Effective Tips on How to Ace your next Online Interview

As technology develops, it is becoming more convenient and cost-effective for employers to conduct job interviews online.

Virtual interviews reduce transportation costs, speed up the interviewing process, and allow hiring managers to interview non-local candidates.

If you are searching for a job, you might be required to take part in an online interview. In this article, we discuss some online interview tips that can help you pass.

You may find the format is different as well. Depending on the type of online interview you are taking part in, there are some instances where you are just recording your answers instead of conversing with a live person on the other end.

This can be stressful for some candidates. Just remember that being brave enough to take the plunge and show initiative during an unfamiliar interview process is already a positive step in the right direction.

What is an Online Interview?
Types of Online Interviews
- #1. Video calls
- #2. Recorded video
Online Interview Tips On How To Ace Your Next Interview
Conclusion
References
Recommendations

What is an Online Interview?

An online interview is an interview conducted through an online chat video/audio platform.

Types of Online Interviews

Employers can conduct online interviews using different methods. Before your appointment, ask your interviewer what kind of interview to expect. This includes determining whether the call will include audio, video, or both. Additionally, ensure you know the time zone for the interview.

#1. Video calls

The most common type of online interview is a video call. When setting up a video call, the interviewer will typically contact you and ask if you can access the equipment.

Most laptops have built-in cameras and microphones, so you should be able to find a computer that meets the requirements.

The interviewer will schedule a specific time in which they will call using a program like Skype, Zoom or Google Hangouts.

During a video call, the interviewer will converse with you like during an in-person interview. If you are familiar with webcam technology, a video call should be fairly simple for you to set up and navigate. The key to a successful video call is preparing thoroughly ahead of time.

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#2. Recorded video

Another online interview method involves recording a video of yourself answering interview questions.

To prepare for this type of interview, the interviewer will send you a list of questions and a deadline.

You will need to set up a camera and film yourself while you answer each question on the list. After you finish, you must upload the video and send it back to the interviewer.

This type of interview allows you to prepare your answers carefully in advance, but it can also be awkward if you are not used to talking to a camera.

As with video calls, the most important thing you can do is set aside time to prepare and practice.

Online Interview Tips On How To Ace Your Next Interview

Going through an online job interview for the first time can be scary, but we are here to help! Here are 15 tips to help you succeed:

#1. Do A Test-Run With Your Computer

In this day and age, technology can be overwhelming and with online interviews especially; you need to feel comfortable using whichever method your prospective employee prefers (Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc.).

Once you’re comfortable with the program you’ll be using, it’s a good idea to test your internet connection and your audio and sound capabilities to ensure everything works properly.

Pro Tip: Before logging on, ask the interviewer the format. Here are a few questions to ask to make sure you’re prepared:

Is it an audio interview or both audio and video?
Is someone on the other end of the video or are the questions pre-recorded?
How many chances do I get to record my answer if they are pre-recorded?
What do I do or who do I call if I have technical difficulties?

Then, find a friend or family member you can use that platform to connect with. Platforms like Zoom and Skype, they are pretty user-friendly, but it helps to feel familiar with the interface before you get on with your employer and realize you are trying to respond and are still muted.

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#2. Pick The Perfect Spot For Lighting

Make sure it isn’t too dark but also stay away from overhead lights during the interview if you can. If possible, settle down near a window with your face towards the light. You always want to put your best foot (or in this case, face) forward!

Lighting Dos:

Natural (window) light is best because it gives the best (most accurate) colour.
Turn off any overhead lights if you can sit by a window because they will add a yellow or blue tint (depending on the bulb).
Light on your face will highlight your eyes and facial features.

Lighting Don’ts:

Lighting from above or behind will cause strange shadows on your face and a frizz halo out of your hair.
Lighting from behind or the side will cause a glare, making it difficult for the interviewer to see you.
Lighting from behind or the side can also cause a glare on your screen and make it hard for you to see the interviewer!

Pro Tip: Scope out a good spot to conduct your online meeting the day before to make sure you’re not rushing around before the interview. Make sure you have a stable table for your laptop. You don’t want it bouncing around or wobbling during the interview. You may need to use a box to lift the laptop so that it gets from just below your shoulders to just above your head for a perfectly framed interview shot. If you are using a tablet or smartphone, use a device tripod to hold it steady.

#3. Forgo Virtual Backgrounds

You may feel tempted to pick out a cute background on the platform, but don’t! Backgrounds are distracting and unprofessional for a first-time meeting. You want to choose the most professional area of your home for the interview stage, it is just for the interview!

Pro Tip: Once you’ve identified the places that offer the best lighting, you will want to examine the backgrounds to choose the best spot carefully. Remove any clutter. Avoid odd things in the background, like a bed or toilet. It may seem obvious, but sometimes people don’t think about the first impression their home is making.

Books can make you look smart; tactful home décor can give the appearance of being put together and artsy pieces in the background can make you look cultured. A blank wall is even acceptable because it keeps the focus on you.

#4. Remove 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 that your potential employer will already be aware of.

Pro Tip: Make sure no one else is around when 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 hearing children screaming in the next room. Don’t jeopardize your career by not being prepared! If you can’t ensure people will not 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.

#5. Log On Early And Test the Setup

Being on time is being about 10 minutes early. For a virtual, first-time interview, you may want to make sure you are ready to go 15-20 minutes early.

If this sounds like a lot, remember: In a normal interview, you would probably be getting ready, driving, parking and finding the right room before the interview.

In this situation, setting up the computer and logging in is essentially the parking part of your interview process. Make sure everything works, and then you can hang out until about 5-10 minutes before the scheduled time.

Pro Tip: ALWAYS act like your interviewer can hear and see everything you do. Feeling “watched” during the session will help you not do something strange because you forget people are in the room or don’t realize your camera is on. From the moment you log in until you close the screen, assume they can hear and see everything.

#6. Sit Up And Dress Professionally

Even though you’re not meeting your interviewer in person, dress for success and sit up straight. First impressions matter, and your appearance can make or break yours.

Pro Tip: 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. Wear clothes that are flattering and fit the job you are interviewing for. When in doubt, dress up rather than down (especially for virtual interviews!).

Not only will sitting up and smiling make you look more professional and engaged, but they will also help you feel more powerful and energetic! Good posture makes you feel more confident, puts you in a better mood, and communicates openness.

#7. Calm Your Nerves

Practice your main talking points if you’re nervous and remember to slow down. It’s easy to talk to people on online calls. You may need to be slightly louder and more emphatic than you would be in person since the screen will reduce a little of the impact you would have in person.

Pro Tip: 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.

#8. Look Your Interviewers In The “Eye”

In the online environment, eye contact is important even though it isn’t true eye contact.

Instead of looking at the person on the screen, look directly into the webcam and stay engaged. It can be tricky to look at the camera when you see a person on the screen. But looking at the screen will make you look like you are staring down (since screens are usually below cameras).

If you’ve taken a selfie before, you probably know the deal. But, somehow, video is harder.

Pro Tip: If you are uncomfortable, put a picture of someone you know up by the webcam. This way, you feel as though you’re chatting with a friend. If you have a webcam on a stand, you can even place it in front of the person’s face to make this a little easier.

#9. Listen Carefully

It’s easy to miss something important during an interview. Interrupting without an embarrassing mess of overlapping sound bytes is sometimes very difficult.

Avoid weird situations by jotting down keywords or quick 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 miss something that was said, make sure you ask.

Pro Tip: Sometimes devices have speakers that don’t get very loud. You might connect your laptop to external speakers or even headphones to get a clearer sound. If you have any gaming or podcasting microphones, using one could improve the quality of your voice for the call.

#10. Use Engaged Body Language

Similar to the power poses, using engaged body language during the interview is going to help you answer with confidence and energy. Even if the call is just over the phone, the right posture will help you sound more friendly, open and sure of yourself.

On the flip side, slouching can cause you to feel tired and want to be done. Crossing your arms or your legs will look like you aren’t fully engaged and can cause a kind of mental block that makes it hard to take in the information.

Pro Tip: Sit up straight with your shoulders back and head up. You will want to practice this when you are getting your spot picked out. Ensure your computer or camera is positioned at eye level so you don’t have to lean over or duck down to get in the frame. You may need to place it on a box or stand to reach the perfect height.

#11. 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.

Pro Tip: 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 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. The brief pause will give you a second to organize your thoughts and 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!

#12. Be Yourself

You want to come across as genuine and authentic during an interview. This is your opportunity to express yourself off the paper. Your resume already got your foot in the door; now you can show who you are.

Being overly stiff is a pretty common response to nerves. Try to loosen up your mindset and take cues from your interviewer. For example, dress professionally without squashing your style when choosing your outfit for the meeting.

Pro Tip: Knowing who you are as a professional is important. Stop and think deeply about your strengths, weaknesses, and traits. You can even make a list beforehand to organise your thoughts. These are likely going to be questions asked during the interview anyway. When you feel better about what you want to communicate, you’ll be better able to let your strengths shine through.

#13. Make A Connection

Nerves may make you naturally focus on yourself. Knowing that will probably be the case, ensure you pay special attention to the interviewer. Try to pick up on cues from him or her. Personal connections over interests, hobbies, or weather can help you build that professional relationship.

Pro Tip: Just like you thought about your background, the interviewer may also have. You might be able to spot something of interest behind his or her desk. You may prefer to talk about the weather.

#14. Write Down 5 Questions Beforehand

Prepare by doing some research on the company and industry. Try to think of five good questions that aren’t about salary or benefits (you can have those, too, but they are too easy. They don’t let the interviewer know you’ve done your homework and you’re serious about the job.)

You want to think up five in case some are naturally answered. Most interviewers ask at the end if you have questions, and having two or three questions to ask will show you’ve put thought into this.

Pro Tip: Ask questions that show you would be an engaged and valuable team member, ready to get to work as soon as you are hired.

#15. Follow Up Afterward

Showing your interest and dedication can go a long way in convincing a hiring manager you are the right person for the job. While you don’t want to be aggressive, desperate or obnoxious, you don’t want to appear passive or lackadaisical!

Before the interview, ask when they will likely get back to you. If they don’t get back to you by the named day, try waiting another day or two before reaching out.

Always give a brief thank you a few days after the interview. Reassert your interest in the position and your appreciation for their time.

Pro Tip: Most of the time, emailing will be the best way to connect with an employer because it is less demanding; they can read it in their free time. Keep your contact short and include how much you appreciated interviewing with them. Don’t use a generic boilerplate email. Personalize your “thank you” follow-up so that you appear genuine.

Conclusion

An Interview, being more or less a screening phase to identify liable individuals or persons that a company or firm would employ, is essential in every system for growth and more effective output with time.

As detailed thoroughly in the article, the approach relays the fact that there is so much flexibility in the process overall, whether it could be online or offline. Furthermore, the strict rules and standards make interviewing a very effective process during employment.