Things You Should Know if You Are Attending a Job Interview From Your Home
Many things have changed as a result of COVID-19, including how we limit face-to-face encounters. Many interviews, especially in the early phases of a talent search, are now conducted remotely. Online job interviews have grown in popularity in recent years, and many firms now use technology to conduct exploratory interviews on a regular basis.
Job interviews at virtually every level of the employment process became the standard during the epidemic. While online interviews are comparable to traditional in-person interviews, there are several significant distinctions to be aware of.
Making a pitch through video conferencing tools like Skype, Zoom, or Google Hangouts might be intimidating for potential workers. Here are some virtual interview techniques to help you relax and land the job.
1 - Have a test-run with your machine
Technology may be intimidating in today's world, and online interviews, in particular, need you to feel at ease utilizing whichever technique your prospective employee likes (Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc.). It's a good idea to test your internet connection as well as your audio and sound capabilities once you're satisfied with the application you'll be using to ensure everything works correctly.
Then, choose a friend or family member with whom you can connect using that platform. Although platforms like Zoom and Skype are very user-friendly, it is beneficial to become comfortable with the interface before speaking with your employer and discovering that you are still muted while trying to answer.
2 - Choose the perfect lighting spot
Make sure it's not too dark, but if possible, avoid using overhead lights throughout the interview. Try to sit near a window with your back to the light if at all feasible. You should always put your best foot (or face, in this case) forward!
Choose a decent location for your online meeting the day before to avoid rushing around just before the interview. Make sure your laptop is on a solid table. During the interview, you don't want it bouncing about or wobbling. For a perfectly framed interview image, you may need to use a box to raise the laptop up from just below your shoulders to just above your head. If you're using a tablet or smartphone, keep it stable using a device tripod.
3 - Put away the unnecessary things
Turn off any devices that could interrupt your discussion, such as your phone and computer's email notifications. Interrupting a potential employer during an interview is impolite unless you have an emergency that your possible employer is already aware of.
When you're finishing your interview, make sure no one else is there, including dogs. Cats have walked across the computer screen to end the interview, half-clothed individuals have walked across the room in the background, and children have screamed in the adjacent room, according to interviewers. Don't put your job in jeopardy by not being prepared! If you can't guarantee that no one will disturb you, you should either move your interview to a different place or make arrangements for your roommates (or relatives) to be gone for the day.
4 -Avoid virtual background
You might be tempted to choose a nice platform backdrop, but resist! For a first-time encounter, backgrounds are distracting and unprofessional. In fact, during the interview, you should select the most professional part of your home - feel free to stage it specifically for the interview!
You'll want to carefully inspect the backdrops to select the ideal position once you've discovered the places that give the finest lighting. Get rid of any unnecessary items. Avoid having strange items in the backdrop, such as a bed or a toilet. It may seem self-evident, yet many individuals fail to consider the initial impression their house makes.
Books may make you appear intelligent, the tasteful decoration can make you appear well-dressed, and creative objects in the backdrop can make you appear cultured. It's even fine to have a blank wall since it keeps the attention on you.
5 - Attire matters
Even though you won't be meeting the interviewer in person, dress professionally and sit up straight. First impressions are important, and how you look may make or ruin yours. Don't forget to put a grin on your face! Smile as you would during an in-person interview, whether you're talking to a real person or recording your responses. Wear clothing that is both flattering and appropriate for the position you are applying for. Dress up rather than down when in doubt (particularly for virtual interviews!).
Sitting up and smiling will not only make you appear more professional and engaged, but they will also make you feel more strong and energized! Good posture gives you greater self-assurance, improves your mood, and conveys openness.
6 - Join early for another testing
Being on time entails arriving 10 minutes early. If it's your first time doing a virtual interview, you should arrive 15–20 minutes early. If this seems overwhelming, keep in mind that in a typical interview, you would be getting dressed, driving, parking, and locating the appropriate room prior to the interview.
Setting up the computer and signing in is effectively the parking portion of the interview procedure in this case. After you've double-checked that everything is working, you may relax until approximately 5–10 minutes before the planned time.
Act as though your interviewer can hear and see what you're doing at all times. If you get into the habit of feeling "watched" during the session, you'll be less likely to do anything odd because you forget others are in the room or don't realize your camera is turned on. Assume they can hear and see everything from the minute you log in to the moment you dismiss the screen.
7 - Be calm
If you're worried, practice your key talking points and remember to calm down - easy it's to speak over people on internet calls. Because the screen will decrease some of the effects you would have in person, you may need to be somewhat louder and more forceful than you would be in person.
Even though this interview will take place online, don't forget to brush up on your traditional interview skills. If they ask for specifics, you should have responses to some of the most frequent interview questions and examples prepared.
To convert your nerves into feel-good energy before the interview, consider standing in power postures. These positions have been proved in studies to help you think on your feet and perform well under pressure.
8 - Eye contact is a must
Eye contact is crucial in the online world, even if it isn't genuine eye contact.
Instead of gazing at the person on the screen, keep your gaze fixed on the camera. When you see a person on the screen, it might be difficult to look at the camera. However, gazing at the screen will make you appear to be peering down (since screens are usually below cameras).
If you've ever snapped a selfie, you're undoubtedly familiar with the process. Video, on the other hand, is more difficult.
If you're feeling uneasy, place a photograph of someone you know in front of the camera. You'll feel as though you're conversing with a buddy this way. You may even position a camera in front of the person's face if you have one on a stand.
9 - Be sharp in listening
During an interview, it's easy to overlook something crucial. It can also be difficult to interrupt without creating an embarrassment of overlapping sound bytes.
If you wish to recall a point or circle back to ask a question, scribble down keywords or brief reminder phrases to avoid awkward circumstances. Make sure your note-taking doesn't get in the way of the interview's flow. If something was stated that you didn't hear, make sure to inquire.
Devices may have speakers that aren't particularly loud. To achieve crisper sound, consider connecting your laptop to external speakers or even headphones. If you have any gaming or podcasting microphones, utilizing one during the call might greatly enhance your voice quality.
10 - Have some stationery and a copy of your CV
Keep some A4 pages and a pen on hand in case you need to do some scribbling to respond to certain queries. Keep your CV in a location where you can readily retrieve it in case someone needs to look into what you've written.
11 - Be as you
During an interview, you want to come off as real and sincere. This is your chance to express yourself outside of the classroom. Your resume has already gotten you in the door; now it's time to display who you are as a person.
Nerves can cause people to become excessively rigid. Take your cues from the interviewer and try to relax your mentality. Try to dress professionally without squashing your unique flair while choosing an outfit for a meeting, for example.
It's critical to understand who you are as a professional. Take a moment to consider your personal talents, shortcomings, and characteristics. You may even prepare a list ahead of time to help you organize your ideas. These are questions that will almost certainly be asked during the interview. You'll be better equipped to allow your skills organically come through after you have a clearer sense of what you want to express.
12 - Have some questions
Do some study on the firm and industry to get ready. Try to come up with five interesting questions that aren't about money or perks (although you can have ones, too). They don't reveal that you've done your study and are serious about the job to the interviewer.)
You should come up with five questions in case any of them come to you spontaneously. Most interviewers will ask if you have any questions at the conclusion, and having two or three questions prepared will demonstrate that you've given this some consideration.
Ask questions that demonstrate you'd be an engaged and useful team member who'd be ready to work as soon as you're hired.
Extra notes to consider
It's possible that the interviewer is doing many online interviews for the same post. Show your confidence, listen carefully, talk slowly and clearly, ask questions, have a positive attitude, and stand out to have a good chance of being chosen. Make an effort to be remembered.
Don't get too worked up! Because they save the firm time and money, online conferencing is frequently utilized in the initial round of applicant interviews. They enable candidates to compete on an equal footing. The good news is that the following stage will almost certainly include an in-person interview, providing you the opportunity to meet your potential employer in person.
And what's the nicest thing about an online interview? There's no need to be concerned about a solid handshake!
Hope it helps. Share your thoughts too.
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