An online job interview is a modern way of where with a potential employer and showing why you are the best candidate for a vacant position. Job interviews usually involve answering the interviewer’s questions, so it can be useful to prepare in advance to make sure that you can answer each question effectively and completely. You can also benefit from knowing how to prepare specifically for an online job interview in case any company offering them prefers to conduct interviews online.
What is an online job interview?
An online job interview is an interview that employers can host on online platforms. Job interviews can be conducted online on a variety of different platforms and niches, which can help make them more accessible and easy to conduct for employers and job candidates. An online job interview usually includes many of the same elements as an in-person job interview, such as answering the interviewer’s questions, providing information about your personality and work experience, and discussing the company’s mission and values.
There are a few different options for platforms that enable you to conduct interviews online, most of which can work effectively from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
Here are some meeting methods that you may encounter in an online job interview:
- Video call
- Voice or phone call
- Recorded video
- Digital questionnaire
Here are 10 tips you can use when attending an online job interview:
- Wear appropriate formal clothes to show your professionalism
Although an online job interview does not require you to visit the company’s offices, it is still important to wear appropriate formal clothing for your interview. This is because the interlocutor is often still able to see you during an online interview, as in video calls or recorded videos, so making sure that you look like a professional can be an effective first step that helps to make a positive impression on a potential employer. In order to dress appropriately formally, you can check the dress code used by the company and try to dress at the same or higher level of professionalism.
- Find a quiet place for the interview
Many professionals conduct online interviews from their homes or from public places where there is an internet connection, such as cafes or libraries. However, it can be helpful to find a quiet place anywhere you choose to complete your online interview.
This can help you stay focused on whom you are talking to during the interview by reducing the chances of outside noise or distractions disrupting your interview. Having a quiet space to stay focused and conduct the interview may also improve your answers, as the absence of distractions around you may give you the ability to develop more thoughtful and complete responses than if you were in a crowded place.
- Test which technical means you plan to use for the interview
It is not possible to foresee any problems that may happen to you while using any of the means of technology, so testing any of those means by which you plan to complete your interview can help ensure that you are fully prepared by checking that each piece of equipment is working properly.
Doing this before your interview starts can also give you the opportunity to adjust your plans or find an alternative plan if necessary, such as if the camera is not working or if the computer battery is low on power and needs to be charged, this will ensure that you are fully prepared when the interview is due.
To test the means of technology that you plan to use, you can make a training call from the device you want to use to monitor how it works and to confirm your complete knowledge of how to handle and use it.
- Use a neutral background during the interview
Having a neutral background devoid of any graphics or bright colors enables you to look professional during an online interview, especially when the interviewer can see you clearly which helps you stay focused on answering the questions you are being asked. You can use a blank wall in your home or a nearby place where you can sit during your call.
- Practice answering questions
Most interviews usually involve answering the questions that the interlocutor asks you. Interview questions can ask about details such as your work experience, relevant skills you may have, or what aspects of the workplace you consider most important.
Since most Interview Questions are designed to have multiple possible answers, practicing your answers before the interview can help you decide what you want to say and make sure your thoughts come out clearly.
- Watch your body language
Since many online interview platforms offer the option of holding meetings using video technology, thinking about how your body language will look on camera can help you prepare to look professional and confident during the interview. Because there are so many different ways, someone might interpret body language.
Therefore, it may be useful to try to use body language that shows your self-confidence, for example, sitting upright while maintaining eye contact with the interlocutor, as this will make you an attractive candidate for the employer, more than a person who looks sunk in his chair or does not look at the screen.
- Use a microphone or headset
While many computers and mobile devices have their own microphones, using an external microphone should help increase the sound quality during an internet call. This can be very useful during an online interview, to make sure the interviewer can hear that you can verify that you have received your answers to their questions, which increases your chances of employment.
- Keep notes on your screen
When preparing for an interview, it can be helpful to take notes to guide your answers and develop your ideas. One of the benefits of conducting an interview on an online platform is that you can use notes and resources without distracting the interviewer. You can do this by writing your notes in a document file and keeping the file open on your screen during the interview. Where you will be able to refer to your notes by quickly glancing at them without having to look away from the screen. However, it can also be important to make sure that you also speak freely and naturally during the interview, so be careful not to focus too closely on the notes you use and refer to them only for supporting details.
- Follow-up with your interlocutor
After completing the interview, following up with your interviewer may increase your chances of employment by maintaining contact with someone in the company and showing that you have a genuine interest in the position. There are several different ways you can proceed with the interlocutor, such as sending them an email or calling the phone number of their office. Whichever format you use, it can be useful to remind the interlocutor of your name, the job you are applying for, and the date of your interview so that they can quickly associate your identity with the job application. You can also ask questions in a follow-up message, such as whether a position has been filled or when you might hear back about your interview.
- Try to stay relaxed throughout the interview
While completing an interview can be an exciting experience, it can be important to remain calm during your call so that you maintain a professional and confident tone. This is because staying relaxed can help you speak clearly and support your body language, helping you look professional and prepared. To relax before an online interview, you can take part in some deep breathing exercises to stabilize your breathing and clear your mind of any possible distractions so that you can concentrate on the interview completely. During the interview, you can keep breathing steadily and make sure to speak slowly and clearly when answering each question.
