For most job hunters, job interviews are stressful; even when they take place in the comfort of one’s home. With emerging technological developments, employers have been turning to online job interviews to hold meetings with candidates. A virtual job interview is beneficial for remote work, is cost-efficient, and comfortable for many job seekers. Despite these conveniences, they come with their own set of hurdles. This is why preparation is so important for successful online meetings.
In this article, we offer ten interview tips to prepare for online interviews that will aid you before, during, and after your meetings with potential employers. From preparing your set-up to keeping in touch with your interviewers, taking the following steps will help you transform a stressful video interview into a success story.
1. Get familiar with the technology
Whatever app and/or device you will be using during your interview, it is a good idea to become familiar with its mechanics before the interview begins. Not only will this help you avoid and overcome potential technical difficulties, but it will also help you feel safer and more confident as you talk to potential employers.
You should check your webcam and internet connection as well as your microphone. Doing a test run ahead of time will be helpful. Having a good understanding of the technology will help you focus on the interview’s contents instead of worrying about its technicalities, which will most definitely improve your performance.
2. Optimize your location
Since the interview will not be taking place in an office, it will be up to you to find or create a space where you can focus and give the interview your best. Try to find a quiet place where you can be alone and uninterrupted. If you can’t find a perfectly quiet and isolated place, be mindful of the distractions of your chosen space. If the space is noisy, for example, you can try putting thick blankets over the walls. This is a cheap method to reduce noise. You can let your neighbors know about the time of your interview. So, nobody distracts you with a phone call or a visit as it is taking place.
You should also choose a place with natural light or another reliable, high-quality light source. Consider using a virtual background if the ones available are improper. These are only a few general examples of things you can do to optimize your space. Remember that you should be mindful of conditions that are specific to your location.
3. Practice beforehand
Practice makes perfect. Planning your answers, thinking about the potential and common interview questions, and working on how you can carry yourself during the interview will benefit you. The most comprehensive way to practice will be holding mock interviews—with the help of a family member, friend, or just by yourself—and recording them.
By rehearsing the interview ahead of time, you will have a chance to experiment and get feedback on your methods. You will see what aspects of the process you struggle with and have time to work on fixing your problems. You will become familiar with the interview format, which will make you feel more self-assured and comfortable. Since you will have the process recorded, you will have a chance to see yourself through the eyes of another person. This will make it easier to see how you will be perceived and make adjustments accordingly.
4. Do research and prepare questions
While talking to potential employers, it is a good idea to be familiar with the work they do. Use official websites and other online sources to do research before your interview. As you learn new facts, try to apply them to your practical work and make sure you understand the position you are applying for. Think about your expectations, your questions, and your concerns. Instead of always following the lead you are given, incorporating these things in your interview will impress potential employers, because it will make you seem more engaged and credible.
5. Have your notes and materials ready
Keep a piece of paper and a pen near you to take handwritten notes. Taking notes during the interview will make it easier for you to process the statements and questions. You can refer back to these notes while preparing for other interviews, or for follow-up interviews with the same employers. It will not hurt that taking notes will communicate your enthusiasm and engagement to potential employers.
Looking over your resume and having it close by is also important, as you will most likely need to refer to it during the interview. You can also review your Linkedin page and revise it to look as appealing as possible. Any other materials you might need should also be close and accessible.
6. Dress appropriately for the occasion
Just because you are not at an office and in close proximity to your interviewers doesn’t mean you should give up on formal attire. The hiring manager’s first impression of you depends on your appearance. Dressing appropriately shows your attention and care for the position you are applying for. It makes you seem more charismatic. With the right clothes, you can ease into the mindset of a successful interviewee. This will not be as easy to do while wearing sweatpants.
7. Start early
Instead of joining the video call at the last minute, try getting your set-up ready and show up with time to spare. Not only will this communicate your diligence and reliability, it will also give you time to fix any problems regarding your space, device, or any other last-minute issues that may arise. Starting early will also leave you with time to mentally prepare and relax.
8. Stay focused
Practice focusing before and during your interview. Be aware of potential distractions and train yourself to work in their presence or find ways to eliminate them. For example, many of us get stuck looking at our own reflections on the screen during video calls. To make sure this does not happen, you can try disabling self-view on your device or put a sticker next to your web camera to remind yourself to make eye contact with whoever you are talking to. Mute notifications on all of your devices and try sitting against a blank wall. These steps will minimize distractions.
9. Be present and listen actively
Virtual interviews don’t have the same level of intimacy as in-person interviews. Since you can’t trust a firm handshake or subtle gestures to announce your presence, you will need to find other ways to show you are listening actively. Body language will be more important than ever. Consider nodding or saying something that indicates that you are following the conversation. If you have questions, ask them. As long as you don’t rely too heavily on these cues and interrupt your interviewers with them, they will be to your advantage.
10. Follow-up
Keep in contact with your potential employers. Sending them an e-mail after the interview, letting potential employers know that you enjoyed the meeting, and thanking them for the opportunity will leave a positive impression. It will also make you more memorable among other candidates. You can also ask questions about how the hiring process will work, but be careful to not be too pressing. A well-worded, efficient e-mail will be sufficient.
We are here to help!
Here are ten online interview tips to help you prepare for remote interviews. Even with all these tips and tricks to refer to, preparation can be a difficult process. If you don’t want to tackle it alone, working with an agency such as Gini Talent is a great option. At Gini Talent, we aid companies during their recruitment process. This allows us to work closely with job hunters, help them cultivate their interview skills, and get ready for amazing online interviews.
