9 Tips To Ace Your Online Interviews

The unemployment rate may be at an all-time high, but – don't look at it right now – many companies are hiring. So has your resume caught anyone's attention? Great, you have an interview. The catch is that you're not invited to the office. So instead, you'll do it through our Fabskill platform.

An online interview is very different from a face-to-face meeting. However, you don't have to let that fact blow the job. To make your following video interview go as smoothly as possible, we've gathered some tips from industry experts. 

Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash

1. Establish a strong online presence

Any job you apply for requires you to establish a solid online, written, and in-person presence for yourself, and all three must be consistent. 

You'll email your CV first; how does that look? 

They will then check out your LinkedIn page. What does that look like? Then they'll meet you for a virtual interview, so you must meet these three requirements. Never lose sight of the fact that it's not simply the interview. 

2. Dress as if it was in person

Always dress professionally. Wear a darker color, as you'll appear stronger and sharper with a darker silhouette. 

Although wearing shoes during a video conference may seem strange, it has a significant psychological effect on you. Additionally, wearing solid colors is a good idea because elaborate stripes and patterns can look unappealing on camera.

3. Eliminate Distractions

Since virtual interviews often take place in your home, creating a quiet environment with the fewest distractions is essential. In addition to putting your phone on silent mode, you can also turn off your home appliances.

For example, background noise from the washing machine can disrupt your interview. You can also ask your roommate to remain silent during the consultation. If you have noisy pets, such as dogs, consider letting them out or having a friend take care of them during your interview.

4. Inspect your computer

Your computer is the technological link between you and the interviewer. Ensure all the features you need are working properly, such as the camera, microphone, speakers, screen resolution, headphone port, battery, and internet connection. Consider contacting a family member or friend to try a video call and see how your computer performs.

5. Use adequate lighting and background

It's advised to pick a spot in your house for virtual interviews where you can present yourself professionally. Look for a cozy table and chair space, and check the lighting to see how you look to the computer's camera. You can utilize background images during calls with several video call systems. Instead of using this function, arrange your space to reduce noise and create a pleasant atmosphere.

6. Run mock (simulations) interviews

Provide a family member or friend with a list of interview questions to ask you so that you can perform a mock interview with them. This can demonstrate your audio and video quality and offer comments on your answers. Additionally, it's a helpful tool to assess your mannerisms and if you provide clear and concise answers to questions.

7. Write questions for the recruiter

Hiring managers generally inquire whether you have any final questions after the interview. So, before the interview, you can make a list of questions and have it close by. You can clarify any information regarding the employer or job by asking the interviewer questions. Additionally, because you're interested in and want to learn more about your potential employer, some interviewers see these inquiries favorably.

8. Predict technical issues

A digital interview may occasionally be hampered by technical issues, such as a power outage, a bug in the software used for video calls, or a malfunctioning internet connection. In case of technical problems, get in touch with your interviewer and offer a backup strategy. You could, for instance, change the time of the interview or switch to a video call on your phone.

9. Follow up after the interview

Once the interview concluded, consider sending an e-mail expressing your gratitude for their time, and how it was a pleasure to meet your interviewer. You can contact them a couple of days afterward if you haven't received any communication from them. It's helpful to inquire whether the hiring process is ongoing, and we suggest contacting you for further information. This demonstrates your interest in the position, which prospective employers may view favorably.

Photo by visuals on Unsplash

To sum it up

At the end of the day, your interviewer wants to know if you have a passion for the job and the company. If you're enthusiastic, what kind of energy you'll bring to the team? This is why it's essential that you are at ease with your setup and that everything is in order so that you can enter and be who you are.

Interviewers seek out candidates who are relatable, credible, and authentic. They must have faith in you because you will represent their brand. Take all of these actions to present yourself in the best light.

Copywriter: Imed El Mokhtar