How to ace an online job interview
More employers are using platforms such as Skype to conduct on-screen interviews so you need to get your game face on
YOU might have the perfect skill set, experience and education qualification for that vacancy you’re applying for. You might also be awesome at making a good impression in person. But what if your potential employer or recruiter requests an online interview?
Interviews using online video platforms such as Skype, Zoom, BlueJeans and even WhatsApp video are becoming increasingly popular.
And while preparing for such an interview might be similar to preparing for a face-to-face meeting, there are a few key differences you must be aware of if you want to land the job.
WHY IT’S CONVENIENT Virtual, or video interviews, are being used more and more for several reasons, and they have distinct advantages for the employer and the applicant, industrial psychologist Phiona Martin says.
“The emergence of virtual working teams, working from home, working across borders or continents and the gig economy (temporary positions for independent workers) means it’s no longer necessary for you to be in the same room for a job interview,” she says.
“It often makes more sense for a job applicant to find a quiet spot for an hour than to travel to the interview location and back, especially in cases of short notice. But the key is to know how to present yourself this way professionally.”
Virtual interviews can save on travel costs and time if you’re in a different city, for example.
It also allows you to do an interview in the comfort of your own environment and can fast track the recruitment process because it removes any delays or conflict in scheduling.
One of the greatest benefits for potential employees is that it allows for interviews to take place easily outside of office hours so they don’t have to make awkward excuses to their current employer. BE PREPARED Sibongile Lehloo, product and marketing director at digital career platform JobStarter, says she’s had many instances of job candidates not showing up for interviews when they’re conducted online.
She’s also had candidates who are unsure of how to act professionally during a phone or video call.
“No matter how good a candidate appears on paper, these factors can definitely have a negative impact on their application.” SORT OUT TECHNICAL ISSUES Being prepared will make it easier to handle any technology problems that might crop up.
Using a laptop or iPad instead of your phone for a video call will go a long way in preventing any communication issues, Lehloo says.
“Whether you notice it or not, your hand shakes when holding a phone and this can be distracting for those watching you.
“You also don’t know how long the interview will last, so running out of battery power as well as network connectivity issues can have a negative impact.”
Once your interview date and time has been confirmed, familiarise yourself with the platform the employer has chosen. Download the software if necessary, read the instructions and watch YouTube videos for tips.
Also set up what you can ahead of time – for example, if the interview is via Skype, add the employer as a contact.
Doing a dry run, perhaps with the help of a friend, will boost your confidence and give you the opportunity to sort out any technical glitches.
Do the test in the place and setting where you plan to do the interview and look out for internet connection strength.
Also check that you’re sitting close to a place where your device can be charged during the interview and that the device and your earphones or speakers are in top working condition.
“Using Wi-Fi is ideal but if you can’t find an appropriate spot with Wi-Fi, such as at a friend’s home, office or quiet table at a coffee shop or internet café, ensure you have more than enough data available,” Martin says.
It’s also a good idea to have the employer or recruiter’s phone number at hand so you can call them should there be technical problems that can’t be resolved.
‘Whether you notice it or not, your hand shakes when holding a phone’