While the age-old interview tips for face-to-face interviews are still useful, the quick shift to using new communication technologies during the traditional hiring process comes with a new set of challenges.
Here at Tier One, our manufacturing practice operates on an international scale and so we have been assisting our candidates and clients around the globe set up virtual interviews for quite some time. This makes us unofficial experts on the topic of online interviews and we would like to share the advice that we share with all our candidates and clients.
Our steps are organized into two categories: old tried and true interview tips that still apply with a small amount of updating, as well as brand new tips that come along with using online video communication technology.
Updates on the Classic Interview Tips
Dress to Impress
Dressing in a professional manner from top to bottom can make you feel more prepared for an interview and provide a confidence boost that will you succeed. So even if only the top half of you is being seen during a virtual interview, it is still important to be completely dressed in a professional manner.
Be Aware of Body Language
While on camera, it is important to remain conscious of your body language. Sit up straight, smile, and do not fidget. An extra note of body language caution specific to online interviewing is to look directly into the eye of the camera in place of making eye contact while speaking. Avoid looking at yourself on the screen.
Be Prepared
Have important documents or notes printed and available for easy reference during the interview. This should include a printed out version of your resume, notes about the employer, questions you wish to ask the employer, as well as any other key points about your professional background that you'd like to go over during the virtual interview.
New Interviewing Tips
Test Your Equipment
Ensure you have all that is required for your virtual interview including the right software program downloaded in advance. If you can, run a trial video call with a friend or family member to make sure your camera, microphone and internet connection are in working order. Do this far enough in advance in case any equipment needs to be updated or replaced.
Assess and Prepare Your Environment
Wherever you choose to stage your video interview, be sure that it is in a tidy and quiet space. Pay attention to what the hiring managers will see behind you during the interview. Also prepare to keep pets and family members from interrupting the interview.
Lighting and Angles
The eye of the camera should be about 5-10 degrees higher than your nose to achieve a flattering angle. If the camera is built into your laptop, you may need to sit the laptop on some books to get the right angle. Also, set up a lamp behind your computer and directly in front of your face or sit in front of a window to properly illuminate your face.
Virtual interviewing has started to become more commonly used during the hiring process as hiring managers try to broaden their search for the right talent while also cutting back on travel expenses and time to hire. Expect to see virtual interviewing become more commonplace. The best thing to do in the event of having an online interview is to give yourself ample time to set up and prepare - and to remember all those age old interview tips that still apply!
