In online interviews, your preparedness, body language, tone, and professionalism are crucial to impressing the interviewer. It is important to pay attention to the interviewer and make personal connections. By doing so, you’ll establish a professional relationship and build rapport.
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Test Your Tech
In this day and age, technology can be hard to keep up with, and online interviews, in particular, require you to be comfortable with whichever method your potential employee prefers (Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc.).
Once you know how to use the program, it’s a good idea to test your internet connection as well as your audio and sound capabilities to make sure everything works right. Also, make sure to find a place with enough light so the person interviewing you can see you well.
Before you agree to join, ask the interviewer how it will work. You can make sure you’re ready by asking yourself the following questions in relation to what to expect in an online interview:
- Is it a video interview or a mix of video and audio?
- Is there someone on the other end of the video, or have the questions already been recorded?
- How often can I record my answer if it has already been recorded?
- What should I do or who should I call if I need help with technology?
Then, find a friend or family member with whom you can connect on that platform. Platforms like Zoom and Skype are easy to use, but it helps to know how to use them before you’re on with your boss and realize you’re trying to talk but your microphone is still on.
Use A Real Background
You might want to choose a platform with a cute background, but don’t! Backgrounds are distracting and unprofessional when you are meeting someone for the first time. In fact, you should choose the most professional room in your house for the interview, and you can even set it up just for the interview.
Once you’ve found the places with the best lighting, pay close attention to the backgrounds to find the best spot. Get rid of the mess. Don’t put weird things in the background, like a bed or a toilet. Some people don’t really think about how their home looks at first glance, even though it may seem obvious.
Books can make you look smart, good home decor can make you look like you have your life together, and art in the background can make you look like you have a good sense of culture. Even a blank wall works as long as it keeps the focus on you.
Get Rid Of Things That Will Distract You
Turn off your phone and any email alerts on your computer that could get in the way of your conversation. Interrupting someone during an interview is rude unless there is an emergency that your potential employer already knows about.
Tip: Make sure that no one else is around when you are doing your interview, including pets. Interviewers have seen cats walk across the computer screen and end the session, seen half-naked people walk across the room in the background, or heard kids screaming in the next room.
Don’t risk your job by not being prepared. If you can’t be sure that no one will bother you, it might be best to move the interview somewhere else or make sure that your roommates or other family members will be gone for the day.
For example, the interviewer may have spent some time thinking about you and your background. It may be easier to talk about the weather outside than about your work history, so make sure you’re on your best behavior.
Body Language
During an interview, your body language is crucial in showing your interest in the job. It is also important to listen attentively. If you’re nervous, don’t fidget. Fidgeting can show that you are bored or impatient. It is also a good idea to keep your posture and face straight, while also maintaining eye contact with the interviewer.
Maintaining eye contact is one of the most important aspects of an interview, and in an online setting, this is even more important. Avoid distractions, which can distract an interviewer. Sitting up straight with your shoulders back is also important. It is also important to smile. A genuine smile helps convey an engagement and a confident aura.
It’s also important to avoid over-touching your face, particularly your face. Excessive face touching, such as rubbing your nose, playing with your hair, or keeping a hand on your mouth, is considered an unprofessional gesture. In addition, it may appear that you’re hiding something or trying to be more than you are.
While your face will be visible during the video call, your mouth is also an important part of body language. Mouth movements can signal disapproval, distrust, or stress. Keeping your mouth and shoulders relaxed while talking with the interviewer is one way to convey a confident personality.
In addition to your face, remember to maintain eye contact during your interview. Make eye contact, and smile. Your body language can be a huge asset for your online interview.
Try to make the interviewer feel comfortable by wearing clothes that you feel comfortable in. Also, keep your body still and calm by taking a deep breath. Box breathing can help you breathe deeply and calm your body.
Tone
When you speak to a potential employer, it’s crucial to use the right tone to impress them. The tone of your voice conveys many important messages, including your enthusiasm and commitment. Avoid having a harsh, high-pitched voice, and make sure you speak clearly and emphasize important words.
Remember that each interviewer has their own style and a specific way of speaking. Make sure you research the company before the interview and listen to the way that they speak to make sure your tone matches the tone they use. Then, try to mimic the tone of your interviewer as closely as possible.
If the interview is a video, take care to maintain eye contact and speak clearly. Avoid using slang and remember to smile and nod. Keeping eye contact will also convey a sense of mutual trust and understanding. In addition, it’s best to find a quiet, private area and to check the lighting before you start the interview.
Professionalism
Aside from knowledge of the job, professionalism also includes knowing yourself as a professional. Think about your strengths and weaknesses and make a list. This way, you will be able to highlight your strengths in the interview. You will feel more confident during the interview and be able to answer questions naturally.
It is also a good idea to pay attention to your interviewer and ask questions about the company. This will help you get a feel for the company culture and determine whether you would fit in there. According to Dana Leavy-Detrick, founder of Aspyre Solutions, you should also ask the interviewer about the work environment. For example, you can ask him about his job description, how he spends his day, or if he’s had any success with the company in the past.
Once the interview is over, you should follow up with the interviewer to thank them for their time. You can also bring an extra resume or portfolio that shows your previous work. Also, always try to show your positive attitude during the entire interview. Remember that the interviewer has notes written about your answers and behavior, so be genuine and honest throughout the interview process.
When you are conducting an online interview, it can be a daunting experience. Before you sit down for the interview, make sure you are familiar with the program you’ll be using. Make sure your internet connection is good and you can hear your voice clearly. Ensure your lighting is good and find a comfortable place to do your interview.
Practicing Questions With A Friend Or Family Member
During the interview, it is critical to avoid robotic responses and practice with different people. Asking someone else a question before your interview can help you hone your responses. It is also important to memorize the job description. This way, you can answer interview questions based on your knowledge of the job description.
It’s also vital to know your story, including your strengths and weaknesses. Make a list of these traits and consider the questions that will likely be asked. By knowing yourself better, you can let your strengths shine through. It’s also important to practice your body language and responses with others.
Aside from knowing the answers to all of these questions, it is important to be prepared for different kinds of scenarios. Before an interview, make sure to have the most relevant information on hand. You should also know how to dress appropriately. If you’re applying for a position online, you should be able to dress professionally and sit straight.
When conducting an online interview, it is important to get comfortable with the program you’re using. Be sure to test your internet connection and audio capabilities before you start the interview.
Make sure to find a good place with sufficient lighting. Lastly, make sure that your laptop or tablet is fully charged. You don’t want it to wobble while you’re talking. If necessary, use a tripod or device that can hold it stable.