Online Job Interview Tips: Acing an Online Interview with These 5 Tactics
How do you prepare for an online job interview? If you’re like others, your answer might be something like, “I don’t know how to ace an online job interview. I just use Skype or Google Hangouts and hope for the best.” That may not be how it should work, though. The truth is that there are many ways to prepare for an online job interview, and many of them involve tactics that will help you stand out from the other candidates. who has applied for the same position?
I am going to provide you with five tips on how to ace an online job interview. But first, let’s look at the technological advancement affecting the way employers conduct interviews.
Technological Advancement
Employers used to rely on in-person interviews as their primary means of assessing candidates for open positions. However, there has been a shift in recent years towards conducting online job interviews instead. In some cases, this is because the employer is located in a different city or country than the candidate; in other cases, it may be because the company wants to save money on travel costs. However, since the outbreak of COVID-19, employers are now restrained from conducting physical interviews due to strict SOPS and lockdowns.
Regardless of the reason, you must prepare for an online job interview just as you would for a regular in-person interview. In some ways, an online job interview can be even more challenging than a face-to-face meeting since you don’t have the advantage of being able to read the interviewer’s body language.
Tip # 1: Practice Your Body Language
One of the extremely effective things you can do to prepare for an online job interview is to practice how you will act when speaking with your interviewer. Although it’s not possible (or advisable) to simulate a real-life face-to-face meeting, there are several ways to practice your body language. You can, for example, videotape yourself, answer common interview questions, and then watch the video to see how you look and sound. Alternatively, you can use a mirror to mimic the facial expressions and gestures you would use in an online job interview.
Tip # 2: Test-Run Your Computer to Detect Any Problems
Running a test on your computer before the interview is a good idea to determine whether there are any issues. Make sure that you can see and hear the interviewer clearly, and that there are no technical glitches. If possible, try to do a practice interview with someone you know so that you can work out any kinks in advance.
Pro tip:
Before entering the interview, inquire about the format of the interview. Here are some questions to ask to ensure you’re prepared:
- Is it an audio-only interview or a combination of audio and video?
- Is the person speaking in the video live, or is it prerecorded?
- How many times can I record my response if the interview is recorded?
- What should I do if I run into any technical issues?
Tip # 3: Be Prepared for Questions about Your Online Presence
Employers are increasingly interested in how candidates represent themselves online. They will probably ask about your social media presence and how you use (or plan to use) technology in your professional life. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared for questions about your online presence. Ensure that all of your social media profiles are professional and that your privacy settings are such that only people you approve can see them.
In addition, think about how you can demonstrate how you use technology in your professional life. For example, if you’re applying for a job as an online marketer, consider creating two different accounts on Twitter: one that is private and contains only the tweets related to your marketing work; another that is public and shows how savvy of a marketer you are (with retweets, hashtags, etc.).
Tip # 4: Prepare Your Online Job Interview Portfolio for the Interviewer
Before you begin an online job interview, it’s a good idea to prepare some information that can facilitate the interviewer with getting to know you and how well-suited you are for the role. Your “online job interview portfolio” should include things like links to previous work projects, articles or blog posts that demonstrate how skilled you are in certain areas, copies of training certificates or other qualifications related to the position, etc.
As with any type of resume or CV (curriculum vitae), make sure that everything is consistent—and current! If possible, try using different multimedia formats to avoid issues if the interviewer’s computer doesn’t support one format.
Tip # 05: Use a Webcam to Your Advantage (if it is a video interview)
A webcam is a valuable tool you can use in an online job interview. It allows you to create a personal connection with the interviewer, which can be especially important if there is no face-to-face meeting. Make sure that you smile and make eye contact with the webcam; this will help to create a positive impression. In addition, use your body language to show that you are engaged in the conversation.
For example, uncross your arms if you have them crossed or lean forward when speaking.
Pro tip: If you are not the best at making small talk, practice a few questions that you can ask the interviewer to help break the ice. Some good questions to ask include:
- How did you get interested in this type of work?
- What do you like most about your job?
- What are some of the biggest challenges you face in this role?
- What do you like most about working at [Company Name]?
The Final Takeaway
Be sure that you prepare thoroughly for an online job interview. Make sure that your technology works well, and prepare yourself to answer questions about how you represent yourself online. Most importantly, be sure to practice answering common interview questions. The more prepared you are, the more likely you are to ace the interview!
Having an online job interview can be a bit difficult, so it’s important to prepare yourself as much as possible. Always remember that the person on the other side of the screen is just another human being who wants you to succeed! Use the tips in this article to help you feel confident and prepared for your online job interview.
Good luck!
