With the country in the midst of a pandemic, many companies have moved online for business. And in many cases, the hiring process has turned virtual as well. Although the online job interview format is definitely not what you are used to, the same rules apply to prepare to land a new job. Additionally, dealing with the new wrinkle of the technology needed to conduct the interview is something you need to take seriously. Here are the 8 best tips to help you land the job of your dreams.
- Make sure you understand the format in which the interview will take place. Will it be a Zoom meeting? WebEx? A Google Meet? Get the passwords in advance so you are ready to roll at the time of the online job interview.
2. Become familiar with the technology mentioned above. Although interviewing from home is very different from being in person, no boss wants to watch you fumble around with cameras and not understand how to use the given technology.
3. Set up an interview space. Take care in making the room around you look professional. Perhaps utilize a bookshelf with trade books behind you or some tasteful art on the wall. Experiment with lighting and angles before your interview to ensure you are putting forth the best possible picture of yourself and your surroundings.
4. Practice questions with a friend. There is a temptation in an online interview in forgetting the heart of the matter: you have questions to answer and you need to sell yourself. Anticipating the questions you will be asked and practicing verbalizing the answers is a great way to prepare. You could also write down your answers to clarify them even more.
5. Consider what you are wearing. Make sure that you are dressed for success. Because of the camera, bold solid colors are best. Avoid stripes or patterns, as the camera will not treat them well.
6. Make eye contact with the camera. Your natural inclination will be to look at the interviewer on the screen, but to maximize eye contact, keep your eyes focused on the camera. Although this feels unnatural, it will make you appear focused and interested to your interviewer.
7. Eliminate distractions. Banish pets and children and even pesky spouses so there are no interruptions. Close the windows so that outside distractions such as trucks going by or lawn mowers will not be an issue.
8. Wear earbuds or headphones to make sure you are heard. Being dressed for success is one thing, but what the interviewer is really interested in is the way you answer questions. Make sure to speak slowly and clearly, as the timing of the audio may have a bit of a delay.
