How To Prepare For Online Interviews
- Career Coach
- Apr 1, 2020
- 3 min read
Written by Rosie
Online interviews are becoming an increasingly popular way to interview potential employees as they are much more cost effective for everyone involved. However, and I know everyone is probably a bit tired of hearing about it now, but the current COVID-19 situation has caused a massive change to online and digital working. This is the same for the recruitment, interviewing and hiring processes so the chances of you being asked for an online interview is higher. Even in these times, many companies want to reassure graduates that they will be continuing recruiting and supporting students into work in a ‘business as usual’ fashion. So, if you are a soon to be graduate reading this, don’t be disheartened! There are still lots of opportunities you can apply to, take a look at the Gradcracker website to see companies still hiring and take a look at these tips for preparing for an online interview.
Before The Interview
Before the actual interview takes place make sure you know what type of online interview it is going to be.
The two most common ways are;
A normal interview conversation over skype or other video calling system
Or
An on-your-own style video where you are sent questions either over email or online programme and you have to record yourself answering them, sometimes within a certain time frame.
Now you know which type of interview it is, make sure you have the software downloaded and set up in plenty of time so you can practice using it before the interview.
Some important things to consider when setting up:
Make sure your username is professional and not a skype username from years ago
Look at your background, is it clean and tidy? Is it well-lit so the interviewer can see you well?
Try to make sure your surroundings are as quiet as possible so your answers can be heard and there are no embarrassing interruptions during the interview.
Have your CV next to your laptop so you can refer to it if you need to as well as a piece of paper and a pen for taking notes.
Dress professionally- just because you are not physically there does not mean you can wear your dressing gown or a hoody. Dress smartly and consider how you will look if you have to move around to fetch something.
During The Interview
The day is finally here for your interview and you’re all set up and ready to go. Whichever type of interview you are doing you still need to remember the same things.
Smile and make eye contact with the camera as much as possible- just like in a face-to-face interview.
Try to engage with the interviewer as much as you can.
Make sure you are speaking clearly so they can hear you properly on their side.
If your answers are timed make sure you answer in a clear and concise manner, getting your point across in a calm way.
Make sure your body language is positive and even though you’re not physically there, keep an eye on the interviewer’s body language for non-verbal cues.
Now you’re ready to go and smash your online interview, good luck from the Careers Studio!
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