10 Important Tips To Use During Online Interviews

Are you about to sit on an online interview and don’t know how to go about? Interviews are professional interactions, whether face-to-face or online. So, everything you do for a normal interview is to be there in your online interview too. But, here are 10 things which you should take care of for sure to make your online video-audio interview better and seamless.

The interview scenario has now changed a lot. While earlier, people used to only go for live interviews, now, the recorded interviews are becoming more common. In live interviews, everything you do is on the spot. But, in recorded interviews, you get 1-3 chances on an average to record your answer within a time limit. So, the scope of preparation increases in terms of recorded interviews. Make sure that you find this our beforehand itself.

It is always ideal to start preparing at least 3-4 days before your interview day. The main reason behind this is the confirmation that your side of technology is intact. Let it be the laptop, workstation, microphone or camera, everything should be checked beforehand and not at the last minute. Also, confirm the software that the interviewer uses and get it installed at the earliest. If you cannot install the particular software, ask for alternatives and be prepared with those.

Many people think that online interviews are pretty chilled out and would not require a formal dressing or stance. But, the myth is not true to its complete sense yet. Even though the medium of communication has changed, the formality of communication still remains pretty much the same. So, get ready for a normal interview and sit with a formal and professionally impressive stance to woo your interviewer in the very first second, at least above the waist.

Body language and facial expressions play an important role in any online interview. Understand the difference between looking in the eye and staring at the person. These aspects can get pretty ugly pretty fast, especially when you are going through an online interview. Be positive but not too friendly or too comfortable as if you are at your home, which you most probably will be.

Always remember to be early for an interview, whether it is face to face or online video. The best use of being early is the double check of everything from setup to get-up. And, you can also test your software and connection with your interviewer beforehand so that time is not wasted during the actual interview duration.

Many people try to go for online video interviews in a café or public restaurant. This is not the best choice as you are never aware of what interruption can happen. Neither are you aware of the people who might want to jump in abruptly. That’s why, it is best to give an online interview at the comfort of your own home where you are pretty sure that nothing will happen, except a calamity, which is an exception.

Even though talks matter, it is pretty evident that any online video interview should have a clear view of your face too. Try multiple places with minimal background noise on the wall. As many interviews are taken now on mobile phones too, you can choose to blur the background too. But, if you are not doing that, then an ambient wall with enough lighting is a must.

One of the advantages of giving an online interview at home is the prevention of unwanted noises. But, even at home, you can face multiple noises like fan and other things. To prevent such, you can simply test multiple places where your light is lit, and the sound is minimal. Try recording in those locations and hearing them afterwards. Inform your family and other people in the house to not disturb you during the interview or even make noise that may reach your area.

If you are a loving dog owner or of any other pet, make sure that they don’t jump into your lap during the interview. While many people love pets, they would not want such distractions hindering their serious talks. Do not eat anything during the interview or consume beverage. That is taken as highly unprofessional, especially during online job interviews.

While drinking or consuming other stuff during an online interview should be prevented, a glass of water in turn can be pretty beneficial. Always keep a glass of water beside you during an interview. This will not only help you stay hydrated during the nervous phases, but will also help you fill in the gaps when you run out of words and need some thinking to do.
While all of these tips may help you give a better online interview, one thing that can never be taught is the personality you portray. Ultimately, it is you and your confidence that will impress the interviewer. Be sure to keep that in hand always.