Tips for acing an online job interview

Argomenti trattatiStandard rules still applyEliminate distractionsFind a neutral backgroundChoose a small chairMaster your lightingPrioritize the camera, not the screenTest your gearCheck the time zoneKeep your eyes forwardWear some earbudsPracticeGet in the mood to talkMake a cheat sheet Job interviews are not easy. The interviewee may be stressed or anxious, therefore ruining his or her chances. Those held online are as difficult as the face-to-face ones, since are needed the same interview skills. However, the applicant could resort to these tips that may be helpful to handle every interview question. Standard rules still apply Appearance still counts, even for online job interviews. Suit and necktie are still required. It can be useful to wear elegant shoes too, since it has psychological implications. Eliminate distractions Shut off the TV, close the door and the window and, most of all, silence the phone. Distractions can come from anywhere, making you lose you train of thoughts. Find a neutral background The background is crucial. It has to be neutral (a sober wall, a library shell), otherwise interviewers won’t listen to your answers because busy studying the place where you live. Moreover, make sure not to sit too close to what you have behind, so you won’t look like a cornered rat. Choose a small chair Better not to sit on a couch or large chair that take up a large part of the screen. A small, not-creaking chair is perfect. Master your lighting That is not easy, but it is important to try not to look like you’re cowering in the dark. Use table lamps, putting them diagonally across from you. If possible use natural lights and, most important, eliminate direct backlighting. Prioritize the camera, not the screen The interviewers must see you, not viceversa. It is important to use a powerful camera. If you want to use your smartphone, make sure to avoid placing it too close to your face. Test your gear Download the same platform your interviewer is using on at least two devices. Test the platform, the camera and the audio system with a friend and, the day of the interview, test your gear again. Check the time zone It’s a banality, but check the time zone in case your interviewer does not call from the same time zone place as yours. Keep your eyes forward While you answer your interview’s questions, make sure to look into the camera, and not at the screen. Remember, interviewers must see you clearly. Wear some earbuds Bad video quality is acceptable, bad audio quality is not. Wear some earbuds. Careful not to wear an headset, headphones work just fine. Practice As of today, every platform has a recording system. Before the meeting starts, practice there you interview skills, in order to polish your voice from tics and stuttering. Get in the mood to talk Be happy and passionate of the job you are being interviewed for. Interviewers can spot both an unhappy face and an unexcited one. Try to go running or footing before the meeting, so your positive energy will increase. Make a cheat sheet Interviewers can’t see what is not on camera. Have a cheat sheet ready in case you freeze for a moment and write there some quotes or some notes that may help you ace your online job interview.

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