5 Great Ways to Prepare for an Online Interview
As many companies fine-tune their hiring processes, they are embracing alternative ways to conduct interviews with candidates who may not reside in the same city. One of the more recent options is the online interview.
Companies have long conducted telephone interviews in place of face-to-face interviews, when needed. But now, with technology such as Skype available, employers can get as close as possible to the in-person interview experience. So how can you as a candidate prepare for this unique interview?
1. Know How the Online Interview Works
In order to get the most out of your interview, you’ll want to make sure you know in advance how it is going to work. Make sure you have all of the proper software downloaded to your computer, that your camera and microphone are working properly, and that you know exactly how to navigate the system. If possible, request information days in advance about the software you’ll need so that you can take some time to learn it before the interview starts.
2. Practice In Front of the Mirror
An online interview leaves you with the distinct disadvantage of not having your full body to do some of your communicating for you. As a talking head, you want to appear enthusiastic yet professional. To help you prepare for this role, it’s good to sit in front of your mirror and practice facial expressions. Also, consider conducting your interview over Skype with a friend while recording and then study it later.
3. Anticipate Interview Questions
With your face being one of your only representations in the online interview, you want to make sure your facial expressions don’t show uncertainty or hesitation when faced with a challenging question. A great way to avoid this issue is by reviewing the job posting, learning company information, and reviewing your own resume, cover letter, and application—along with sample interview questions you can find online—so that you can answer each question with confidence.
4. Create a Scenic Background
Of course, you don’t want to hold your interview in a cluttered office or junky bedroom. So choose an area that will appear professional to your interviewer. Consider sitting in front of a bookcase or next to a tall floor plant. Also, don’t forget to consider proper lighting. If your back is facing a window, the light could create a silhouette, making your face difficult to see.
5. Ensure Your Interview Will Be Conducted Without Interruption
Finally, if you have small children or noisy pets in the home, be sure that an adult is available to keep them occupied or completely out of the way so your interviewer won’t hear any background noise from them. Although you may be conducting the interview at home, you still want to maintain a level of professionalism at all times.
The great news is that employers are coming up with great ways to determine your qualifications while ensuring everyone’s convenience. So it’s up to you to make the most of that convenience by preparing for your very best interview—whether in-person or online.
It’s important to remember to brand your resume before applying to each new position for more information on branding check out my recent article 5 Key Areas to Target When Branding Your Resume. You can also get additional job search and career related advice by checking out our blog or following us on Twitter @GreatResume.
Share this post:
About the author
Jessica Hernandez, President, CEO & Founder of Great Resumes Fast
Hi, I’m Jessica. I started this company back in 2008 after more than a decade directing hiring practices at Fortune 500 companies.
What started as a side hustle (before that was even a word!) helping friends of friends with their resumes has now grown into a company that serves hundreds of happy clients a year. But the personal touch? I’ve kept that.
You might have seen me featured as a resume expert in publications like Forbes, Fast Company, and Fortune. And in 2020, I was honored to be named as a LinkedIn Top Voice of the year!
I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to help you find your next perfect-fit position!
Improve Your Resume: Download Your Free Executive Resume Template Today
Are you struggling to create an executive resume that will impress employers? Download this free executive resume template and receive a series of 10 emails with expert guidance on how to write resume content that resonates with employers so you get more interviews.
It's everything you need to stand out, make an impression, and accelerate your job search.