Although the COVID-19 pandemic is over, companies continue to conduct online interviews to screen and select candidates. The practice is particularly prevalent when interviewers and interviewees are in different countries. Here are some tips to excel in online interviews.
PREPARE
- Find a quiet room with a clean background and good lighting.
- Check your internet connection, camera, and microphone settings.
- Check your audio sound quality and volume and make sure you are audible.
- Make sure you look sharp on screen.
- Download any software and test out the login instructions beforehand to make sure you are good to go as scheduled.
RESEARCH
- Prepare for the online interview as you would for a face-to-face interview.
- Read up about the company and understand the job requirements.
- Prepare some questions for the interviewers. Refer to the previous article on Tips to Ace Your Job Interviews for details.
BE PROFESSIONAL
- Bear in mind that all your interactions and expressions will be captured on camera.
- Position the camera at eye level and speak to the camera.
- Dress appropriately and communicate well.
- Keep in check your body language and mannerisms.
- Avoid reading your script off the screen.
- Maintain eye contact with the interviewer by looking at the camera instead of the video feed on your screen.
STAY ORGANISED AND FOCUSED
- Have a printed version of your resume and cover letter close by.
- Prepare your answers to commonly asked questions.
- Turn off disruptions such as notifications on your laptop and phone to maintain your focus throughout the interview.
TO TOP
AUTOMATED INTERVIEWS
Organisations may also make use of automated online interviews to sieve out large numbers of applicants. In a one-way structured video interview, you will need to answer a series of automated, pre-scripted questions within a specific time limit. Check how much time you are allocated and be mindful of the time. Be informative yet concise with your responses. There may be a practice run before the actual recorded interview to help you familiarise yourself with the process.
In chatbot interviews, keep your responses concise and to the point. Highlight your relevant skills. Maintain a professional tone as your responses may be reviewed by the hiring manager.
