6 Tips for Online Job Interviews
Online job interviews can feel daunting, especially the first time. Here are six tips to help you prepare and make a great impression.
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iWallet | Blog Yazarı
March 14, 2020
5 min read
Job interviews can be intimidating, especially when your prospective employer wants to chat face to face online. Online job interviews have become more popular in recent years, and many companies, including Hilton, regularly use technology for pre-screening interviews. While online interviews are similar to traditional face-to-face meetings, there are some big differences candidates should prepare for. For example, depending on the type of interview, you may simply record your answers rather than talk to a live person on the other end. This can be stressful for some candidates.
Going into your first online job interview can be scary, but don't worry! Here are six tips to help you succeed:
1. Do a test run with your computer
Technology can be overwhelming these days, and with online interviews in particular you need to be comfortable using whichever method your prospective employer prefers (Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and so on). Once you're comfortable with the program, it's a good idea to test your internet connection, audio and video to make sure everything works properly. Pro tip: Ask the interviewer about the format before you log on. A few questions to make sure you're prepared: Is it an audio-only interview, or audio and video? Will someone be on the other end, or are the questions pre-recorded? If they are pre-recorded, how many chances will I get to record my answer? What should I do, or who should I call, if I run into technical difficulties?
2. Pick the perfect spot
Make sure it isn't too dark, but stay away from overhead lights during the interview if you can. If possible, sit near a window. Natural light is best, because bad lighting can be distracting. Glare can make it hard for the interviewer to see you, and you always want to put your best foot (or in this case, face) forward! Pro tip: Choose a good spot for your online meeting the day before, so you're not rushing beforehand.
3. Eliminate distractions
Silence anything that could interrupt your conversation, including email notifications on your phone and computer. Pro tip: Make sure no one else, pets included, is around while you complete your interview. Interviewers have told stories of cats walking across the keyboard and ending the call, and of half-dressed housemates strolling across the room in the background. Don't put your career at risk by not preparing!
4. Sit up and dress professionally
Even though you won't meet the interviewer in person, make sure you dress for success and sit up straight. First impressions matter, and your appearance plays a big part in making a good one. Pro tip: Don't forget to smile! Whether you're talking to a real person or recording your answers, smile just as you would in a face-to-face interview.
5. Calm your nerves
If you're nervous, practise your main talking points and remember to slow down; it can be easy to talk over people in online interviews. Pro tip: Even though the interview is online, don't forget to brush up on your traditional interview skills. Prepare answers to common interview questions and examples in case they ask for specifics.
6. Look the interviewer in the eye
Eye contact matters, even online. Instead of looking at the person on the screen, look directly into the webcam. Pro tip: If that feels uncomfortable, put a photo of someone you know next to the webcam. That way it will feel like you're chatting with a friend, which will help you relax.
Most importantly, don't stress too much! Online interviews are widely used in the first round because they save companies time and money and level the playing field for candidates. The good news is that the next round will most likely be face to face, and you'll get the chance to meet your prospective employer in person.
Going into your first online job interview can be scary, but don't worry! Here are six tips to help you succeed:
1. Do a test run with your computer
Technology can be overwhelming these days, and with online interviews in particular you need to be comfortable using whichever method your prospective employer prefers (Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and so on). Once you're comfortable with the program, it's a good idea to test your internet connection, audio and video to make sure everything works properly. Pro tip: Ask the interviewer about the format before you log on. A few questions to make sure you're prepared: Is it an audio-only interview, or audio and video? Will someone be on the other end, or are the questions pre-recorded? If they are pre-recorded, how many chances will I get to record my answer? What should I do, or who should I call, if I run into technical difficulties?
2. Pick the perfect spot
Make sure it isn't too dark, but stay away from overhead lights during the interview if you can. If possible, sit near a window. Natural light is best, because bad lighting can be distracting. Glare can make it hard for the interviewer to see you, and you always want to put your best foot (or in this case, face) forward! Pro tip: Choose a good spot for your online meeting the day before, so you're not rushing beforehand.
3. Eliminate distractions
Silence anything that could interrupt your conversation, including email notifications on your phone and computer. Pro tip: Make sure no one else, pets included, is around while you complete your interview. Interviewers have told stories of cats walking across the keyboard and ending the call, and of half-dressed housemates strolling across the room in the background. Don't put your career at risk by not preparing!
4. Sit up and dress professionally
Even though you won't meet the interviewer in person, make sure you dress for success and sit up straight. First impressions matter, and your appearance plays a big part in making a good one. Pro tip: Don't forget to smile! Whether you're talking to a real person or recording your answers, smile just as you would in a face-to-face interview.
5. Calm your nerves
If you're nervous, practise your main talking points and remember to slow down; it can be easy to talk over people in online interviews. Pro tip: Even though the interview is online, don't forget to brush up on your traditional interview skills. Prepare answers to common interview questions and examples in case they ask for specifics.
6. Look the interviewer in the eye
Eye contact matters, even online. Instead of looking at the person on the screen, look directly into the webcam. Pro tip: If that feels uncomfortable, put a photo of someone you know next to the webcam. That way it will feel like you're chatting with a friend, which will help you relax.
Most importantly, don't stress too much! Online interviews are widely used in the first round because they save companies time and money and level the playing field for candidates. The good news is that the next round will most likely be face to face, and you'll get the chance to meet your prospective employer in person.