Zoom, Skype and Microsoft Teams are all words that we have become so much more familiar with over recent months. Online interviews certainly existed pre COVID-19 however they have definitely become the norm in our current environment. This brings with it a new set of challenges when preparing for and attending an online interview. If you are currently in the market for a job and have an interview coming up, here are our top tips for nailing your online interview:
Get Tech Savvy
This is a new space for all of us to navigate and embracing the online interview is key if you want to land that dream job. In my experience (and I am definitely not the most tech savvy person), the various online platforms used for interviewing are relatively easy to navigate. If you are asked to participate in an online interview; be positive about it. Don’t put up barriers about having never used a particular software or show that you are reluctant or hesitant. Online meetings are going to be with us for a long time to come and will change the way we work forever. Being hesitant or resistant just shows me you are struggling to adapt to change.
Dress for the Part
We have all loved working from home and being able to stay in our PJ’s all day or not having to worry about doing our hair or makeup or shaving. And while you might be able to get away with that for work, this is a job interview and you want to make a great first impression; exactly as you would when you walked in to a business for an interview. Making the effort will get you noticed, even if it is just from the top up. I don’t mind if you have your ugg boots and track pants on, but if you are interviewing for a professional role it’s time to suit up and dress for the part.
Show Up On Time
If you were attending a face to face interview you would show up on time right? It’s no different online. Join the meeting 5 minutes before your interview, sit and wait and catch your breath, prepare yourself. Showing up to the online meeting a few minutes late isn’t putting your best foot forward.
Maintain ‘Personal Space’
This one links in with having a practice run. How close you sit to your camera is important. I’ve had candidates lean right into their camera which has felt like an invasion of personal space and others that have sat so far back from the screen that I can hardly see them. Getting the balance right is super important.
Maintain Eye Contact
I get that most of us are over looking at ourselves on a computer screen and that it can be really hard to look at the camera – it’s something I have learnt myself with presentations I have done over the last couple of months. Looking at the screen, maintaining eye contact as best you can in an online interview is important to help build rapport and show engagement. There is nothing worse than if you are looking away in another direction. It’s ok to have your notes with you, or be glancing down at your resume or at the PD on another screen but make sure most of your eye contact is on the video.
These tips for nailing your online interview really aren’t that different to nailing your interview in a face to face setting. It just takes preparation and practice to put your best foot forward for an online interview. Happy interviewing!
Disclaimer: The material contained in this publication is of a general nature only. It is not, nor is intended to be, legal advice. If you wish to act based on the content of this publication, we recommend that you seek professional advice.
