How to ace an online interview
As we evolve into virtual online life, interviews are not exempt from this rule. Online interviews are going to be the way forward for the unforeseeable future (or at least until June-all being well). In many respects, this format for many can be more daunting than an actual face to face interview.
Below are some tips that will hopefully ease you into your virtual interview with confidence and knowledge!
Prior Preparation
Firstly congratulations, you have been invited to interview. This is something to be celebrated in this competitive market.
Now the client has asked you to attend the interview over Zoom or an alternative video platform. Preparation as with any interview is key and almost even more so for an online interview.
Make sure you download the video platform onto your laptop in advance and if you can download it on to a second device such as your phone.
Have a professional username and photo -nicknames, from your latest games night, may not be entirely suitable in these circumstances.
Prepare and elevate your screen to an eye-level position. Get inventive, utilise shoeboxes, books or whatever you can get your hands on. Just remember it needs to be sturdy and able to withstand the weight of your laptop.
Focus on the camera not the image of another person/s on the screen. This will take some prior practice, but it will ensure your as close to eye contact as possible as opposed to looking mid-air.
Top tip-shrink the size of the video conference app and drag it as close as you can to the camera location.
If you have notoriously bad Wi-Fi at home, pre ask other members of the household not to use the Wi-Fi during your interview times.
Even better connect to the router with an ethernet cable.
Make notes about key information, stats, achievements etc and stick them on the wall behind your laptop. You may not need to refer to
them during your interview but knowing they are there if you find yourself flustered or under pressure will be a great peace of mind.
Practice is key but also allows you to eliminate any technical issues. Try setting up a video call with a friend by where you can then test your audio, screen positioning and lighting.
The interview
Eliminate distractions, turn off your phone & laptop notifications – No interviewer wants to hear a constant flow of incoming email alerts and it will only distract you.
Close down programmes on your laptop as this can slow down the video/audio feed.
Keep it plugged in, video calling can drain your battery the last thing you want is to lose battery life whilst your mid-pitch!
The rule of thumb is that you should be at an arm’s length away from your screen. This will also allow you to lean in a little as and when been directed questions which will demonstrate your concentration and your engagement in the conversation.
Pop your beloved dog/cat into the next room, especially if the interview falls at their dinner time.
Join the meeting 5-10 minutes early and wait in the meeting room. You will look organised and ready to start which will help to start off on a positive note.
Dress as you would do if meeting in person. Yes, it is time to dust off those clothes which have been hibernating for the past 12 months.
Put on your work shoes, yes this may sound unnecessary as opposed to your fluffy comfortable slippers, but mentally this will assist with putting you in the right mindset.
Think of your surroundings-what will your interviewer/s be looking at. Ensure it does not distract from you.
Body language…keep both feet on the ground as this will prevent you from over fidgeting. Never cross your arms-this is a negative/defensive position.
Feel free to show expression through your hands but remember you do not want to come across as if you are conducting an orchestra. If you find yourself becoming too animated, try clasping your hands on your lap.
If you have been asked to present a document during the call, make sure you have changed your screen background to a professional image and closed any other documents to avoid embarrassment.
Do not forget to smile, not only can this make you feel more confident but helps to show your personality.
Finally
It may be more difficult to read the room and potentially engage with your interviews, however, remember there are positives to online interviews;
You do not have to worry about being late thanks to local transport issues.
You are in the comfort of your own surroundings and you have resources at your fingertips including prompt notes and reminders.
Everyone is in the same situation as you, you are on an even playing field.