For some time now, everything has moved to the internet. As great as it is to watch lectures from your bed and go to exams in Crocs, we think everyone still needs to get fully used to the new situation. One of the things that’s also changed is job interviews, which now mostly take place online, so it’s worth improving your technique for online interviews.
Wondering how to nail an online job interview? We have 5 tips for you to make your online job interview a complete success!
1. Prepare yourself
The thing that can help you most to make your online job interview as relaxed as possible is to prepare in advance. Although you can attend an online interview from the comfort of your bed, it’s important that you prepare in the same way as you would for a live interview. Research the company you’re applying to and carefully read the job advert (if there is one). Think about what the company does, what it’s looking for and what its values are – and bring all this up in the interview. As well as preparing answers to some typical questions, prepare (and write down) a few questions for the company. You can always ask more detailed questions about the job you’re applying for, the project the company is working on, what a typical working day is like or what the company expects from an ideal candidate. This way you show the company your interest and motivation.
2. Choose a neutral background
With online interviews, you have the option of choosing a location. Remember that this also tells the company something about you. If you decide to have your online interview in a local café, it can leave a negative impression. Find a place where you know there will be no distractions, turn off the sound on your phone and tell your roommate, parents, brother, or sister that they aren’t allowed in your room during this time. Also, check what’s behind you, i.e., what’ll be visible to the company on camera – a unmade bed or a poster of your favourite band will only distract the interviewer. We recommend that it should be something neutral.
3. Test the camera and microphone
In addition to preparing for possible questions that companies will ask you, online interviews also require technical preparation. We assume that you’re no stranger to this and that you know how to use a camera and microphone, but it’s always good to check that everything is working properly. Remember that the company has also taken time for the interview, and technical difficulties can cost a lot of time. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and check how others see you on camera – you can easily try this out with a friend.
4. Dress formally
Our advice is to dress as if you were going to a live job interview. You can test in advance how certain colours will look on the screen and what the company will see. We know that the advantage of online interviews is that you can only think about your upper body, but you never know if you’ll have to stand up for some reason – although we also prefer it when we work from home, it’s better to get out of your Star Wars pyjamas during an important interview.
5. Nonverbal communication
Although this is an online interview, non-verbal communication is very important. Try to position the camera so that your eyes are level with the camera to give the impression that you’re looking the interviewer in the eye. Also, try to keep your eyes on the camera when answering. Sit upright in a chair – as attractive as this may be for you, don’t be in bed. When listening, nod your head and smile when appropriate. Try not to move too much, rock in the chair, or look away from the device.
In addition to these tips, there’s one very important piece of advice if you get nervous before the interview – take a deep breath! The company wants to meet you to get to know you, not to bombard you with questions you don’t know the answer to. If you’ve prepared well, you’ll have a relaxed conversation with your potential future colleagues, with whom you’ll go for a coffee after work.
