Technology has changed the way we work. Work-from-home options are now the norm, and technology is a great way to stay in contact with our colleagues and clients. Additionally, the trend of interviewing online has stuck around following that challenging time when we had no choice.
More and more businesses are utilising technology during the interview process. Online interviews are relatively normal, especially when there are multiple interview stages or geographical differences.
Below are some key things to consider before and during an online interview. While some of these points may seem obvious, they are extremely important for a successful interview.
Dress for the Occasion
It may feel more casual being in your living room for an interview, but it is important to dress for the occasion. Dress appropriately, make sure your outfit is clean and ironed, and wear formal attire if necessary. First impressions count, and this is no different for an online interview.
Background & Camera Angle
Before your interview, check the angle of your camera. The camera should face directly at you. Nobody wants to see the top of your head or a shot of your chin. Also, make sure that you are fully visible, as your interviewer will want to see more than just your forehead. Remove items from behind you that could be offensive or distracting, and ideally, have a plain white wall as your background.
Test Your Hardware
Most companies will secure a one-hour slot for an interview, sometimes less. You don’t want to spend that time trying to get the technology to work. Do a test run on both the camera and microphone with a family member or friend in advance of your meeting. If all else fails, make sure you have the contact details of the person you are meeting with. Sometimes companies will resort to a phone interview. At the end of the interview, ensure your microphone and camera are off before doing anything that you would not want your interviewer to hear or see.
Bandwidth and Internet Connection
Make sure you have enough bandwidth available for a successful video call. If family or friends are streaming movies or TV, ask them to take a break for an hour to ensure you get the best quality for your interview. If possible, place yourself near your Wi-Fi router or plug into it directly. Just in case the video still isn’t great and you have to turn it off, make sure your profile picture is professional.
Safe Space
Most people remember Professor Robert Kelly’s interview with the BBC as humorous, but it isn’t the look you want for an important interview. Make sure your family members or flatmates are aware you have an important interview so they don’t burst in halfway through. Lock pets away too, as they can often be distracting.
Different Software
Skype revolutionised video meeting technology. However, many other options are available now, such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, and Microsoft Teams. Make sure that the version of the software you are using is the same. When the interview is being set up, ensure you’re aware of which software is being used and that you have access to it. It is also worth checking that you have the most recent version of the software, as you don’t want to have to go through an update minutes before an interview. Zoom has plenty of neat features, you can give yourself a moustache, hat, or turn yourself into an animal avatar. These are fun, but make sure if you have played around with them in the past, that you have them switched off well before you join your interview.
Here at Tyler Wren, we have arranged many online interviews, and they tend to go well. They can feel a little awkward to start with, but focus on your interviewers and what they are saying rather than the fact that you’re talking to a screen. We are always here to support you and will happily log on to an online video conference with you to review your setup. We can ensure that your screen is in the right position and that your microphone is working.
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