Online Job Interview Tips

More and more job interviews are now being carried out online using video platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Skype. This is still a relatively new concept, however as we all get more used to the digital world, there are some easy things we can do to ensure we give the best interview we can!

Double check the link

How to enter the virtual room?
Do you need a password to get in?
Do you need to download the app beforehand? You don’t want to be scrambling on how to get into the room just before the interview!

Check your technology

Check whether your microphone and video work. You may only have a phone to carry out the interview but still check and check again.
Is your device charged, or charger plugged in?
If presenting or showing some of your previous work, do you know how to share your screen?
Set up a practice call with someone to make sure you know how everything works.

Still ‘arrive’ early

Even if it is online, you should still aim to ‘arrive’ early.
Unless stated otherwise, log onto the call at least 5 minutes before. They should have a virtual ‘room’ set up where you will sit until they are ready.

How to present yourself

To give yourself the best entrance, it is recommended you have your microphone on mute and your video turned off when entering the room. This ensures that they don’t catch you off guard and let you enter the room and you’re still checking your hair or popping that spot out of nervous energy… believe me, it’s happened before! Then when you have entered the room of the interview, turn on your camera and unmute your microphone for a smooth transition.
Still dress smartly, or suitable for the job – you may be online, but you should still dress appropriately, top to bottom! So, no PJs underneath. Helps you feel the part and prepare mentally for the interview.
Make sure you are ‘in the picture’ on screen. Don’t have half your head out of the frame and give yourself some wiggle room for natural movement.
If you want to blur or change your background, make sure you know how to do this beforehand and choose something suitable.
Try not to sit in front of a window or light, as these can be distracting and block your face. The person interviewing will want to see you smiling!

Leaving the ‘Room’

Check where the ‘leave room / end meeting’ button is before the call or make note of it during the interview. This ensures that you leave the interview smoothly.
Make sure you are out of the virtual room before you say anything, even if it is just relief!
When leaving make sure you smile and thank them for their time.

Set Yourself Up for the Best Interview!

Make sure you close any tabs, videos etc... you might have open on your phone or laptop. Just have open what you need for the interview.
Turn off notifications so you are not distracted by things popping up on your screen and make sure they are muted.
Have your charger handy, even if your device is charged.
Let those you live with know not to disturb you, and don’t answer the door bell if it goes!
It is always a good idea to practice with someone to make sure everything works and you are confident using the technology
We’re all guilty of leaving up various tabs on our computer or having Facebook or Instagram secretly open in the background. Eliminate all distractions. Make sure your device is fully charged, do the interview in a quiet environment, turn off all your phone and other device notifications, and shut down all other tabs and programmes. This means you are entirely focused on the interview!

And if things do go wrong…

Sometimes no matter how much we prepare, we just can’t cover everything. So, if your cat ends up joining the call or your internet goes off, it’s ok – it is more about how you deal with it and react than the issue itself and could actually show your best problem solving skills which might get you the job! Smile, laugh, let the interviewer know that your cat can open doors or call them on the phone to say you are rebooting your router. They should understand. Don’t get upset, and just keep calm.

We hope this helps you with your online interviews. Let us know in the comments if you find any of these tips particularly useful or have any other ideas for us to add!

Good luck!