Practical tips for acing an online job interview

In this current climate, the chances are that your job interview and onboarding process will be taking place online. Here’s Viana Maya with our tips on making a great impression in a virtual job interview.

Preparation – just because you’re interviewing virtually this is no less important. The key things to remember here:

• Dress for success – You should still dress in the same professional way you would for a face-to-face interview – dark colours work best on camera
• Create a distraction-free interview space, with a blank or neutral background
• Test your tech – Anticipate technical issues such as a weak connection, and testing equipment beforehand
• Always have your CV and cover letter to hand for the interview – the interviewer will refer to this and you need to ready to answer questions about your history and how you intend you contribute in this new role.
• However- Avoid reading directly from notes as this can disrupt the natural flow of conversation

Be Personable:

• Rehearse standard interview questions as you would for a face-to-face interview. Research the company well including their values and how you think you’d fit in with these.
• Make eye contact, smile often and generally engage with the interviewer to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
• Ensure you’re fully engaged – close any browser tabs that may make noise (email or social media) and leave your smartphone in another room – setting the video so your self-view is hidden is also a good idea.
• Remember to smile and nod when the interviewer is talking. It is harder to read body language through a video, so be especially aware of your nonverbal cues. Sit up straight and act as you would during an in-person interview. 

Wrapping Up:

• Summarise the key points of the interview at the end and confirming the next steps.
• Send a follow-up email to your interviewer, (later that day or the next) thanking them for their time

Finally – Relax:

• The most important thing to remember throughout this time is not to get too stressed. 
• Your worst enemy during an online interview may not be the interviewer or technology, but actually your own nerves! 
• Take a deep breath before the call, and try to remain calm and collected during the interview. 
• If you can communicate confidently with the interviewer, you are far more likely to leave a lasting positive impression than if you seem nervous. 
• You may be talking to a computer, but don’t be afraid to be yourself and make some small talk when appropriate.