In recent years, online job interviews have become more popular and many companies are regularly using technology to conduct preliminary interviews. During the pandemic, job interviews for nearly every stage of the hiring process became the norm. While online interviews are similar to traditional, in-person meetings, they have some major differences that candidates should be prepared for.
1) Research
Do some research about the company and its products so you won’t be cut off guard when asked questions relating to their business. Also, read up on the company’s website and many articles about it in the media, that way you can ask intelligent questions and maybe also suggest a solution to a slight problem they were having, in doing so you have shown just how much of an asset you can become to them if they employ you.
2) Avoid distractions
Silence anything that could interfere with your conversation, including your phone and email notifications on your computer. It is rude to be interrupted during an interview unless you have an emergency situation that your potential employer is already going to be aware of. Also Make sure no one else is around when you are completing your interview, including pets. Interviewers have seen cats walk across the computer screen and close the session, half-clothed people walking across the room in the background, or hear children screaming in the next room. Don’t jeopardize your career by not being prepared! 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 roommates (or family) can plan to be gone for the day.
3) Dress professionally
Dress professionally so that when you’re on camera, you look polished and professional instead of like someone who just rolled out of bed in their pajamas! Also, try not to wear any distracting jewelry or accessories that might be visible on camera (e.g., necklaces with large clasps or earrings that fall off easily). Wear clothes that are flattering and fit the job you’re interviewing for.
4) Sit properly
Even though you’re not meeting your interviewer in person, make sure to sit up straight. First impressions matter and your appearance can really make or break yours. Also, don’t forget to smile, whether you are talking to an actual person or recording your answers, smile the way you would during an in-person interview. Not only will sitting up and smiling make you look more professional and engaged—they will actually help you feel more powerful and energetic! Good posture makes you feel more confident, puts you in a better mood, and communicates openness.
5) Calm your nerves
Practice your main talking points if you’re nervous and remember to slow down—it can be easy to talk over people on online calls. You may need to be slightly louder and more emphatic than you would be in person since the screen is going to reduce a little bit of the impact you would have in person. Even though this particular interview is hosted online, don’t forget to review your traditional interview skills. You’ll want to have answers prepared to some of the more common interview questions and examples in case they ask for specifics. Before the interview, try standing in power poses to channel your nerves into feel-good energy. Science has shown that these poses can help you think on the go and perform well under stress.
6) Listen carefully
It’s easy to miss something important during an interview. It’s also sometimes very difficult to interrupt without an embarrassing mess of overlapping sound bytes. Avoid weird situations by jotting down keywords or short reminder phrases if you want to remember a point or circle back to ask a question. Try not to let your note-taking interfere with the flow of the interview. If you do miss something that was said, make sure you ask. Sometimes devices have speakers that don’t get very loud. You may want to consider connecting your laptop to external speakers or even headphones to get a clearer sound. If you have any gaming or podcasting microphones, using one could really improve the quality of your voice for the call.
7) Don’t rely on notes
While you might take a few notes of your own during the interview, don’t write down a list of things you want to say. Too many notes will be awkward and make the interview seem forced. You won’t want to have detailed notes, but you will want to have a few questions jotted down so you are prepared. You may even include some stats or competitor notes that you saw in your research. Don’t feel like you need to rush into answers. Give yourself a second or two to breathe before answering the questions. Not only will the short pause give you a second to organize your thoughts, but it will also ensure you aren’t cutting in on top of the interviewer. Remember, when you are nervous, you are more likely to go faster than when you are comfortable, so slow it down.