Preparing For An Online Interview
A few of my clients have asked me recently if there is anything in particular that they should be doing differently in preparation for an on-line interview. As there is no sign of any significant change in restrictions, if you are considering career change or career advancement, an on-line interview may be something that you need to prepare for. I have covered a few key points below to best prepare for your interview as when the stress of the interview is mounting it is amazing the simple thing that can be overlooked.
In advance of the interview
Adequate preparation well in advance of the interview is key to success. Get as much information as you possibly can beforehand.
• Ask what platform the interviewer is planning on using and familiarise yourself with it
• Find out if the interview is live or if it is a pre-recorded video interview where the questions are pre recorded and you are given a certain amount of time to answer each one. You don’t want to be taken by surprise on the day.
• Assuming it is a live interview, ask whether it is one interviewer or if others will also be joining. Knowing what to expect on the day can help keep interview nerves under control.
• Make sure you try out your device the day before and ensure that the audio and video are both working well. Double check everything on the morning of the interview.
• It may sound obvious but pick the location in your home where the Wi-Fi connection is at its strongest.
• Make sure the area that you have chosen is well lit, preferably with natural light but ensuring that the light is not directly behind you as this may cause a glare.
• Try to avoid clutter or chaos in the background. While being surrounded by laundry or having the cat running across the keypad may be acceptable in a meeting setting in the current climate, it is not advisable in an interview setting!
• Switch off all notifications on the device you are using for your interview to prevent any distractions. Close any unnecessary tabs and applications including email as you don’t want new emails popping up on your screen. Ensure that your phone is on silent and out of sight.
• Prepare your answers as you would for an in-person interview, and it is a good idea to practice with a friend or colleague on screen in advance of the date. Having your answers well prepared will take some of the pressure off you, especially if you are worrying about the technology part also.
• If you do have children in the house, it may be a good idea to lock the door to avoid any sudden interruptions.
The interview itself
• Ensure the desk is clear except for a copy of your CV and a glass of water. You may want to keep a pen and some paper near at hand.
• Dress as you would for an in-person interview. It will give a professional look as well as helping to get you in the zone and get you focussed but do avoid too much colour or pattern on clothing as it can be distracting on the screen. Simple is best.
• While you will not need to worry about the firm handshake, body language is still very important. Sit up straight and make sure you are looking into the camera as opposed to looking at the interviewer on the screen as this will ensure your eyes are aligned with your interviewer’s eyes.
• Take your time with your answers and speak slowly. It can be easy to speak over people online and there can often be a lag depending on the quality of the connection, it is therefore definitely worth practising with a friend in advance.
• Remember to smile and relax as much as you can; The warm friendly face will go along way.
• In a rush to get off camera, do not forget to thank your interviewer.
Good preparation is invaluable.
Being well familiar with the technology, the environment and how you are going to answer your questions will help keep the on-the-day nerves under control. Nothing is too simple to have prepared in advance as I found out myself when I locked myself into a room for an on-line coaching session only to find out that I had forced the incorrect key to lock the door and I was locked into the room. My daughters rescued me through the window and the locksmith had to be called to open the door, not what you want to happen on the morning of your interview!
