Technology is designed to simplify and optimize everyday tasks for people. As a result, it has become an integral part of all industries. The recruitment field is no exception. That is why the practice of online job interviews through Skype, Google Hangout, and FaceTime has become a typical form of evaluating potential candidates. This approach saves time for employers and job seekers as Internet communication does not require a well-thought route and eliminates the risk of being late due to traffic jams. Moreover, it is a good solution if the position involves remote activities, as it allows the company and the applicant to be located in different cities or even countries. Web interview has become an essential tool for professional communication, but it is not without its intricacies and pitfalls. Our guide will help you handle them and hit the target.
Technical preparation stage
Before proceeding to the defining moment of your job application, check your technical background to minimize the risk of any trouble at the initial stage:
- Check the quality of the Internet connection on the selected device so that your dialogue with the recruiter or employer takes place without any notable lags.
- Make sure that the webcam and microphone are in operable condition. Malfunctions with the image and sound can distract from the essence of the dialogue, ruin your first impression, and negatively affect the outcome of the video interview.
- Download the video messenger application requested by the interviewer to serve as a platform for your communication. Even if it is not your first experience using such an application, run preliminary tests to ensure that it functions smoothly. It will help to avoid delays and embarrassments on the day of the interview.
- Before starting the interview, make sure that your laptop, tablet, or phone is fully charged so that a low battery alert or an interrupted connection does not catch you at a weak moment.
It should be noted that the implementation of these basic recommendations does not immune you of technical difficulties. Some things are unavoidable and are not necessarily your fault. Therefore, give your phone number to the interlocutor in case the interview goes wrong.
Create the right image
If you found the available vacancy on a job board or a social network and are using an application or website for interviews, it is your first direct communication with your potential employers. Therefore, it is your first chance to prove that you are the right person for the role. Isn’t that a strong motivation to start with the perfect clothes and venue?
Where to hold an interview?
There are two common requirements for picking the right place to take a call from a recruiter:
- The location should be quiet, so that background noise and strangers do not interfere with your concentration and communication. Therefore, public places are not the best choice.
- The background behind you should be neutral, without portraits of family members, rock band posters, or scattered clothing. Your location should resemble a workplace as much as possible. Therefore, even if the plain wall in the bedroom seems a bit dreary, it is still a better choice than the kitchen table with a cooking environment around you.
What clothes are suitable for an interview?
When it comes to online job or internship interviews, many candidates mistakenly neglect the issue of clothing, believing that this aspect does not matter in the context of Internet communication. But it is worth remembering that the interviewer still watches, which means that your careless appearance can ruin your fiery speech about your achievements and professional aptitude. To help you to avoid this, we have constructed a short tutorial with clothing tips for an online interview:
- There are many examples where cinema or television makes fun of an applicant who puts on a formal shirt and a tie but prefers underwear or lounge pants instead of trousers. Despite the absurdity of the situation, some applicants believe that such an approach works since the interlocutor only sees faces and shoulders. But you should not take cues from them for two critical reasons. First, any sudden turn of the web camera can put you in an awkward position and discredit you as a potential employee. Second, the business-style clothing removes you from the at-home mindset and helps you to focus on the issue of your career. Therefore, choose a look that you would prefer in a personal interview.
- TV presenters are asked to wear plain-colored clothes so that their appearance is watchable in the frame. Keep this technique in mind before a video call with a recruiter. Avoid stripes and mottled patterns in clothes as they can cause eye fatigue and distort the image, thereby distracting the interviewer from your dialogue.
- Take the effort to research the corporate dress code of the company to which you are applying. This will help you to identify clothing samples that are acceptable in their work environment. Based on this information, you will understand what clothes will be appropriate for a particular employer.
How to prove yourself?
Now that you have prepared the hardware and software and selected the appropriate location and clothes, it is time to learn the proper way to behave during the video interview. Here are some tips for winning an interviewer’s favor:
- Maintain eye contact with your interlocutor. It confirms that you are open to interaction, attentive to the words of the interviewer, and engaged in the conversation.
- In order not to miss crucial virtual interview questions, do not engage in any unrelated activities, such as messaging on your phone, shifting things on the desktop, or playing with a pet. Such behavior demonstrates not only your detachment, but also a lack of respect for the interviewer. The best solution, in this case, is to keep your hands on the table and watch the camera lens.
- If the company has sent you the essential questions by email, prepare answers in advance and take notes that you can use during the interview. Your notes should be concise and clear since you should not read the answers but catch their essence at a glance and return to eye contact. If the employer has not provided you with an interview plan, make an effort to study frequently ask questions so that they do not catch you at a weak moment.
- Your participation in the interview is not limited to just answers. Do not be afraid to take the initiative and steer a conversation. If your experience is valuable for the desired company, describe where you worked and what advantages and skills you have for this position. If you are unsure about what kind of characteristics can play into your hands, see the current requirements for your role and application templates on Get Cover Letter This will help you create an effective self-presentation.
Online interviews are not inferior to personal ones in effectiveness and importance. Therefore, do not neglect the preparatory stage. This will allow you to grow in confidence and improve your credibility as a candidate. Remember that the format of the interview does not matter if you do your due diligence and have a responsible approach.
