Online Interview: Tips and Ways to Be Smooth and Successful
The ever-evolving times have made competition among job competitors increasingly tight. However, many conveniences have been provided by companies with the existence of online recruitment systems. The screening process for job applications can even be done faster just by sending an email or filling out a form.
Online interviews are the next stage of the process that usually takes place after passing the curriculum vitae screening and technical ability tests. The online interview process is not only conducted during the pandemic, you know. There are several companies that have indeed been conducting online interviews during the recruitment process, usually technology companies.
Tips for a Smooth Online Interview
Like a regular job interview, you need to prepare before starting the online interview. This is necessary so that you do not feel awkward and are more relaxed when meeting the interviewer. Here are some tips for online interviews that can be followed.
1. Read Information About the Company You Are Applying To
If you have successfully progressed to the online interview stage, it’s time to meet your potential coworkers. Not only that, this stage is also an advanced stage that needs to be passed to prove your seriousness in applying to become an employee. So, make sure you really know the company's condition so you won't be confused.
You will not only be asked about the company, but also vice versa. Use this opportunity to ask about the company's situation. When you do not go directly to the office, you certainly cannot see the workplace or other coworkers, right? So, it’s better not to keep examples of online interview questions in your heart, just ask politely.
2. Get to Know the Interviewer's Profile
You see, online interviews can be conducted just like a regular conversation. Therefore, get to know the interviewer before the interview starts. Some companies usually mention the name and position. If not, try to look at the email attached to the online interview invitation.
As additional information, you can find their profiles on the internet to know their background regarding the work they do. If not, just make sure of the interviewer's position in the company. This way, the questions during the interview session will be more directed to ask the potential supervisor, manager, or HRD.
3. Anticipate Technical Disruptions Before Starting the Interview
During the online interview, there is a possibility that the internet connection may slow down. If this happens, resolve it by turning off the camera. This will improve the sound quality that is heard to be better. It’s best to inform this beforehand before the interview starts.
Network disruptions when the internet connection slows down can happen unexpectedly. Your voice or the interviewer's voice may sound choppy in the middle of the conversation. If you have mentioned the possibility of technical disruptions at the beginning, try to turn off the camera. After that, apologize again for the technical disruption.
4. Look at the Camera, Not the Screen
Make sure to look at the camera during the interview. Looking at the screen will make your gaze seem as if you are not talking face-to-face. However, what is even better to avoid is being busy looking at yourself. So, stay focused on the conversation, okay?
5. Prepare Notes to Write Questions
This is an advantage that cannot be obtained during a face-to-face interview. By preparing notes, write down things that are unclear to ask at the end of the conversation. Usually, the beginning of the online interview will be a question session from the interviewer and will end with a Q&A session that can be asked in return.
How to Conduct an Online Interview Without Disruptions
For those who are used to face-to-face interviews, there may be some preparations that need to be made. This is certainly related to technical preparations. You, do the following online interview methods to conduct an interview without disruptions.
1. Join the Interview Link on Time
Like any meeting with anyone, make sure to be on time. Make sure to log in with the account that has been confirmed to the recruiter. If possible, it’s best to prepare yourself 5 – 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
2. Test the Camera and Microphone
The online interview process will heavily depend on audio. Therefore, try to test the microphone first with the existing internet connection. Also, make sure the area in front of the camera is tidy. Some online interview software allows you to change the background. However, it would be better if there is a plain background behind your seat.
3. Try to Use a Laptop/PC
You see, online interviews can indeed be conducted from a smartphone. However, sometimes there are some interview features that are more limited. Not to mention, if you turn on the camera from a smartphone, the video display will be limited. Therefore, a laptop or PC is more recommended.
4. Prepare a Backup Internet Connection
Internet connectivity can go down at any time and cause panic. Therefore, always prepare a backup internet connection so that the online interview can still take place.
5. Still Wear Neat Clothes
Even though you are at home, online interviews are conducted to make an impression on potential bosses or coworkers. So, show a good impression by dressing neatly as if meeting potential coworkers.
To look more professional, the appearance of the area captured by the camera should also be tidy. At least use a plain background so that the area behind you does not distract the interviewer’s attention.
Read also: Tips for English job interviews
Commonly Used Online Interview Software
To conduct online interviews, there are several platforms that are usually used. So, prepare yourself to get accustomed to the features of online interview software. Some can be used on website platforms or downloaded as applications. To make it easier, it’s best to have an account on popular video conferencing applications like the following.
1. Zoom
This online interview software is very popular, especially during the pandemic that required many people to work from home. This application is available for iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows. For free application use, the duration of video conferencing is limited to 40 minutes and will be disconnected afterward. However, companies usually use the paid version so that the duration is unlimited.
2. Google Meet
Google Meet is used as an equally popular application. This application can be used by anyone who has a Google account. The features of the Google Meet application are also considered safer because it uses more secure encryption compared to Zoom. If you have received an invitation linked to Gmail, just click the link from Google Calendar to enter the ‘online interview room’.
3. Microsoft Teams
Its name may be more familiar with Skype for Business. This video conferencing application has also been quite popular for making calls for a long time. Skype was once popular for making video conference calls with SMS integration, regular phone calls, and also document sending features that can still be used to this day.
Well, that’s some information that can be known about online interviews. Basically, preparation is the most important thing that must be done before the interview takes place. If the preparation is good, it’s time to prove your competence in front of potential coworkers. Good luck!
Author: Rizkita Darajat
