Online Interview – Tips to Have a Great Interview

The truth is, no one ever feels prepared enough for a job interview. Job interviews can be very daunting, and even more so if the prospective employer wants to conduct it online. With ever-evolving technology, most interviews take place online.

In fact, large companies, such as Hilton, have also jumped on the bandwagon to conduct their interviews online. Whereas there is not much difference between online and traditional interviews, they are a few things that stand out.

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As such, there are certain things that you can be prepared for. For instance, some interviews only require you to record your answers instead of chatting with someone. This is particularly daunting, especially to first-timers.

If you have an interview coming up and are worried about how you will do, worry no more. If it’s your first time, we understand how daunting it is, hence this guide. Without wasting much of your time, here are some of the tips to help you ace that online interview. Read along to find out more.

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First Do a Test Run With Your Computer

Technology can sometimes be overwhelming and anything can happen while you are in your interview. Whether you are going to use Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, or any other means, you will be more comfortable knowing everything is working smoothly.

To start with, test your internet speed as well as your sound capabilities and camera to ensure everything is working correctly. You can ask your interviewer what format it will in ahead of time. You can also clarify if you have to call anyone or just wait for them to call you, so you know what to do.

Sit in the Right Spot

Make sure your room is not too dark and not too bright, have a balance of light during your interview if you can. With this, you should try to sit next to a window and get as much natural light as you can get.

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The last thing you want is to have a glare since it makes it difficult for you to be seen. You don’t want any distracting visuals to detract from the value of what you are saying.

Move Away From Any Distractions

If there is anything that you think will distract your conversation, whether that be phone or email notifications, silence them. Make sure you are alone and there is no one around you, including pets.

You don’t want to have your cat jump on you in the middle of an interview or even have a half-clothed spouse moving across the room. Prepare enough and remove all clutter or even piles of clothes in order to have a clean background.

Dress Professionally and Sit Upright

The fact that it is an online interview doesn’t mean you can appear wearing pajamas or sweats. Treat it as if you are meeting your interviewer in person and dress for success, not forgetting your sitting posture. Remember, first impressions matter.

As a pro tip, always smile. This doesn’t matter whether you are recording yourself or simply talking with an actual person. Just always smile.

Look at Them Straight in the Eye

Even online, eye contact is very crucial. Don’t look at your interviewer on the screen, but instead, look directly into the webcam as you stay engaged. If you feel uneasy, place a picture of someone you know by the webcam and keep staring at it, this will feel like chatting with a friend.

The Bottom Line

After all, is said and done, don’t stress too much about it. In most cases, online interviews are the first step and you will most likely have an in-person interview as well. Give it your best, smile, be natural, and don’t fake anything. Prepare in advance and it will be great!