Interviewing is a process we all must go through to
acquire the job we desire. When thinking of an interview, most people think of traveling
to the place of the interview and two people sitting down in one room during
the interview. Changes are now being made in the way interviews are being
conducted. Interviewing within your own residence is now an option. As
hiring organizations continue to lower costs, online interviews are fast
replacing phone screenings as a way for employees to check out job candidates
before, or even instead of, an in-person interview (career.uga.edu). If you thought online interviews were just for high-tech
jobs, you’re mistaken. (Carniol, 2013). Just
five months ago, 63% of interviewed HR managers said their company conducted
interviews using video on a regular basis (Carniol, 2013). And with the job
market still seeing 2.1 million turnovers in November, employers aren’t exactly
bending over backwards to cater to the schedules of job seekers (Carniol, 2013).
Skype
and other popular software applications used for online interviews, allow users
to make free voice and video calls over the internet (career.uga.edu).Online
interviews should be treated like in-person interviews, with the main difference
being that they are conducted via webcam (career.uga.edu).
There
are a few tips to keep in mind while preparing for an online interview. The
first bit of advice is to always remember that the way you present yourself is
important. Choose a professional username (career.uga.edu). A username can help
identify you in a more mature manner. You will exchange your user name with the
employer, so be sure to pick a user name that will leave a positive first
impression (career.uga.edu). The first impression is always the one remembered
most so make sure that the first impression makes you look your best self. It
is best to create a user name that incorporates your first and/or last name
(career.uga.edu).
Another
tip to remember is to always work with the devices that will be used during the
interview and prepare for any situation that could go wrong before the actual
interview. Online interviewing
may require certain equipment (Carniol, 2013). Test your equipment with a
friend or colleague to ensure everything is up to date and working correctly
(Carniol, 2013). Make sure you are familiar with the
technology (career.uga.edu). Technological difficulties can happen in any
situation, so make sure you know how to correct them and what to do if it does
occur the day of the interview. Make
sure you have a working webcam, mic, or the latest software ready (Carniol,
2013). Practice
talking with a friend through Skype (career.uga.edu). It is important for you
to know how to launch a video call, adjust microphone levels, and other
functions within the program (career.uga.edu). If you aren't positive about your system requirements,
check with the interviewer (Carniol, 2013). Just in case there are issues the
day of the interview that would interfere, make sure to always have other
options. Have a back-up plan (career.uga.edu). Software for
online interviews is not 100% reliable; calls can be dropped with a bad
connection (career.uga.edu). Be sure to have a phone available in case there
are any technical issues (career.uga.edu). Make sure to swap contact information
with the company or organization so they will have a way to reach you in case
of technical difficulties.
In addition to equipment, it’s vital to do a virtual
interview dry run (Carniol, 2013). Practicing your interview story with the
same friend or colleague can help you to be confident when the actual interview
takes place (Carniol, 2013). Look at how to set up the computer you will be
interviewing on. Try the computer in different positions and heights so you are
able to know what view makes you look best for you to the interviewer. Know the
distance you should be away from the camera. Always remember that you want to
make this interview as real as possible. You want your arms and hands to show
because we generally talk with our hands to make our words clear. It can look
funny if your head and neck are just appearing on the interviewer’s screen. Create
the right interview setting (career.uga.edu). Try using different lighting and attire to guarantee you
not only sound professional, but also look the part as well (Carniol, 2013). Look
at what the employer can see behind you (career.uga.edu). It is best to have an
uncluttered background with no distracting objects, movement, or sound
(career.uga.edu). Do not have a light behind you, as it may make it difficult
for the employee to see your face (career.uga.edu). Your physical appearance is also important (Carniol,
2013). For example, certain clothes, colors, or backdrops may translate
differently in a virtual interview (Carniol, 2013). Always make sure to dress
the appropriate way for the job you are interviewing for. Different occupations
call for different attires for make sure to have your outfit ready beforehand
so you can check with your friends for advice to make sure it is appropriate
for that particular interview. Try on the clothes and do a mock interview in
them to make sure they are comfortable when you sit and they look appropriate
through a webcam.
Another
area to keep in mind while preparing for an online interview is all the
distractions that could occur. Keep out the interruptions (career.uga.edu). If
there is anything electronic in the room you are doing the interview in, make
sure it is turned off so there is no chance of it buzzing or turning it on
without notice. Turn your cell phone on silent (career.uga.edu). It might even
be best to keep your cell phone in a different room so that there is not a
chance that it will be a hindrance. Keep all pets in a separate room so they
will not be heard by the employer (career.uga.edu). The day of the interview,
make arrangements to where the pets could be kept outside or in a room by themselves
for the duration of the interview to ensure no distractions. Make all roommates
aware of your interview and ask them to stay out of the room for the duration
of the interview (career.uga.edu). Even though you are not in charge of the
time of the interview, make sure that your roommates know the time and ask them
to make plans accordingly.
The last and most important matter to take care of before
the interview is to do research and study the organization or company you are
applying for. No matter what sort of interview you have, it’s important to
research the organization (Carniol, 2013). Check out their recent news,
organizational practices and what other people are saying (Carniol, 2013). While
gathering information, make sure to write down some questions that you can ask
to the interviewers at the end of the interview if they ask if you have any.
This will show your interest and desire of the company. In addition, do a
little Googling of yourself to ensure there’s nothing questionable about you
online (Carniol, 2013). Make sure that everything linked to your name is
professional and represents you well. Check any sites that you are a part of
and perfect your image to what you want to be seen as online.
Crunch time consists of the time that occurs right before
the interview. The hours before your virtual interview are not the
time to go overboard, memorize your resume, or do another run-through (Carniol,
2013). It’s the time to get your mind in the zone (Carniol, 2013). Interviewers
can tell when you’re overly nervous or trying too hard (Carniol, 2013). Eat
some breakfast, grab yourself a cup of coffee and relax (Carniol, 2013).
Anything else may be seen as overkill and can cloud the progress you’ve made
(Carniol, 2013). Instead, mentally focus on succeeding in the interview. You’ll
find this will help you to prepare instead of cramming (Carniol, 2013).
Now
that we have reviewed tips to do before an online interview, it is time to
discuss some pointers involving the actual interview. When setting up the
computer for the interview, also check on the distance that you will be from
the computer and how that will appear on the screen to the interviewee who will
see you. Don’t be too close for comfort (career.uga.edu). Don’t be so close to
the computer screen that all the employer can see is your face
(career.uga.edu). Adjust the camera to ensure the employer can see your
professional attire (career.uga.edu). Body language is important in online
interviews, so make sure that the interviewer is able to see your arms and not
just your face.
During
the first few minutes and throughout the interview, make sure to start and
continue with strong and confident body posture and tone. Make (virtual) eye
contact (career.uga.edu). Be sure to maintain a high level of virtual eye
contact with the employer by looking at the camera (career.uga.edu). When using
a webcam, looking at the computer screen instead of the camera will show a lack
of eye contact (and, essentially, a lack of connection) with the employer
(career.uga.edu). Looking at the interviewer shows professionalism and that you
are able to communicate effectively. In conclusion, remembering these few tips can help you successfully prepare
for an online job interview. Present your best self and you are sure to have a
successful interview.
Works Cited
Online Interviews. Career Center. Retrieved from: http://career.uga.edu/interviewing/interview_types/online_interviews
Carniol,
A. (2013). Prepare for a Job Interview in 24 Hours. Mashable. Retrieved from: http://mashable.com/2013/01/26/online-interview-prep/
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ReplyDeleteThese are extremely useful tips when it comes to being part of an online interview, and I have a few additional pieces of advice that may be helpful as well. For instance, always make sure to have a piece of paper and pen ready so you are not scrambling to find them later. Along with these materials, make sure to have a copy of your resume accessible, in case you have to refer to dates (Doyle, 2012).
ReplyDeleteDress had also been touched upon above, but do not make the mistake of presuming that only the top half of your body will show. There was a candidate in the past who wore a suit jacket, dress shirt, and tie, assuming that only the top half of his body would be visible to the interviewer. However, when he stood up the interviewer saw a full-length view, including the jeans he was wearing (Doyle, 2012). That is not a very professional impression to give off, and it impacted his overall presentation.
Something to really ask yourself is “Why are these tips important?” Above, you had been informed that 63% of HR managers in a survey stated that their companies conducted interviews using video on a regular basis (Carniol, 2013). There has to be a reason for why online interviews have become such a hot commodity.
The first reason is due to one simple word - flexibility (Why Interviewing Online is the Future, 2013). Video interviewing allows you to recruit or interview on the go! You can work around or with anyone’s schedule. Video interviewing frees up more time by making even the toughest to reach candidates available at the click of a button.
It is also a very cost efficient method. These HR managers also shared that they were able to cut travel cost by as much as 67 percent (Why Interviewing Online is the Future, 2013). Now employers and job seekers can get the face time they crave without anyone needing to buckle up for takeoff.
Visual media is the wave of the future. The popularity of social networking sites and apps like Tumblr, Pinterest, and Instagram show text alone isn’t the answer (Doyle, 2012). After all a picture is worth a thousand words, even when it comes to being online. Using virtual interviews allows you to see and hear from your candidates faster and evaluate whether the candidate is right for the position (Why Interviewing Online is the Future, 2013).
What was not touched upon, were the cases in which employers email you a list of interview questions and ask you to film yourself answering them. If this is the case, all the same rules still apply. Even though you are not speaking directly to a person, be sure to smile and maintain friendly eye contact with the camera (Why Interviewing Online is the Future, 2013). I hope after reading this blog, you have a much more clear understanding of how to ace an online interview.
Sources
Carniol, A. (2013). Prepare for a Job Interview in 24 Hours. Mashable. Retrieved from:http://mashable.com/2013/01/26/online-interview-prep/
Doyle, A. (2012, October). Online Job Inteview Practice and Preparation. In Online Job Interviews. Retrieved July 19, 2013, from ttp://jobsearch.about.com/od/videointerviews/a/online-job-interviews.htm
Why Interviewing Online is the Future. (2013). In Spark Hire. Retrieved July 19, 2013, from https://www.sparkhire.com/video-interviews/why-interviewing-online-is-the-future
In Response To: Tips for Online Interviewing
ReplyDeleteAs a senior in college I have been preparing myself for upcoming job interviews. It is very important to know about different types of interviews and how to be successful in your interviewing endeavors. As Cali stated, online interviewing is becoming very popular for many reasons. In her post, she outlined for us how to prepare for the interviewee portion of an online interview. Her informational post will be helpful to many people who are preparing for one. However, I assume some people are looking for information of being the interviewer in an online interview. After a little more research, I have composed a list of steps to take to be a great online interviewer and be able to hire the best of the best in the future.
One bad interview experience can completely ruin a person’s drive to complete another successfully. Do not turn into that one interviewer who has embarrassed himself and then also damaged the company’s image at the same time. To be a great, respectable interviewer through online communication, a person must establish a rapport with each candidate, not allow personal frustrations and emotions to hinder the interview, and asking the appropriate questions. This can be achieved by following a few simple rules.
I am going to begin with the preparation of the interview. The first thing that is necessary to know is all of the background information for the company and also the specifics of the job description that is being interviewed for. To avoid disruptions, be sure to conduct the interview in a private, quiet place to ensure a professional appearance. An interviewer expects for the interviewee to be professional, trust me, the interviewer does too! If there are multiple candidates applying for the position, ensure there is a list of the same questions for you to ask each one and make sure they are aware of the interview plan of when each person will be interviewed. The most important thing about the interviewing process is “selling” the company to applicants. If you do not make the company sound like a great place to begin a career, you will not have a successful follow up.
Possibly the most important step in an interviewers day is the opening of each interview. By greeting the interviewer promptly, it assures them that this is serious and shows reliability on the company. Smile, be friendly and make as most eye contact with the other person as possible online. Interviewing online can make it difficult to make others feel comfortable because there is no handshake, beginning or end, and there is no way to make your presence known. This is why the interviewer must set a good tone for the interview and make sure that the candidate is confident and comfortable with the process. During the interview, make sure that questions are asked clearly by rewording if he or she is not understanding. Make sure that you have gathered enough information about the applicant’s previous work experience, this is vital to the hiring process.
The closing of the interview is geared towards review, follow-up, and future contact initiation. (Gentry, 2013) Thank the candidate for their time, and reassure them that you had a pleasant experience in meeting them. Be sure to revisit the “selling” of the company, benefits of working for them. Also, ask the interviewee if he or she has any questions, if so, answer them. If not, thank them for their time and effort.
The interviewing process is nerve racking and hard work. If you as the interviewer follow these steps, I am sure that you will successfully engage in memorable interviews and hire the best employees possible!
Work Cited
Gentry, C. (2013). Online interview training: Avoid being a bad interviewer. Retrieved from http://www.selectinternational.com/blog/bid/134684/Online-Interview-Training-How-to-Avoid-Being-the-Bad-Interviewer-Story
Sophie Molaison
This blog goes into great detail about the newest form of interviewing known as online interviewing. It’s a common saying that first expressions are the most important especially when interviewing for a job. A good first impression in an interview has the ability to be life changing and land you that dream job you’ve always wanted. That is why this blog can be essential in today’s world of technology. Now with new technology interviewing for jobs can be done via online video calls. This means job seekers must prepare to make a good impression without even meeting an interviewer in person.
ReplyDeleteThis blog does an excellent job of covering every little detail that must be considered when preparing for an online interview. First she begins to stress the importance of having an appropriate user name. I could not agree with her more because this bit of information could be the interviewer’s first glimpse of you. It is always crucial to keep in mind that usernames used for online interviews should be completely professional as she states in her blog. Don’t let a silly name be your downfall and cost you the job. It may seem petty but now days interviewers analyze every little thing. It has been proven in various studies that employer’s decision to hire a person can have a lot to do with their name, and this now includes user names used for online interviews (Brownlow & Copley 1995).
Next this blog transitions into the importance of testing all of your equipment prior to the interview. Sometimes these technical difficulties can be unavoidable but it is still crucial to try your best to work out all the kinks before your online interview. This tip I think is very note-worthy of readers because this can eliminate extra stress during the actual interview. She then begins to discuss tips that can better your appearance on the camera, as well as, what colors would look best. This can be surprising to readers because many people don’t realize that certain colors can come across unappealing over an online video.
Lastly, I want to touch on the tip about doing research prior to the interview. This is a step that I feel can sometimes be overlooked by job seekers and make them come off unprepared or even uninterested to the interviewer. As the blog states, it can be very helpful to do research prior to your interview. You may want to look into the exact position you are being interviewed for as well as the company as a whole. At the end of an interview if you are asked if you have any questions for them you always want to have a few planned out in order to show your interest in the position. Asking questions about the company or the desired position is one way to show how much you want this job. This blog can be a great aid for those who are preparing for online interviews and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
Works Cited
Brownlow, S. & Copley J. (1995). The Interactive Effects of Facial Maturity and Name Warmth on Perceptions of Job Candidates. Abstract. Retrieved from < http://rpusm.lib.usm.edu/ebsco-ehis/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=33db5e13-ab51-4117-93ae-1ded514e511f%40sessionmgr10&vid=2&hid=2>.