
In order to make the procedure more effective for both the employer and the potential employee, many businesses decide to conduct interviews online.
A potential employer may ask you to meet online for an early chat about a career, including remote positions and cost-effective first-round interviews. You can gain confidence and demonstrate your value as a job candidate during an online encounter by being well-prepared for a virtual interview.
In this post, we offer advice for preparing for an online interview. The posts also covers what to bring to an online interview.
Contents
- 1 Important Things To Bring To Your Online Interviews
- 2 What You Need To Bring With You
- 3 An iPad Or Tablet
- 4 Fully Charged Devices and a Back Up Power Plan
- 5 Dress For Success, Even If It’s Virtual
- 6 Beyond Rehearsing and Role Play, Be Ready
- 7 How to Dress for a Video Interview
- 8 Avoid These Colors For Your Video Interview
- 9 Tips to Ace Your Online Interview
- 10 Check Your Technology
- 11 Know What The Interviewer Is Looking For
- 12 Practice, Practice, Practice
- 13 Final Thoughts
Important Things To Bring To Your Online Interviews
Interviewing for a job is stressful enough without having to worry about how to dress, prepare for the interview, and answer questions in front of a webcam. Here are some things to consider when preparing for an online interview.
What You Need To Bring With You
You should bring a pen and notebook to take notes during the interview. If you’re using a laptop, make sure it has a good internet connection so you can access Google Drive or Dropbox. Also, bring a charger for your phone, as well as a backup battery for your camera.
It’s also a good idea to bring a notepad with you to write down any questions you might have. This will help you prepare for the interview and give you something to do while waiting for the interviewer to arrive.
Bringing a notebook is helpful for writing down any questions you might have as well as any ideas you come up with while talking to the interviewer. It’s also helpful to keep track of what you’ve said so you can refer back to it later.
An iPad Or Tablet
You should also make sure you’re prepared with an iPad or tablet so you can take notes during the online interview. If you don’t have one, you can use a laptop or desktop computer instead.
Fully Charged Devices and a Back Up Power Plan
You don’t want any of your devices going off during the interview. You need to ensure that your devices (phone and laptops, etc) are fully charged. If you live in place experiencing power cuts you need to arrange for a power back up plan. You buy or borrow a UPS just so that you important devices including your Wi-Fi or router don’t run out of power and disrupt your online interview.
Dress For Success, Even If It’s Virtual
At the very least, ensure that you appear polished and professional. Nobody will notice if you’re wearing sweatpants with your Oxford shirt and tie thanks to the wonders of video calls!
Think about wearing a button-up shirt or blouse, and be sure to groom with the same consideration you would for a face-to-face encounter. Wearing outfits that make you feel confident will not only help you create a great impression on your interviewer, but it will also help you stay focused.
Beyond Rehearsing and Role Play, Be Ready
Preparing thoroughly for your interview is what will calm your nerves and giving your confidence. If appropriate, be ready to show your interviewer your portfolio or examples of your work. Have some open tabs at the ready, and be willing to share your screen if the topic arises. Bring questions you’d like to ask the interviewer with you as well. It demonstrates initiative and sincere curiosity. (Here are some excellent examples of interview questions.)
How to Dress for a Video Interview
According to the theory of color psychology, the colors we see can affect our perceptions and moods. Though little research has been done on the topic, you should keep the idea of color psychology in mind as you choose what to wear for your video interview (or any interview!).
Unexpectedly, the clothing you choose can affect how hiring managers view you as a candidate. Although the color of your shirt or jacket shouldn’t affect whether you get the job, it can have a slight impact on how the interviewer perceives you.
In order to give interviewers a favorable impression of you, it’s generally better to wear one of four “neutral” colors.
- Blue: exhibits your self-assurance, dependability, and cooperativeness.
- Black is associated with exclusivity, sophistication, and leadership.
- Gray: You’re logical, independent, and analytical.
- White: gives the impression that you are organized and safe.
If you’re unsure, stick with one of these hues for your interview outfit’s “primary” color. If nothing else, these hues are pleasing to the eye, increasing the likelihood that the interviewer will pay more attention to you and what you have to say than to your attire.
Avoid These Colors For Your Video Interview
Though theoretically any color is acceptable in an interview, some colors have a more negative connotation. Make good decisions or omit them altogether!
- Brown: gives the impression that you are both trustworthy and conventional.
- Sadly, orange has been designated as the worst color to wear to a job interview.
- Red: symbolizes strength, vitality, excitement, and bravery as well as antagonism and rebellion.
You’re cute in yellow, green, and purple.
While adding a splash of color to your interview attire is OK, keep it subtle. Consider adding a pop of color to your ensemble to make a statement without going overboard, for instance.
Tips to Ace Your Online Interview
If you’re applying for a job online, you’ll likely have to go through an interview process. Don’t worry, though – with these three tips, you’ll be able to ace your online interview and impress your potential employer!
Check Your Technology
Before your interview, familiarize yourself with the required hardware and software. Request a test call from a friend or member of your family so you can verify the video and loudness and become comfortable logging into the system. Check that your speakers and microphone are functioning, and confirm that your internet connection can handle high-definition live video. Additionally, make sure your screen name is one that interviewers can quickly recognize and that it is professional.
Know What The Interviewer Is Looking For
One of the best ways to make sure you make a good impression on a potential employer is to know what they are looking for. Different companies have different priorities, so it’s important to do your research ahead of time and find out what the interviewer is likely to be interested in. If you can show that you are a good fit for the company and that you share their values, you’ll be well on your way to landing the job.
Practice, Practice, Practice
No one ever became a great basketball player without practicing a lot. The same is true for writing. You have to practice if you want to improve your writing skills.
One way to practice is to write for a specific purpose. For example, you could write to improve your grammar skills or to learn how to write persuasive essays. Another way to practice is to write for fun. Write short stories, poems, or journal entries.
The most important thing is to make sure you practice regularly. Writing is a skill that takes time to develop. The more you write, the better you will become.
Final Thoughts
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to shine in your online interview and increase your chances of getting the job you want. Good luck!