With the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, going to an in person interview is likely impossible or inadvisable. While many organizations have added online or virtual interviews into their hiring processes, you might never have experienced one. At Ambrion, we have moved all of our candidate interviews online for the next few weeks to do our part in keeping our employees and candidates healthy and safe. Your job search and career don’t need to be put on pause just because in person interviews aren’t happening. Here are our best hacks for acing your next web based interview.
Have a plan
A web based interview is no different than an in person interview. You’ll want to prep in the exact same way. Have a plan. Know how you’re going to answer the ten most common interview questions, like these. Be ready to ask your interviewer questions too.
Focus
Do not multi-task during an online interview. It’s tempting to have other windows open while you’re doing an interview from your computer. However, you don’t want to appear distracted or miss an interviewer’s question because your last social media post is gaining steam. If you’re not giving the interview your full attention, even though you’re not literally in the same room with the interviewer, he or she will likely pick up that your focus is elsewhere, and could interpret that as you being not so interested in the job.
Know your surroundings
Make sure you assess your surroundings and know what the camera is picking up around you. A quick web search will deliver you dozens of results where people were doing an online meeting or interview and they’re toddler walks in and steals the show, or their Amazon Prime driver refuses to leave without a signature causing the interviewee to temporarily leave the interview. Invest a little time in doing a dry run, and you can be sure that you’ll be the only thing getting the interviewer’s attention. Also, pick a space that has good lighting and not too many hard surfaces. Rooms like a kitchen can be really echo-y in an online interview and should be avoided.
Dress like it’s an in person interview
Don’t show up to the online interview with a professional jacket and shirt in the camera’s view and pair them with your pajama bottoms. Your computer could give a low battery warning and you have to shift to plug it in and give your interviewer an eyeful of your comfortable loungewear. It’s best if you dress professionally from head to toe to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions. Also, consider wearing solid colors for the camera. Busy patterns might not help you look your best on camera.
Know your technology
Avoid the low battery warning that we mention in the last paragraph by making sure your computer or phone is fully charged prior to your interview. Also, if the online meeting platform is not one that you’re familiar with, find a YouTube video that will explain the platform’s basics to you, and even try to do a “test interview” with a family member or friend.
Online interviews don’t have to be tricky, they can actually be fun! Just remember to prepare for one like you would for an in person interview and you’re more likely to get an invite for a second interview!