As more and more companies move to remote working, online job interviews are becoming more common. While the format of an online interview may differ from an in-person interview, the tips for success remain largely the same. Here are some tips to help you succeed in your online job interview during the many online interviews we have conducted with candidates.
Preparation
- Test your technology beforehand: The last thing you want is for your technology to let you down during a job interview. Test your Internet connection, camera, microphone and any other tools you will use during the interview. Make sure you have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.
- Dress appropriately: Although you may be interviewing from the comfort of your own home, it is still important to dress professionally. Avoid overly flashy or distracting clothing and make sure you dress appropriately.
- Prepare your surroundings: Find a quiet, distraction-free space to conduct your interview. Remove any clutter or distractions in the background and provide good lighting. If you have roommates or family members, let them know you will be having a conversation and ask them to keep the noise to a minimum.
- Do your research: Research the company and position you are applying for. Familiarize yourself with their products, services and values. Read through the job description and make sure you understand the requirements of the position. If you know who the interviewer is, check his or her LinkedIn, for example, to see their background.
- Ask questions: An interviewer will ask if you have any questions for him or her. Prepare several questions you have in advance for the interviewer. These could be about the work culture, specific details about the job description or a personal question about the interviewer. By asking these questions, you show that you have done your homework, show interest and learn more about the specific role, the company, the interviewer, etc.
During the interview
- Be on time: Treat an online interview just like an in-person interview. Be on time, or even a few minutes early. This shows that you respect the interviewer’s time and are serious about the role. If circumstances prevent you from being on time, make sure the company is notified with a good reason.
- Make eye contact: While speaking, try to look directly at the camera rather than at your screen. This way you will make eye contact with the interviewer, which is crucial for building rapport.
- Listen carefully: Pay attention to what the interviewer is saying and ask clarifying questions if necessary. This shows that you are interested in the position and actively participating in the conversation. Perhaps keeping notes during the interview will help ensure you don’t miss important information.
After care
- Follow up: After the interview, follow up with a thank-you email. This is a great opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and express your appreciation for the interviewer’s time.
- Feedback: once the feedback is in, there are most of the time two outcomes: hired or not hired. Regardless of the outcome, by having done the previous steps, you did the best you can. Furthermore, it is always valuable to ask for what reasons you have been hired or not. This will help you in the next steps in your new job or help you in the next interviews.
In summary, online job interviews are becoming more common as remote work becomes the norm. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make a great first impression and land your dream job. Remember to stay calm, be confident, and showcase your skills and experience. Good luck!
Interested?
Are you interested in what TailorMinds can do for you? We are always looking for specialist in the pharmaceutical industry. In case you are interested, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
