How to Prepare for Your Online Interview in 10 Steps
Top tips from a seasoned recruiter
As a Human Resources professional during this unique time in our lives, I’ve had the privilege to conduct numerous interviews online. Some were candidates who blew my expectations out of the water, and others, unfortunately, blew their chances.
Luckily, there are a few tricks that can help you stand out, and I’m happy to share those with you.
Here are the top 10:
1. Check, and double-check, that your camera and microphone work
A common problem when interviewing candidates virtually is their devices aren’t prepped for the call. It could mean they haven’t yet downloaded the software necessary or don’t have the meeting link ready.
This delays the start of the call and subsequently pushes the schedule of your interviewer. The last thing you want is them not having enough time to get to know you or the call feeling rushed.
My advice would be to download and test the video application or meeting link first. Have these ready on both your computer and cell phone as a back-up in case of tech malfunction.
2. Plan your outfit
Laying out clothes the night before, getting wrinkles out of your favorite shirt, or simply having an idea of what you might wear will help.
I’d suggest a Google search of the company you’re interviewing with to see if you can spot the types of clothing the employees are wearing in company photos. Doing this will give you insight into their fashion and company culture.
3. Choose a spot with the best internet signal
Move your desk or furniture if you have to.
If you end up in a situation where your call unexpectedly ends, take out your phone and call back right away. Your interviewer(s) will likely still be on the call waiting for you to pop back up, but if not, send them a quick email that you’re back and ready to go.
This is how I got my first job in recruitment. My internet went out during a virtual interview for a staffing position in Vancouver, BC. I was horrified. I called their office receptionist and explained that my internet went out during an interview with ________ and she directed me back to them where we completed the conversation over the phone.
I got the job because my boss loved the commitment I had when faced with an adversary and how I turned it around.
If something similar happens to you, include your regret of the tech malfunction in your thank you email a couple of days after the interview ends. It’s a great touch to show you care for the role, and you value the interviewer(s) time.
4. Turn off your phone and all electronics around you
Your interviewer can hear when your phone vibrates.
I once had an interview with a candidate who’s cell phone buzzed over 10 times in our one hour call.
Each buzz or ringtone heard by your interviewer might be why they miss out on the best part of your answer.
5. Practice eye contact with your device’s camera
Sorry introverts, but you might have to make a sacrifice here.
A stronger connection is made with candidates who maintain eye contact because it makes us feel your interest and engagement.
Eye contact subtly tells a recruiter they can trust you, and that your words are believable. It portrays a higher level of self-esteem, which recruiters may infer as added personal confidence.
6. Avoid having the camera too close to your face
I once could see inside the nose of a candidate who was too close to his camera. Similarly, you don’t want to be too far from your camera, either where the recruiter can’t identify your facial expressions.
The tiny inflections on your face portray to us how you’re feeling at any moment during the call. Here’s an example:
One part of an interview I enjoy is talking about perks, benefits, and other advantages of joining the company. I especially enjoy reading the facial reactions of candidates when mentioning the salary range- a dead giveaway if the position isn’t meant for them.
7. Check your backdrop
The image at the top of this article is a great example.
The person on the left has a backdrop that is simple, clean, and clear of distractions while the person on the right has a bright monitor and people in his background.
A single-colored wall might work best.
8. Read the job description and prepare speaking notes
This is essential when preparing for your interview and a habit I find successful candidates do.
When you revisit the job description before your interview, it will give you an idea of how to tailor your answers.
Think of this as having ammunition to questions being fired at you. I would suggest having five to ten behavioral situations from your past roles memorized so that you can answer questions using the STAR method.
9. Role-play with a friend using all the steps above
This one’s both productive and fun. When you vocalize your work experience, skills, and accolades from previous jobs, you‘ll start noticing where you shine and also where you have gaps.
Your partner can also share insight on your audio level, video clarity, and feedback on your answers.
You might need to get over the discomfort of role-playing with a friend, but the benefits of being prepared will outweigh the tiny amounts of embarrassment.
10. Breathe
My final tip. I know interviewing is nervewracking and potentially life-changing, so I’d recommend taking long, deep breaths before your call.
One of my worst interviews was with a candidate who simply wouldn’t stop talking. Quite harsh, I know, but it’s something to actively avoid.
It can exhaust the interviewer, drag the call past schedule and hinder the interviewer from getting to know you better or sharing important job details.
An interview is a conversation.
When candidates remember this, I find that they use a natural approach when asking and responding to questions, which results in a pleasing interaction.
In 2019, approximately 3.9 million students graduated with a college degree in the US. — Jaleesa Bustamante, educationdata.org.
Those, along with our 2020 post-grads, are now facing the new norm of interviewing online and I‘m happy to do my part. Being a great interviewee is a fundamental skill in your repertoire and I wish you the best of luck!
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