Table of Contents
If you are preparing for an online job interview, it is important to remember that it requires the same level of preparation and professionalism as an in-person interview. However, there are a few additional factors to consider in order to succeed in an online interview. From your setup to presenting yourself professionally on camera, there are many things you can do to ensure that you make a good impression on your potential employer. In this article, we will provide you with tips and advice on how to ace your next online job interview. With these tips, you can feel confident and prepared to impress your interviewer and increase your chances of getting hired for your dream job
Types of Online Interviews
When it comes to online interviews, there are various types that you may encounter during your job search. Each type has its own unique format and purpose, so it’s important to understand the differences and how to prepare for them.
Live Video
Live video interviews are typically conducted at the mid to late stages of the hiring process, after the candidate has been pre-screened and identified as a potential fit for the role. The purpose of a live video interview is to further assess the candidate’s qualifications, personality, communication skills, and overall fit for the position.
During a live video interview, the interviewer and the candidate are able to communicate in real-time, just like in a face-to-face interview. Live video interviews are typically conducted on platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet, and they are usually scheduled after an initial screening process.
Live Chat Interviews
These interviews are usually conducted early on in the hiring process to determine the candidate’s qualifications and suitability for the role. In these interviews, the interviewer may ask open-ended questions to get a sense of the candidate’s communication skills and personality.
Video Resume Interviews
Video resume interviews allow candidates to showcase their skills, experience, and personality in a short video. This type of interview is conducted early on in the hiring process, often as a preliminary step to screening candidates. Candidates may be asked to answer specific questions or create a video highlighting their qualifications.
Pre-recorded Video Interviews
Pre-recorded video interviews are similar to video resume interviews, but they allow candidates to answer questions at their convenience. The interviewer provides a set of questions, and the candidate records their responses in a video. These interviews can be conducted at any stage of the hiring process, depending on the company’s preference.
Skills Assessment Interviews
Skills assessment interviews are designed to test the candidate’s skills in specific areas relevant to the job. These interviews can be conducted at any stage of the hiring process, depending on the company’s preference. The interviewer may provide a set of tasks or challenges that the candidate needs to complete within a given time frame.
Chatbot Interviews
Chatbot interviews are a new trend in the recruitment process, where the candidate interacts with an AI-powered chatbot. These interviews can be conducted at any stage of the hiring process and are designed to assess the candidate’s skills and qualifications. The chatbot may ask the candidate a set of questions, and the responses are used to evaluate the candidate’s fit for the role.
Pros and Cons of Online Interviews
Pros
Convenience
Online interviews offer the convenience of being able to participate from anywhere with an internet connection. This eliminates the need for travel, and also reduces the cost and time associated with commuting and parking.
Improved Candidate Experience
Since candidates can participate in the interview from the comfort of their own homes, it can create a more relaxed atmosphere, and this can help to reduce anxiety and stress.
Flexibility
Online interviews offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling, as both the interviewer and the interviewee can choose a time that works for them, rather than having to work around each other’s availability.
Easier to schedule
With online interviews, scheduling is often easier because the interviewer can send a link to the interviewee, who can then click on it to join the meeting. This aspect of online interviews is the reason for the popularity of online interviews among recruiters
Access to a larger pool of candidates
With online interviews, employers can connect with candidates from different parts of the world, which means they can access a larger pool of talent than they would if they were only considering local candidates.
Enhanced Recruiting Analytics
Online interviews can easily be recorded, which can help the interviewer to review and assess a candidate’s skills, knowledge and other qualifications.
Cons
Technical difficulties
Online interviews can be subject to technical difficulties, such as poor internet connection, audio and video quality issues, and software compatibility issues. This can be frustrating and cause disruptions during the interview.
Lack of personal connection
Online interviews may lack the personal connection that comes with in-person interviews, which can make it harder to build rapport with the interviewer.
Distractions
Since online interviews are often conducted from home or other non-office locations, there may be distractions from pets, children, or other background noise that can be difficult to control.
Limited Non-Verbal Cues
Online interviews may limit the non-verbal cues available for both the interviewer and the interviewee. Facial expressions, gestures, and body language may be harder to read or misinterpreted during an online interview.
Tips to Make a Lasting Impression
Preparing for an online interview can be nerve-wracking, but with the right strategies, you can boost your confidence and ace your interview. Here are some fool-proof tips to help you prepare for your next online interview:
Join 10 Minutes Before the Time
It’s important to be on time for your interview, but with virtual interviews, there can be additional technical issues that may arise. So, it’s best to join the meeting at least 10 minutes early, to allow for any technical difficulties, and to show that you’re reliable and prepared.
Dress Formally
While it may be tempting to wear your pajama bottoms during an online interview, it’s important to dress as you would for an in-person interview. Dressing professionally will show that you take the interview seriously, and will help you to feel more confident and prepared.
Look Confident
Even if you’re nervous, it’s important to project confidence during an online interview. Sit up straight, make eye contact with the camera, and speak clearly and confidently. Practicing power poses for confidence can be beneficial just before an interview. This will help you to make a good impression and to convey that you’re ready for the job.
Listen Before Speaking
When you’re in an online interview, it can be tempting to jump in and start talking as soon as you’re asked a question. However, it’s important to take a moment to listen carefully to the question and to think about your response before you start speaking. This will help you to give a thoughtful and well-considered answer.
Be Your Authentic Self
It’s important to be yourself during an online interview. Don’t try to pretend to be someone you’re not or to give answers that you think the interviewer wants to hear. Instead, be honest and authentic, and let your personality shine through. This will help the interviewer to get a better sense of who you are, and whether you’re a good fit for the company culture.
Read About the Company and the Role
Before your online interview, take the time to research the company and the role you’re applying for. This will help you to understand the company’s values, mission, and culture, and to tailor your answers to the interviewer’s questions accordingly. It will also show the interviewer that you’re genuinely interested in the job, and have taken the time to do your homework.
Also Read: How to Answer Logical Questions in An Interview?
What do Recruiters Want?
So far we have discussed what the interviewee must do to ace their interviews online. How about if the tables were to be reversed? Let us read what recruiters look for from individuals during interviews. These points will vary from online and offline interviews.
- The first and foremost thing that interviewer will notice is communication skills. There is no need to have the best vocabulary to impress the recruiter. One must, however, be able to show confidence using simple words.
- Oversharing too many details about the previous employer. Badmouthing, especially, gives a negative connotation. They do not need to know, in-depth, the reason for leaving the previous job.
- Showing possession of technical knowledge that is essential to the profile is also a must. The recruiter will generally test this in the form of a written test. Some recruiters also ask these questions during the interview itself.
- Body language is another important aspect of interviews. While one could be smiling, their body language could be showing nervousness or anxiety.
- People who give overly practiced or memorized answers do not tend to make it to the final rounds of interviews. For a better stand at the interview try to not give answers straight from textbooks.
Ace The Next Online Interview
Good luck with your upcoming online interview! Remember to stay calm and confident, and be prepared to answer questions about your qualifications and experience. Be sure to dress professionally, even though this is an online interview. Speak clearly and make sure to maintain good eye contact. Most importantly, be yourself and let your personality shine through. Best of luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
The first step to prepare for an interview online is to get certain information from the interviewee. The program on which the video call would take place, time, duration, and other relevant details. Before the said date, ensure the computer or smartphone is working and there is power backup.
Finally, take care to thank the interviewee through an e-mail after the interview wraps up. Throughout the entire process keep a check on the tone and also body language.
The actual process to hold interviews online differ greatly from employer to employer. Some interviews are pre-recorded meaning the questions are recorded beforehand. All the interviewees do is record their answers. This is often the first round after which face-to-face interviews take place online. Other times, the first step in the whole process is a face-to-face interview online.
Anything done with technology and the internet can run into problems. Moreover, while interviewing at home, there are going to be numerous distractions. Children crying, phones ringing, pets in the background, the list is endless. Other problems like running out of power or interruptions in the internet can also occur.
Interviews that take place online are called just that, an online interview. Other names for the same are digital interviews or video interviews. Interviews that are audio online are Audio Interviews. Another common name for this form of interview is a virtual interview. Depending on the platform or video program the interview takes place, the interview is called by the same name.
Some Useful Resources
To read more related articles, click here.
Got a question on this topic?