Preparation for an online interview

Nowadays, it is common that most companies will conduct online interview to select and short list the strong candidate because it is simple and considered more efficient and effective. 

Sometimes, there will be an offline interview also scheduled for a final discussion as well as to meet the senior executives and to finalize on the employment package offer.

An online interview will have different challenges faced by the interviewee than an offline interview. Several proper preparations are required, not to mention that having a strong and stable Wi-Fi or cable internet is crucial for smooth conversation and discussion to happen.

As for myself, I have experiences being as an interviewer to conduct an online interview as well as to attend an interview as an interviewee.  As an interviewer, it is initially not easy to provide a judgement and a decision based on online discussion. But along with time and with several practices, the sense of confidence and intuition are built to help the decision process.

How about the challenges faced by the interviewee?

In this writing, I want to talk about what things to prepare by the interviewee before attending an online interview.

1. Wi-Fi or internet

Having a strong and stable internet or Wi-Fi is a must.  You definitely want to have a smooth conversation and discussion and not to have an interrupted voice broke in between which can impact the interview process.

If you use a portable Wi-Fi, make sure to check the battery life status is on a full charge capacity as well as to have enough quota.

2. Laptop or personal computer

Are you going to use a laptop or a PC (personal computer) for an online interview?  Either way, it is fine as long as both will have sufficient power and ready with the application used for the interview.

Most common platform used for an online interview will be zoom, skype, or google meet.  Whether you will use one of these platforms or any other platforms, have this ready in your laptop or PC in advance and do not download it on a last minute.  Once you downloaded the application, conduct some testing to ensure that it will run properly.

3. Select the perfect spot for an interview

Your own space or room is the best spot for an online interview, because you can control the surroundings and reduce the distractions.  Manage the lighting to look natural and sit nearby window if possible, to get natural daylight.

Do you consider to use a virtual background during an online interview? If so, then choose a neutral, simple and yet look professional background, such as, a chic library corner, an office layout with some arts on the wall, a plain white or grey wall with plant and standing lamp in the corner.  You can find several free virtual backgrounds depending on the platform you will use.

4. Give a professional image

Not only you need to dress neatly and appropriately, but also a well-groomed look will give a clean and fresh appearance. For female, I will suggest to put on some make up (not too much) to enhance the skin complexion and give more color to your skin.

Giving a serious attention to your overall look will provide a good impression to the interviewer on how important this interview to you.

5. Body language

Remember that the interviewer will watch your expression and movement.  So, sit comfortably, maintain eye-contact with the interviewer, nod when necessary to show your attention and that you are listening, do not look clumsy and don’t forget to smile.

6. Research about the company

This is a must-do preparation both for offline and online interview.  You can do some research about the company you are applying through several search engines as well as from your work colleagues.

Find out the background, history, team, success story, development plan about the company and use this information to create a livelier conversation with the interviewer.

7. Prepare a list of questions

Create an interactive interview environment meaning ask some questions when the time is appropriate and allows.  Prepare the list of questions in advance allowing you to get enough information about the job once the online interview end.

Actively asking relevant questions will also give the interviewer a good opinion about you.  Your enthusiasm will also indicate that you have a genuine interest with the job and the company.

8. Have pen and paper ready to note when necessary

You might not be able to remember all the points shared and discussed during the interview.  Therefore, it is important to take a note so you can do a summary and review after the interview end.

Alternatively, you can also type your interview minutes on your laptop or computer. But I guess relying on your paper and pen to take note is lots easier than typing on your laptop.  Be sure to remain focus and maintain eye contact during interview.

9. Test all equipment

Test all equipment on your laptop or computer prior to the scheduled interview time, such as, is the speaker volume clear, is the volume working and easily adjustable, is the camera angle properly set, is the mic working, etc.  If you find any problem on the equipment, you still have enough time to fix and do another test.

10. It’s the online interview time

All the preparation is done and the interview is about to start.  Even though the interviewer might switch off his or her camera, I would recommend to leave your camera on so that the interviewer can see your body language, appearance and on how serious and interested you are to get the job.

Manage the mic properly, i.e., when to mute and unmute so the conversation can run smoothly.

Another thing is be punctual.  I would suggest to be ready online at least 5 to 10 minutes earlier than the scheduled interview time allowing you to breath and manage your nervous.

Good luck and all the best be with you.