IAR’s Guarantee For Success With Your Online Job Interview
Before Your Online Interview
1. Select the Best Device to Use
Today, we’re spoilt for choice with the devices we use to stay in contact both in our professional and personal life. Whether it’s your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can do anything from give a presentation to have a quick video call with your family or friends. But what do you need to consider when we have an interview? First, you need to be comfortable with the device you’re using, the last thing you want to happen is to be struggling with navigating the device in the middle of an interview! You also want a device that is reliable – nothing ruins the flow of an interview like a video cutting out mid-sentence! Although smartphones are great for convenience, they don’t always work in a formal interview setting, employers have often commented on the shaky screen and sometimes unreliable connection. IAR would recommend a computer as you can ensure the connection is stable and have your IAR interview prep on the screen when needed. Of course, not everyone has access to a computer, and if this is the case, you could perhaps borrow one for the day.
2. Choose the Best Space for the Interview
The perfect space for your online interview would be an isolated room. This way you can close the door on any distractions (and noise!), change the lighting if needed, and choose an area that shows a general background. Remember when you’ve chosen the space to also play with the lighting to make sure there are no shadows or glare on your screen, and don’t remember to find an area with a simple wall as your background.
3. Test Your Devices and the Technology
You’ll want to make sure that you test all your technology: your connection, your camera, your lighting, your sound, and the link for the interview. Take some time to get familiar with the technology if you have not used it before and test it again 10 minutes before the interview!
4. Have a Mock Interview
Remember when you had mock exams at school or university? Treat the online interview the same! Practice with a friend or family member. Get some feedback about the lighting, sound, and background – any feedback helps! It’s also a good way to anticipate the questions (and practice your answers!) that may come up in the interview.
5. Be Prepared for Problems
If something goes wrong – connection problems, your electricity cuts out…it’s happened – make sure you have a backup plan. At IAR, we would recommend contacting the hiring manager in advance, and suggesting a phone call if there are any technology or connection issues.
6. Complete Your Interview Preparations
You will receive an IAR interview package that will give you background into the company, and details of the role and we are always available if you have any questions before the day of your interview. Interview prep and research on the employer is key – make sure you prepare responses to expected interview questions, and make sure you have questions you want to ask ready to go.
Day of the Online Interview
1. Test Your Devices Again!
Do a test of your devices at least an hour before your interview. And then do another run-through around 10 minutes before the interview time.
2. Dress Professionally
Play it safe with clothes; nothing too flashy, just simple and professional. If you're worried about what will work best, ask your family or friends and take a look at yourself on the monitor to see what the employer will see.
3. Turn Off Other Devices and Apps
Make sure that any apps or programs that might interrupt the interview are turned off and silence your phone. You should aim to be in your chosen interview space around 10 minutes before to get away from any distractions and to do any last-minute preparations.
5. Don’t Forget About Body Language
Body language might not seem important in an online interview, but the feedback IAR gets from employers tells us – it is! Remember to maintain eye contact and smile when appropriate. Make sure your chosen interview space means you have a good posture and can lean in when needed.
6. Look At the Interviewer
Focus on making eye contact with your interviewer via the camera, and make sure your backdrop is simple so you don’t get distracted!
7. Have a Conversation
This is an interview, so use your conversational voice, just as you would in a face-to-face interview.
8. Have Notes
Online interviews offer an advantage over face-to-face interviews – you can have notes in front of you (as long as they’re off camera!) to remind you of any points you want to raise, but do NOT overuse or rely on them! You may end up looking a little strange on camera.
9. Breathe
When the questions start, make sure you have acknowledged the question, perhaps nod or clarify what has been asked, BUT take a moment before responding in case the connection is delayed – you don't want to end up talking over the interviewer!
After the Online Interview
Follow-Up
The hiring process can be a lengthy one, and you may find there is more than one round of interviews, so you might need to be patient. But that does not mean you’ll be in the dark about what’s happening. IAR will be in contact with you, and we always encourage candidates to follow up with us as we wait for the outcome.
Final Thoughts on Online Interviews
If you're not completely comfortable with the online interviews, the best thing you can do is practice, practice, practice. The more practice you have, the more familiar you’ll be with online technology, and you’ll become more skilled with interviewing too!
