I’m sure most people would agree with me when I say that internship and job applications can be a long and tedious process. After writing an amazing cover letter, filling out an application form with a seemingly endless number of pages, and acing your aptitude test, you finally reach the last step -- the interview. But wait. It’s an online interview. Though the basic idea is the same, being interviewed through Zoom, Webex, Google Hangouts, or even pre-recorded videos will feel different from being interviewed in-person. And even though online interviews can be done from the comfort of your own home, it doesn’t make them any less nerve-wrecking. Here is a list of tips to help you nail your next online interview!
Before
Do your research. With any type of interview, preparation is crucial. Do research on the company/your employer beforehand and make sure you understand the position you are applying for. Come up with responses to common interview questions, such as “Why are you interested in this role?”, or “Where do you see yourself in five years?”. It can also be beneficial to think of questions you want to ask the employer as well.
Find a good location. To avoid completely rearranging your room five minutes before the interview, test out different corners around your house to find a quiet location. Try to find a plain wall to use as your background, or minimize elements that could be distracting. No one wants to see an unmade bed or a snoring roommate behind you!
Lighting. Good lighting can make you look 10x better and more professional, but the opposite is also true. Use natural light if possible, but make sure you are facing towards the light. A window behind you will make you look backlit, and a light above you will make you look bald!
Test everything out. Once you’ve found an ideal setup, test your equipment out. Ensure your video is clear and audio quality is good. Make sure your internet connection is stable, and you understand how the platform works.
Practice makes perfect. If you’re someone who gets nervous during interviews, going through a mock interview could help. Ask a family member or friend to ask you questions, and record the interview so you can play it back to make sure you look and sound good.
During
Dress professionally. It may be tempting to just throw on a nice shirt without changing your pajama bottoms, but do so at your own risk! Dressing in professional attire from head to toe can also mentally prepare you for the interview. Dress just as you would for an in-person interview, and remember, it’s always better to overdress than underdress. Avoid bright colors and patterns, which may look distracting on camera.
Eliminate potential distractions. Silence your phone and turn off notifications if possible. Make sure your parents, siblings, or roommates know that you have an interview, so that they won’t barge into the room and distract you when you’re in the middle of an amazing response. You don’t want this to happen to you!
Position yourself in the middle of the screen. A general rule of thumb is to leave a hand’s width of space above your head. This prevents your forehead from getting cut out, as well as you disappearing into the background. Another tip is to elevate your camera so that it is facing you front and center, instead of facing upwards towards your chin.
Look at the camera. A common mistake that most people make is looking at the interviewer’s face while talking. Though it does feel unnatural, it’s important to look at the camera so that you are maintaining eye contact from the interviewer’s point of view.
Don’t forget about body language. Body language is an essential part to any form of communication. Sit up straight and place both feet on the ground to avoid swiveling around in your chair. Though you may feel restricted by the screen or the table, hand gestures will make you seem more confident and persuasive. Just make sure you don’t go too overboard. It’s an interview, not a theater production of Macbeth!
Smile. It may seem like an obvious tip, but the truth is that many people forget to smile during interviews. Even if you’re nervous, a smile will make you seem more confident and engaged in the interview. Again, make sure you don’t go too overboard and risk scaring your interviewer.
After
Follow up. No matter if it is an online or in-person interview, make sure you follow up with an email to say thank you to your interviewer. If your interview consisted of pre-recorded videos with no actual human interaction, this step isn’t necessary. If it’s been a few days and you haven’t heard back from the interviewer, you can also use this as an opportunity to enquire about the progress of your application and further express your interest.
Interviews are daunting in general, which is why practice and preparation is so crucial. With these tips, you’ll definitely leave a great impression and ace your next interview. Good luck!
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