If you’re like most people, you’ve probably been using Zoom, Skype, and other online meeting platforms a lot over the past year, mainly due to the global pandemic. While these companies have been used widely for family and friend communications, business meetings, and the like, they’ve also been a blessing for human resources managers trying to hire new staff members during lockdowns.
If you’re planning to go after a new job in 2021, you’ll likely need to participate in at least one, if not many, interviews online. Doing this can be a little disconcerting if you’re used to face-to-face discussions, though. As such, it’s helpful to understand some of the critical dos and don’ts to help yourself give off the best impression possible.
Set Up Tech Gear Properly and Securely
For starters, set up all your tech gear correctly, so you don’t have any issues with systems crashing or the internet not connecting when you’re trying to have your interview. Test everything in the days leading up to your online meeting and on the day itself. Ensure your internet is working well and that you have the software necessary for the digital chat installed and updated. Trial it out if it’s new to you, so you understand the basics of how to use it. Also, test your computer’s speakers and audio settings, and check the camera is working okay.
It’s vital to have a secure network that hackers won’t be able to broach easily. This not only keeps your data safe in general but also means you’re much less likely to have any bugs causes havoc with your systems before or during your interview. Use quality security software as well as the firewall that’s likely already pre-installed on your computer.
Set up strong passwords for your devices, including your modem, plus the accounts you log in to online. Update all software and firmware regularly, too, as this helps close any security gaps that open up over time that hackers might find a way to exploit.
Don’t Let Distractions Derail You
During a virtual interview, you may be at home, where many distractions could potentially derail you. To avoid this situation, place pets outside or in another room. Ask your partner to keep your children out of your meeting space, too, or utilize a babysitter for the period you’ll be online.
Close windows and doors, so you don’t have to worry about potential noise from outside, and ask anyone else in your home at the time to keep noise from TVs, stereos, computers, etc., at a minimum. Try to set up for your interview in a room where you can close the door, too.
It’s also essential to shut down any programs on your computer that might “ding” with an alert during your meeting, such as emails, social media sites, and apps. Plus, either switch off your smartphone or put it in another room where you won’t hear it during your interview. If you have a smartwatch, put it on silent, too.
Dress and Groom Yourself Appropriately
Even though you’ll be meeting interviewers remotely, don’t take this as an excuse to take any less care with your appearance. Dress appropriately and groom yourself neatly. Be wary of putting on a nice top and then leaving on PJ bottoms, tracksuit pants, ripped jeans, or other casual clothing down low.
While it’s true that interviewers will likely only see you from the chest upwards, you may need to get up at some point to grab a document or find something else that crops up in the discussion. You don’t want to be left embarrassed by showcasing less-than-ideal clothing choices!
Set Up Your Space Professionally
Also, pay attention to what’s in your space that might be seen on screen by interviewers. We tend to get used to things in our vicinity and not see them after a while, but try to look around with fresh eyes. Are there any artworks, posters, books, post-it notes, toys, or other bits and pieces in your office or other meeting area that could give people the wrong impression about you?
It’s better to be safe than sorry, so remove anything that’s unprofessional in any way. Plus, be sure to tidy up your surroundings so you don’t look like someone who can’t stay organized.
Prepare for the Interview Like Normal
Spend time preparing for your online interview just as you would for an in-person meeting. Practice answering likely interview questions in advance, and have your resume on hand to refer to if needed. Read the job description multiple times, so it’s fresh in your memory. Create a list of questions to ask your interviewers. Also, research the company thoroughly and the people you’ll be meeting with, if possible.
A virtual interview can have similar types of pluses and pitfalls as an in-person chat. As such, do everything you can to get yourself in the best mindset and give yourself the best chance of success on the day.
