The online interview has become a very important concept among the working professionals as we are obligated to work from home due to the pandemic crisis. Companies are shifting from in-person interviews to remote interviews, so it becomes important to be ready for the process via video call. It is important to understand how online interviews have changed perceptions and the culture of our professions. However, virtual interviewing comes with its own set of challenges, especially if you are not used to participating in meetings remotely. It’s all too easy to get flustered by the technology and forget to mind the details that make the difference between a so-so interview and one that clinches a job offer.
To increase your chances of making a good impression and acing the interview, there are certain points you should keep in mind before and during the Online interviews.
When on a video conference, your visual presence sets that first impression on the screen. The simplest approach is often just to wear what you would if the interview was face to face. You want to convey a positive image and that means dressing in a way you look and feel like a professional. Avoid wearing a striped or patterned shirt or T-shirt, instead wear a simple solid shirt that does not throw the other person into a visual confusion.
Usually for an in-person interview, it is expected that you should arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your interview. For an Online interview, enter the meeting no more than 2 minutes before the start time. But make sure that you are ready at least 10 minutes before the start of your interview and are feeling comfortable. Take a few minutes to go through your notes. Once you have two minutes left, end prep and enter the meeting.
When you are attending the meeting and listening intently, it is advisable to mute your microphone to negate the ambient noise. It can be distracting and disrupt the attention of the attendees during the video call. These interview apps have a feature where you can mute your audio which can be used if your interviewer is speaking for long periods so that there is no distraction from your end. Keeping yourself on mute as they speak can help your interviewer feel more focused on what they want to tell you. Also remember to unmute when you are speaking, as it might give the impression that you are not attentive.
One of the most important Online interview tips is to have a professional background to minimize distractions. The background that you choose should have no clutter and the room should be well-lit so that the interviewer is able to see your body language and facial expressions during the interview. The nice thing about these interview apps is that you can pick a virtual background for yourself which is handy as sometimes your room is in a bit of a mess and you don’t have time to clean.
Choose a place that is quiet and free from distractions. This way the interviewer can direct their full attention to what you have to say. Avoid multitasking during the meeting and give full attention to what is being discussed. The last thing you want during the interview is to lose your train of thought. You need to be totally focused while giving the interview. Before you start the interview, silence your phone and turn off the notifications. Close out of any social media websites or anything else that could become a distraction. Set the interview meeting to full screen so that your interviewer is the only thing you can see. Make sure while your interviewer is speaking, you are completely focused on the screen and you can do this by nodding as they speak and asking questions based on what they say.
During an in-person interview, maintaining eye contact with your interviewer is a sign of confidence and respect. Video chat is somewhat different because if you were to look them in the eye on your screen, it may not look like that on their end. Instead, look into the camera as you speak as this creates the illusion that you are looking at them rather than yourself or the screen thereby making a strong and confident eye contact.
Job interviews should feel like a conversation with both the parties asking and answering questions. You should take a mental note of questions which you may want to ask at the end of your interview. You can also prepare questions you have prior to the interview, so you will definitely have something to ask. In fact, if you do ask relevant questions, the interviewer will get an idea that you did your pre-interview research and are seriously interested in the job. This may work very well in your favour.
It is better to use a desktop computer or a laptop during the interview. Having a computer or a laptop creates a more stationary view of yourself and also gives the interviewer a better view of yourself and tends to come in clearer. Also make sure that your laptop is fully charged and if using a computer do a full system update on it well in advance. Make sure you have a strong internet connection.
Abide by these simple rules and your meetings will be more fruitful and have a great impact. The practice of online interviews is here to stay and learning how to feel comfortable during the process, and understanding how to perform optimally is definitely essential.
Medina Aghayiah, Jash Chamber, 3rd floor, Sir P.M. Road, Opposite RBI,
Fort. Mumbai-400001, India
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