With the current changes in our daily activities due to the ongoing pandemic, companies too are choosing to conduct online interviews. Moreover, the required technology to complete these online interviews is easily accessible to companies; hence, most prefer hiring online. Preparation for an online discussion may be challenging, especially if it is your first.
Preparation for an online interview may differ in certain aspects from a physical discussion. Either way, you need to be ready. Here are seven tips to help you prepare for your online interview and get that dream job.
Select the best hardware to use and test out the technology for the interview. You will require either your smartphone, tablet, or computer to choose the garget you are most comfortable using. Also, ensure you have a good internet connection, which is necessary for the interview.
After selecting your device, pre-test it before the interview to make sure everything is working smoothly. Test the internet connection, camera, sound, lighting, and video program. If you have trouble doing this, get a technological edge. Additionally, keep your resume/cv updated. Certifications and online courses in trending subjects such as ICT courses would an added advantage.
Select the location and choose a neutral background.
There is a high probability you will have this interview at home. You should select a secluded area. The room needs to be well lit and silent to keep off distractions. Make sure the background is neutral and gives off a business vibe as it shows your interviewer you are taking this seriously.
You can diffuse some light to make sure you don’t create shadows and make your background plain. The main aim is to keep the interview focused on what you have to say and not distracted by your background.
Practice
Practice does make perfect, and it is a simple point that you can easily ignore. Record yourself talking before the interview and observe your communication skills like tone, body language, eye contact, and posture. Work on your weakness as a consultation will pick up stammering or nervous tics.
You can use a friend or colleague to feel the situation. Record yourself and playback the videotape, and ask for feedback.
Dress professionally and choose a good chair
Yes, the interview doesn’t have a complete view of your dressing, but it is wise to dress professionally. The camera will cover you from your head to your waist. Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in that will boost your confidence during the interview.
Choose an excellent small chair for the interview, one with a low back not large enough to take up more screen space, and don’t sit on the couch. It will look unprofessional. Make sure the chair isn’t squeaky.
Remove the distractions
Before the interview starts, eliminate anything that might distract you. Turn off the TV, close the windows and doors and turn your cell phone to silent.
Get rid of any pets that may interfere with the interview and keep the children distracted enough for the duration of time you will have the discussion. Having no background noises like dogs barking is an indicator you are taking the interview seriously.
Log on early to test the setup and turn it off before the interview begins.
Log on 10-20 minutes before the interview begins and ensure everything is working perfectly. As you wait, Hang in there, act as the discussion is already watching; it will help you get into character. From the beginning to the end of the interview, the whole time assumes that the interviewer can see and hear everything from your back, so act accordingly.
Turn off any other apps on your laptop or phone and only have the program you will use to avoid any pop-ups that may interrupt your train of thought during the interview.
Follow-up
Online interviews, just like the personal interviews, you thank the interviewers too. After you log out and your consultation is over, send a thank-you note. You can follow up on the hiring process. It was lengthy, and you might be required to sit through other interviews. Follow-up also shows your interest in the job but be patient and don’t contact them if the interviewer asked you not to.
To ace an online interview, you need to be conversant with your technology and master the art of having a discussion. Remember to keep your interviewer engaged and interested in what you have to say. Make some notes and have them in front of you to use as a cheat sheet. Don’t rely too much on the notes. Note down things you have trouble memorizing.
It is better to be prepared and practice for the interview severally as it will get you ready. Having your first online interview may be overwhelming, but following through with the above tips will get you the job. Remember to keep your interviewer engaged and interested in what you have to say.
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