You have been invited for an interview for your dream job in a wonderful organisation. You know that you have the relevant skills and experience and you are more than qualified for the role. However, the interview is taking place online and if this is a daunting prospect for you, then read on. In this article, I will outline how to prepare effectively for online interviews and how to complete online interviews successfully.
Remember an interview is an interview. So whether you are invited for an online interview using Zoom, Skype, MS Teams or Google Hangouts, interview preparation is the key to your success.
How to Prepare For Online Interviews
Location
- Identify the best location in your house for you to complete your interview.
- Find a quiet room with minimal distractions that has adequate lighting.
- Eliminate any distractions behind you, ideally a blank wall is best.
Check the Technology
- Get familiar with the video conferencing tool that will be used during the interview.
- Make sure the microphone, speakers and camera are working correctly.
- Check that your internet connection supports high-quality live video.
Test Call
- Schedule a test call with a friend or family member ahead of your interview.
- Get them to check the sound quality so that they can hear you effectively when you are speaking.
- Get them to check the video quality so that you can be seen clearly.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
- You cannot be over prepared for an interview. So do your homework by doing some research about the job and about the company.
- Prepare answers for interview questions and practice speaking your answers out loud.
- Prepare at least 2 questions that you can ask the interviewers. A simple question could be “what is the next stage of the process”?
Be organised for your interview
- Make sure that you get all the information about your interview.
- Know who you are meeting and what time your interview is on at.
- All of these things seem basic, but it is important that you make a good first impression so be clear on all these things.
Now that you know how to prepare effectively for online interviews, I want to share some tips on how to complete online interviews successfully.
How to Complete Online Interviews Successfully
Control your environment
- For the duration of the interview ensure that you eliminate any distractions and noises.
- Turn off any notifications from your phone, email and apps.
- Have a contact number and (or) email address for the interviewers as a back-up, in the event that there are any tech issues.
Dress professionally
- Dress as if you were going to a physical premises.
- Wear something clean and business casual.
- By dressing the part, it will highlight your professionalism and communicate your interest in the role and organisation.
Eye Contact
- Making eye contact during an online interview will help to build rapport with the interviewers during the interview.
- When you are answering the questions make eye contact by looking directly into the webcam instead of at the interviewer’s face.
- When the interviewers are asking questions, nodding and making eye contact will show the interviewer that you are involved and listening attentively.
Body Language
- Sit up straight and be aware of your non-verbal gestures.
- Remember to smile and nod when the interviewer speaks.
- Take a deep breath before the call and try to remain calm during the interview. You will make a much better first impression when you are relaxed.
Honesty is the best policy
- Don’t lie or exaggerate about the work experience that you have gained previously.
- If there is something that you are not familiar with it is much better to say the truth than to lie.
- The truth will come out in the end.
Once you have completed your online interview, it is always a good idea to follow up with a thank you email. I hope you enjoyed reading this article and that you have gained some tips that will help you with your upcoming online interview.
If you feel you could benefit from an interview skills training session ahead of your upcoming interview or you would like to complete a mock interview with a professional who has completed thousands of interviews, feel free to get in touch with me.