Since the start of lockdown, many interviews have been conducted online, and there are a few pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few tips to help you ace that online interview:
Preparation
Prepare for your online interview just like you would for a face-to-face interview. Though you may feel more relaxed in your environment than you would in their offices, the interview is no less important or casual when it is being done on-line.
Research the company and the industry. The more you know, the better prepared you will be for any questions that may come your way. Make sure that you sit in a quiet space, with a clean and uncluttered background in the video frame.
Tell your family/housemates beforehand that you will be on an online interview. You don’t want noise and screaming in the background, or worse, someone coming into the room whilst the interview is taking place.To avoid embarrassment, make sure that you iron out all the technical glitches before the interview.
Make sure to ask what video format the interview will take place with – Skype, Zoom, Google Hangout) – so that you can download and familiarise yourself with it.
Test your phone or laptop camera for the best angle and how you look in it, and do the same with your mic and sound.
Test your Wi-Fi connection and make sure that you have an extra data hot-spot in case something goes wrong.
Ensure that you have the contact details of the interviewer on hand, in case you lose the connection.
The Interview
Don’t be late for the call. Log in a few minutes earlier than the scheduled meeting time, so you can be waiting for the interviewer, instead of having them wait on you.
Lockdown has made us used to comfortable, casual clothes, and daytime pyjamas. Please do not make the mistake of dressing down for your interview, no matter how comfortable you may feel with the interviewer.
Dress up and do your make-up and hair and show the same level of professionalism you would if you were going to the company’s offices for a face-to-face interview. Look directly at the camera. If you are not used to online communication, then perhaps you should practice a bit before your interview.
Questions and answers
Whilst the questions for the on-site and online interview should be the same, reference to Covid-19 and lockdown will be made, so be prepared to answer them.
Prepare a list of questions you have for the interviewer – or jot them down during the interview as they come to you – and make sure you ask them and get all the information you need before you log off.
That’s because you can’t simply pop back into the room, or ask the receptionist for something on your way out.
Points to make
Ensure that you inform your interviewer how you have been affected by Covid-19 and lockdown. Everyone has been affected in some way. To deny this, or to dismiss it, would be strange and make you seem disconnected from reality.
Make a point of letting the interviewer know that you can be part of a team and take instruction – even if you don’t physically sit in an office with your colleagues.
Ensure that the interviewer is aware of any infrastructure challenges you may be facing (e.g. Wi-Fi, telephone, computer). These days many employers are willing to help employees work from home. Now, more than ever, it is important to make a good impression during an interview.
For more information on debt and personal finance go to: www.nationaldebtadvisors.co.za
