Online interviews have been the silver bullet for many corporations who seek to continue their
smooth hiring process in the middle of the pandemic. While interviewing online maybe different
from appearing in a face-to-face interview, the objective remains the same – getting the job. As
a lot of us are not accustomed to being interviewed online previously; therefore, it is pertinent to
mention a few tips to keep in consideration while appearing for an online interview.
Choosing the Right Device
As they say about the importance of being audible and dressed appropriately in Physical
interviews, both of these aspects are linked to your audio/video device in an online interview;
therefore, it is important to choose a device (PC/Laptop/Smartphone/Tablet) that has a good
camera and mic. If you are going for a portable device like a smartphone, then it important to
make sure that it stays in one place and doesn’t move when your hand movement kicks in.
Placement of the Camera
We all know someone who puts the camera so close in the video call that you can only see the
forehead of the person? Just in case If you are that person then you should definitely watch out
for this while preparing for your online interview. Make sure that you are not very close to the
screen just so that your head and shoulders are at least visible to your interviewer.
Do a Quick Audio and Video Test
Imagine if your mic or video ditches you in the interview and you are left wondering how to save
your day. So, it is important to check out, beforehand, all the software and hardware
accessories that will be used in the online interview process. If your interview is conducted via
the Google Meet platform, then you can do a quick audio and video check by clicking on the
option ‘check your audio and video’.
Dress Professionally
It is a common observation of interviewers that candidates don’t dress professionally while
appearing for online interviews. Taking an online interview doesn’t change the fact that it is still
an interview and needs to be treated like one. Don’t worry, if you have a suit and a formal shirt
put on, no one is stopping you from putting on those comfy pajamas.
Keep Distractions at an Arms Distance
Imagine in the middle of your online interview your cat walks in straight in front of the camera or
your younger sibling decides to make an appearance. While there is a possibility that your
interviewer loves cats as well but there are people who don’t feel the same for them; therefore,
don’t take your chances and clear all the possible distractions. It is a good practice to lock your
room and keep all the possible distractions outside so that your interview goes smoothly.
Organize your space
Be mindful that your interviewer is observing even the tinniest details. If your clothes and stuff
are all over the room or your desk is messed up then it is pivotal to take some time out and get
things sorted around. Having a clean workspace or room shows how well a person is organized.
So, better get started with cleaning/organizing the room.