Friday, May 1, 2020

8 Online Interview Tips to Help You Impress the Hiring Manager


The 'new norm' has shifted the job application paradigm by 360. One process that went through a drastic change is our job interview process that been shifted online. In a way, we owe the coronavirus pandemic to the digital transformation the world needs right now. Evidently, we can see that job interviews are being carried out more efficiently and time-saving for all parties involved.


If you are applying for a job at the moment, be prepared to be interviewed via online video conference. In order to help you ace the video interview, we have 10 tips to share with you. Read on to find out.



1. Prepare the video conference application


Get to know the video conference application that you will be used by downloading the app earlier, especially when it is the first time you are using the app or do not use it frequently. Do not wait until the last minute as it will be disgraceful to let interviewers wait for you while you figuring out how to use the app. While you are at it, familiarize the video conference platform by using it casually with your friends and family. That way you can test the different functions, predict the possible technical problems, and fix any errors before it happens during your interview.

2. Dress up as you are in a face-to-face interview


The first impression counts, even if you are on the online interview. This shows your sincerity in applying the job and also you will look more professional.

3. Test your video platform before the interview to avoid technical issues


Log in to the interview a few minutes earlier and use the test system to check your sound and video quality. Take note that not all video conferencing app is able to do the technical checking, hence we recommend in point #1 to test it with your family or friend.

Additional tips: Use desktop or laptop instead of the phone due to the limited functions and quality differences.

4. Check your environment and surrounding


Find a quiet room for the interview and ensure your family does not disturb you during the process. Make sure you check your background - is there celebrity posters, dirty laundry, or a pile of mess behind you. Also, make sure there is no window or backlight behind you as it will cast a shadow and make you look dark.

5. Maintain good posture, speech pace, and optimal eye contact


Sit up straight to maintain a good posture. It helps to level your screen monitor to your eye level. A good posture makes you look energetic and keeping the eye contact makes you look engaged and attentive to the interviewer's speech. Be mindful of your speech pace so that the other party is able to hear you well and process the information you are going to deliver.

6. Prepare your interview documents on the desktop


One good practice is to prepare our resume, cover letter, and certificates on your desktop. That way, when the interviewer asks you questions related to your experience, you are able to pick up what they are referring to. In case the interviewer did not prepare your resume beforehand, you can share the document over any time.

7. Eliminate any disturbance


Be 100% present during the interview. Turn your phone to silent. Change your online status to busy. If necessary, hang a do-not-disturb sign on your door.

8. Use the video tools for your benefit


Depending on the situation and needs during the interview, use the available video tools for your benefit. This is why you need to get used to the video conferencing app beforehand. For example, sharing files over, or sharing screen to present your previous projects.


We wish you good luck with your job interview. Stay tuned as we will be sharing tips on how to use Zoom safely.

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