Online interviews are becoming increasingly common.
A survey by Indeed found that 82% of employers currently use virtual interviews, with 93% expecting to do so in the future.
Online interviews can be convenient but they can also be very stressful for the candidates.
This blog post will guide how to prepare for an online interview effectively.
Test your computer and get familiar with the meeting app
Prior preparation is crucial for any job interview, including virtual ones. Thus, it is essential to make some different arrangements beforehand.
The first thing is to set up your computer and the communication app you are going to use for the interview. Some of the most used interview apps are Zoom, MS Teams, and Google Meets. If you have never used any of the apps, test their features before the interview, so you won’t feel the burden of unfamiliarity during the interview.
The second thing is to ensure your internet connection is stable, everything works properly, and the room you are in is tidy and organized.
Here are some additional tips on how to test your equipment:
- Test your internet connection speed to ensure a seamless video call. There are plenty of websites where you can check the Internet speed. Speedtest.net is one of them. When participating in a one-to-one call with two parties, video conferencing typically requires 1.5 to 2 Mbps down and 2 Mbps up.
- Check if your microphone and webcam are working correctly, and adjust their settings as needed. Apps such as Zoom and MS Office have in-built sound testing options, so check those before jumping on a call.
- Make a test call to ensure the audio and video quality are clear and that you are comfortable with the platform. Alternatively, you can test by logging in from two different devices.
- Have a plan B in case of low Internet speed, such as using internet data from your phone or other device.
Dress professionally
Dressing professionally for an interview is important because first impression matters and gives a sign of professionalism and organization. It also shows that you have respect for the company and the interviewer.
This can help you to create a positive impression and stand out as someone who would be a good fit with the company.
Research the company and Prepare questions
One of the most common mistakes candidates make during an interview is failing to ask questions. This might be due to the pressure of being interviewed and the belief that candidates should only answer and not ask.
However, asking questions can demonstrate your expertise in the topic and leave a positive impression that you are interested in the position. It will also increase your self-esteem due to the decreased unfamiliarity of the company.
Ask about the company’s day-to-day responsibilities and hierarchy, the company culture, and the personality type of employees they are looking for, as these factors can significantly influence your work experience and growth opportunities.
“What type of team will I be working with?” and “Can you describe the company’s working environment? (i.e., formal or informal)” are a couple of questions that can provide insight into the company’s working environment and help you understand if it aligns with your preferences.
Lastly, make sure to do thorough research on the company. This will give you a better understanding of the company’s values, mission, and any current projects or initiatives that may be relevant to the role.
Nice background
Having a tidy background in online meetings is a simple yet effective way to convey professionalism, organization, and attention to detail.
Additionally, a clean and organized environment can minimize distractions and allow you to fully focus on the meeting.
In some cultures, a tidy background is also considered a sign of respect.
Candidates can also select some virtual backgrounds from the communication software and avoid any inconveniences during the interview.
Choose a quiet location
When being interviewed at home, let your family know what’s happening. Avoid noisy cafes and restaurants, as background noise can be very interruptive and cause misunderstandings.
Engage with the interviewer
Interviews should be a two-way conversation, not just a one-way dialogue. Asking questions and actively engaging with the interviewer by responding to their statements can create a positive impression and foster a more respectful and compelling conversation.
Engaging in communication means listening, processing, and thinking about what the other person has said.
These are critical factors to a healthy and respectful conversation that can increase your chances of getting a second round of interviews.
Follow-up
No answer from the employer?
Shoot them a Linkedin message asking about the result of your interview. This might be a bit overwhelming; however, there is nothing wrong with showing interest and asking for feedback about the job you have applied for.
Here is a simple template:
Dear [Name],
I wanted to thank you for the interview opportunity. I had a pleasant time learning about your company, goals, and job requirements.
I am interested to hear your feedback on how the interview went, and I would appreciate any suggestions you may have on how I can improve in the future.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
In conclusion
Virtual interviews are similar to face-to-face interviews regarding the expectations for professionalism and preparation.
However, the online environment can present challenges, such as technical difficulties and external distractions.
To ensure a successful interview, it is crucial to address these issues by thoroughly preparing in advance and eliminating any potential interruptions.
Doing so lets you present yourself as a professional and confident candidate and ace your virtual interview.