Nowadays, a lot of job interviews are taking place online, especially in the early stage of the hiring process. Even though online job interviews are very similar to in-person meetings, there are some major differences that can make or break your interview.
To help your next online job interview go as smoothly as possible, we’ve prepared some tips and tricks that will help you make a great first impression!
An online job interview is very similar to an in-person one. Your main aim is to show off your skills and competence and make a great first impression. However, there are a few aspects that make online interviews different. Of course, regular interview rules still apply. For example, just because you’re on video doesn’t mean you should show up in your PJs.
With online interviews, you can face some potential issues that you wouldn’t otherwise, from potential connection issues or tech problems to different types of online interviews (e.g., recording your answers and sending them).
Here are a few online interview tips that will help you prepare properly!
Let’s face it, not everyone is a tech-savvy person. When a company invites you to an online interview, they will share the app or software they prefer using, such as Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc.
Make sure to test out the software in advance with a friend or family member. Even though most of these apps are user-friendly, it is useful to get familiar with the interface in advance. After all, you don’t want to get on the interview and realize you don’t know how to unmute yourself.
Many virtual meeting platforms offer users to pick a virtual background. However, some of these backgrounds can be distracting and unprofessional. In addition, they may even fail to load properly, causing unnecessary stress during your interview.
Instead, you can simply choose the most professional corner in your home. Ideally, that is the spot with good lighting and without any odd objects in the background such as your bed or a toilet. A bookshelf can make you look smart and professional, and a plain white wall is a good background as well!
During your online job interview, you want to make sure no one or nothing disturbs you. It is recommended to silence your phone and to turn off notifications on your computer as well. It is considered rude to be interrupted during an interview unless you have an emergency.
Also, make sure no one else is around during the interview – including your pets! If you can’t ensure people aren’t going to interrupt you, it might be best to either take your interview to another location or make sure your family (or roommates) leave your home during that time.
During your online job interview, it is important for your interviewer to see you. But, what is even more important is that they can hear you well. People can forgive bad video, but bad audio will tank your chances for another interview or job offer.
To prevent this from happening, use headphones, earphones, or even earbuds instead of your laptop’s built-in speakers and microphone. Computer audio is often lower in quality, which is a recipe for sound distortion. And, a built-in microphone is likely to pick up surrounding sounds and distort your answers as well.
Keeping eye contact during an online interview can feel a bit strange. First of all, it’s not even real eye contact. Also, what makes this a bit challenging is that you might be tempted to look at the interviewer on your screen instead of your web camera.
Try to look at your webcam at least some of the time to ensure eye contact. Looking at the screen and the interviewer can make you look like you are staring down (and doing something else), as cameras are most often placed above the screens.
Did you know that we help all our candidates prepare for their interviews?
As a recruitment agency, our goal is not only to meet the needs and demands of our clients. We also look out for our candidates and make sure they find their ideal employer.
Once you apply to one of our open positions or you join our talent network, we become your representatives – something like your personal agents.
First, we’ll have a chat to get to know you better – your needs, skills, interests, and requirements. Then, we’ll match you with a company we know you’ll fit in with perfectly!
Before you have a call or meeting with your potential employer, we’ll be more than willing to have a prep call with you to make sure you ace that interview!
Sounds good? Drop your CV and we’ll get in touch!