It will not be serious to see in the eyes of the interviewer.
Take notes
Take notes during the interview. Although the standard interview rules still apply, you can take a few notes to help you be more confident.
Formulate a few questions that the interviewer may ask you, and make small notes for them so as not to get lost during the interview. However, make sure that these notes are right in front of your face so that it is not obvious that you are reading somewhere.
Even during the interview, take notes for yourself. They will help you to remember all the main points more easily and be more confident.
Relax and make a backup plan
Before the interview, do not forget to relax a little. Don’t let nerves and emotions become your enemy. You can do this by simply focusing on your breathing a few minutes before the interview begins.
Most likely, you will make a positive and lasting impression on the interviewer if you are calm and not nervous. Try to stay calm throughout the interview. Breathing practice in advance will help relieve any anxiety and stress.
Also, have a backup plan in case the video fails or any other interference occurs during the interview. Make a plan to continue the interview by phone or choose a date to postpone so that your chance is not missed due to inconvenience.
A web interview differs from a traditional one in many ways. Although the same standards apply, many details need to be taken care of during an online interview, such as eliminating distractions, choosing a place with good lighting, having a good internet connection, etc. However, if you focus a little and practice, everything will go smoothly. We hope these tips helped you and good luck with the interview!
