Since the Covid-19 pandemic began affecting lives everywhere, technology has become the most practical and safest way to interview potential candidates.
As a result, questions about how to prepare for a good virtual interview still trouble people going for a job, whatever their age and whatever the role.
With that in mind, here are the 5 main things to think about before joining your online interview. Shall we?
When you have an interview coming up, prepare in advance
1 - What does your space look like?
Not every candidate has a home office where they can take interviews comfortably. Even if you do, it is worth a general check to make sure it is tidy and that the camera is not picking up anything odd.
When the interview happens in your bedroom, remember to make the bed, and make sure there are no clothes strewn about, let alone damp towels. Check that the frame is not capturing anything you would rather not show.
Whatever the space, the point is that it needs to be tidy and presentable, because the interviewer will see it. And if you happen not to like your background, platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet let you pick an image to sit behind you.
If you go for that, choose a neutral background that makes you stand out on camera. Nothing busy or full of detail, which only pulls the interviewer's attention away from you.
Pets are another thing to consider. If you have any, it is good form to leave them somewhere else so they do not disrupt the interview or distract you.
2 - How are you going to present yourself?
However comfortable you are at home, remember: you are in a job interview. So dress like it.
How do you usually turn up to an interview? Is the role you are going for one that calls for a blazer? Being at home is no reason to interview in pyjamas and socks.
You need to look like yourself, in a way that fits the role you are applying for and the company offering it.
If you are thinking of working somewhere relaxed and informal, formal clothes only make sense if that is genuinely your style. Equally, if you are going for a role in a traditional environment such as a law firm, turning up in a very casual outfit will not help.
So we recommend good judgement, and remind you that a shirt, a blazer, a nice top, some make-up and hair done the way you like it are all options. One thing many people forget is nails. If the varnish is chipped, take it off or redo it before the interview starts.
When it is time for the interview, make an effort. No pyjamas, all right?
3 - I have no webcam. Now what?
If you do not have a webcam for the interview, there are two options: take the interview on your phone, or use your phone as a camera.
With the first option you would use the phone itself for the interview, which can be awkward if the interviewer asks to share their screen to look at your portfolio, say, or to show you company material. It gets uncomfortable because a phone screen is very small for that. But it can be done.
With the second option, you can download an app that turns your phone into a webcam. One of the most widely used, on both Android and iOS, is Iriun. It is worth reading up on it and testing it before the interview to make sure everything works.
4 - My connection is unstable. What do I do?
It is remarkable how, whenever we have something important on, the unexpected turns up. But as a well-prepared candidate, you are ready for it.
In cases like that, as well as calling your provider to get the problem sorted, you can plug an ethernet cable straight into your computer to reduce the chances of the instability that tends to come with wifi.
If you do not have a cable, you can tether your mobile data, provided the signal is genuinely good.
Last but still a good option is to take the interview somewhere with wifi access. It could be a café you trust, a library, or even a space set up for studying or working, such as a coworking spot.
That last option needs testing in advance, though. It has to be somewhere you feel comfortable and safe, so do not leave it to the last minute. How about drawing up a list of places near home that would work for an interview?
5 - Prepare properly
Before the interview, do things that calm you down. Set aside the key points of your experience that you want to highlight, along with any questions you have about the role.
Once you start talking to the recruiter, be fully present in the conversation. On the subject of presence, the psychologist Amy Cuddy explains in her book “Presence” that a mix of enthusiasm and self-confidence is the perfect combination, because it lands well with other people — that quality signals, among other things, grit, persistence, fresh ideas and creativity.
With that in mind, look after your wellbeing before and during the interview so that you can be present in the conversation not only physically but mentally.
Now that you know how to prepare for a good online interview, get organised, put it all into practice and good luck with your next interviews!
6 - Bonus tip:
Before you go, one extra tip: whatever the role, be yourself. Do not lie, do not embellish your CV, and allow yourself to give the best you have on the day.
Now, good luck!