Looking for a new job is never an easy process. But for some the idea of learning how to shine in a job interview via Zoom or some other online platform can feel more than a little daunting.
The impacts of COVID-19 have been felt far and wide, across a number of industries, and left many facing the unexpected task of having to find new employment. For others, the process of moving from project to project is familiar – but meeting a potential employer for the first time online, may be a whole new world.
So, whether you’re new to the idea of finding work or an old hand at landing new contracts, if the idea of attending an online job interview makes you feel more than a little apprehensive – you’re not alone.
Managing Director of Asquith Workforce, Jillian Asquith says that while it’s understandable change can bring about some feelings of unease, the fundamental purpose of a job interview remains the same – to put the right person in the right role.
“We understand that interviewing for a role online may be an entirely new concept for some candidates and that it can cause some apprehension,” she said.
“But the most important thing to remember is that if you’re honest, up-front, and clear about what you’re looking for and what you have to offer, it really doesn’t matter whether the interviewer is on-screen or sitting at a desk in front of you. All they are looking for is the right person for the role.”
If the idea of being interviewed online for a role online has got you feeling the jitters, here’s five tips to help make sure you put your best foot forward:
1. Give your technology the once over before the scheduled interview time
Make sure you are familiar with the video platform you’ll be using and that all the interview links work. Also check that your internet is working, and your power cord is plugged in. It sounds simple, but don’t just hope for the best. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so be sure it’s your face the interviewer sees, and not your shoulder as you reach for the power cord. And lastly, while we’re on the subject of faces, be sure to do all you can to avoid accidentally activating filters that make you look like a funny cat or any other creature. It’s pretty hard to take you seriously with whiskers.
2. Have some notes ready
This is one of the benefits of video interviews. It gives you the chance to have some notes beside you. While we’re not suggesting you read from a script, because that would be weird, you can refer back to your notes for any questions you want to ask, key dates they may require, or anything else you might forget once the interview begins.
3. Wear pants
We get that online interviews and meetings mean the interviewer only sees you from the waist up, but that doesn’t mean wearing your jammie bottoms covered with pictures of monkeys with basket balls is a great idea. Here’s why… In an interview you want to come across as confident, professional, and up to the task. To do that, you need to feel confident, professional, and up to the task. If you’re wearing pyjama bottoms, your fav trackies, or dare we say it, your undies, how professional are you really going to feel. So, go all out and put on some nice pants!
4. Do some research
If you’re applying for a role through a recruitment agency, you may not always know ahead of time who their client is, which makes it hard to do your research. But if you can, it’s always a good idea to know a few things about the company you are applying to work for – even if it is about the recruitment agency itself. There’s a decent chance you might be faced with the good old – ‘what do you know about… insert company name?’ question, so it’s in your best interest to have a least one or two things to say that shows you made an effort to be prepared.
5. Close the door
We’ve all seen the funny clips online of kids running into the room mid-interview, of dogs barking, partners walking by in various stages of undress, and everything else. While this may be entertaining for viewers, it probably won’t go a long way in helping you come across as professional and serious about landing the role. So just to be safe, if there’s other people home during your scheduled interview time, ask them to keep it down and not to interrupt you once you’ve closed the door.
