Want to stand out in your online interview? Online job interviews have become the norm, follow these top tips below to make sure it runs without a hitch.
Test Your Tech
Don’t wait until just before your interview to discover a problem. Set time aside the day before to check your wifi connection, set-up your camera and test your sound and microphone. If you have time, test again the day of the interview, leaving yourself enough time for fixes, should there be an issue. Make sure you understand the meeting software (e.g. Microsoft Teams, Zoom) you will be asked to use, so you can download, connect easily and on time. If you are unsure, ask members of your family or friends to help you conduct some trial runs.
It’s All About Location
The ideal location for conducting your interview is a secluded room in which you can shut out noise and distractions. Ideally you need a generic and neutral background and lighting should be diffused so it is not too brass and doesn’t create shadows. Try to avoid having a window behind you as the light can reflect on the screen, making it harder to see your face. If you are using a virtual background, make sure it is relevant, like an office space or neutral colour. Create plenty of space around your desk for notes, a drink of water and anything else you might need during your interview. Utilise any space you have off-camera to put up ‘cheat sheets’ or ‘flash cards’ to help prompt you throughout.
Schedule A Practise Interview
Schedule a mock interview into your preparation time, preferably a day or so before the real interview. Be sure to create near-identical circumstances to help get the most from your practise. Asking a family member or friend with experience in hiring or knowledge of the sector you are interviewing for, will be more effective and you may receive vital feedback that could help you in your interview.
Preparation Is Key
Be it online or face-face, be sure to prepare well for your interview. Conduct the necessary research on the employer, prepare for questions about the role and how you fit the brief. It is also useful to set out responses to common interview questions and be sure to have questions ready to ask the employer in response. Your outfit choice is also important so determine the best outfit for your interview, depending on the type of job you are interviewing for. Even though it’s likely the interview panel will only see the top half of you, it’s always a good idea to dress as you would if it was a face to face interview, you’ll instantly feel more confident!
Social Media
You can almost guarantee that your interviewers will look at your social media profiles before hiring you. Take some time to update your LinkedIn profile, make sure it is aligned to the position you are interviewing for and the employment history dates match those on your CV. Ensure you have a professional profile image and not one of you on holiday! Look at the company’s social media profiles to understand the business and their culture. To feel fully prepared, connect with the interviewer on LinkedIn, read their profile to understand their background and role within the company. The more research you do, the more prepared you will feel.
Get in the Mood
You may have been cooped up in the house all day preparing for your interview, however it’s important to boost your energy levels before the interview starts to ensure you don’t come across lethargic or lacking enthusiasm. Stepping out in the fresh air for a short walk or taking a jog around the block will really help to put you in the right frame of mind. Leave yourself enough time to freshen up before you go online though!
During the Interview
Speak slowly and clearly during your online interview. Listen to your interviewer and try not to speak over them, which is easy to do on a video call. Remember to smile and nod to show you are listening to what they are saying. Avoid looking away from the screen too much, especially if you have notes nearby. Relax and let your personality shine. Before you go, thank the interview panel for their time and let them know you are looking forward to hearing from them.
I hope you’ve found these tips helpful. Good luck!
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