How to nail online interviews

Making a strong first impression be it a video or digital interview requires preparation. If you go in blindly you’ll be left sitting in front of a screen feeling awkward embarrassed and clueless. To avoid this drama we have put together our top tips on how to prepare and stand out from the crowd.

With the continuing advancement of technology there are two types of online interviews that have become quite common over the last couple of years:

1. A video interview – this is conducted between an applicant and the hiring manager and occurs in real-time (similar to an in-person interview but takes place online).  
2. A digital interview – this involves an applicant receiving a series of questions and then recording their responses for the hiring manager or recruiter to review later. The questions asked tend to be more about the candidate’s background and then the more job-relevant questions are asked in later interviews. 

Making a strong first impression be it a video or digital interview requires preparation. If you go in blindly you’ll be left sitting in front of a screen feeling awkward embarrassed and totally clueless. To avoid this drama we have put together our top tips on how to prepare and stand out from the crowd.

Practice practice practice!

Just like an in-person interview you will need to practice and prepare for online interviews. This involves decoding common interview questions understanding the company and its values and being ready to answer tough interview questions. Similarly practising in front of a web camera or jumping on a ZOOM/ Microsoft Teams call with a family member or friend to conduct a ‘mock interview’ will help you familiarise yourself with the online platform and gain a better understanding of how the world of online interviews work. It also takes out the nerves when you get to the real thing because you know what to expect and know the “environmental setting” pretty well.

It can also be difficult for the hiring manager to pick up body language and expression through online interviews so it’s also important to practice how this might come across on camera. You might need to exaggerate your smile or responses a bit more than usual (not so it comes across as ungenuine) but more to help you present your best self.   

Pretend like you're really there

Whether it’s a digital or video interview it is important to treat the interview like an in-person event. Make sure you dress professionally; this may involve formal business attire or smart casual (depending on the nature of the company). Unfortunately trackies or pyjamas won’t make the cut and can be visible online so it’s important to dress appropriately!

Similarly treating the interview just like someone is in the room with you is another important tip. This involves keeping eye contact with the web camera maintaining positive body language and smiling* frequently.

*Not an assassin type smile where you look the Joker just a normal “friendly real-human” type vibe one.

Stay aware of your surroundings

Be aware that the interviewer will hear and see what is going on in the background. No employer wants to see an untidy wardrobe or last night’s dishes piled up in the sink so pick a clean area to conduct your interview. Ensure that your location has good lighting set yourself up against a plain-coloured wall and position the webcam so you are centred in the frame from your shoulder’s up.

You also need to make sure there are no distracting noises going on in the background (i.e. hearing your dog barking at the mailman or your sibling yelling at you for taking their clothes) which could disrupt the interview or take the hiring managers attention away from your responses. If anyone happens to be home we suggest you give them the heads up that you have an interview going on to avoid any unnecessary drama.

Don't sweat the small stuff

When you’re interviewing online you generally won’t have a chance to re-record (unless you’re completing a digital interview that can be pre-recorded). If you make a mistake or stutter smile take a deep (quiet) breathe in carry on and correct it. Keep in mind that nerves are normal especially if this is a new interview method for you. Many people will be in the same boat and feel a bit uncertain about an online interview.

So the key here is to remember to remain calm and try your best!

Check on all your tech

Whilst this may seem quite obvious more often than not technology doesn’t always work in our favour when we need it to. Take the time to check that your computer is charged before 

the interview (even keep it charging during the interview to avoid it dying) and ensure it is updated with the latest software needed for the interview platform (e.g. ZOOM). Also, check that both the camera and microphone are working clearly – you can usually test this before you go live with whatever platform is hosting your interview.

An extra pointer: turn your mobile phone hotspot on, just as a backup if your home wifi decides to go rogue and stop working on you. Better to be safe than sorry…