The world of technology stretches far and wide and how we use digital tools in our everyday lives has changed remarkably even in the last few years. Applying for jobs, then, is a whole different ballgame than it was even 3 years ago and now, many parts of the application process can be carried out online. Dealing with online interviews, while very much a part of everyday life, can still be incredibly stressful and in order to put yourself at ease in the situation, it pays to take your time. Want to boss your next interview and make a lasting connection? It’s time to take things online.
- Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
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Just because an interview is online, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t put in just as much of an effort to get things right the first time. While surrounding yourself with prompt cards to read off might seem like a good idea, you will most likely end up becoming confused and unclear as you search for the relevant information. To cover your back, do your own research and learn as much as you can before you go into things. The more knowledgeable that you sound, the more confident that you might feel.
- Ask Key Questions Before You Go In
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As soon as you find out that you’re going to have an online interview, make sure you know enough about the format to feel at ease. Asking things like the type of technology that will be used will help you to get your head around how the interview might play out. You can also test things like the kind of microphone or speakers you might like to use and double check to see if you need to install any extra updates or apps. Covering all your bases can help to ensure that the technology you’re using runs smoothly enough for you to focus on what really matters during the interview.
- Dress Your Best
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You might be tempted to show up to your interview in your comfiest sweats but doing so can only mess with your mind. To put yourself in the most confident position possible, try dressing in a similar manner as you would for a face to face interview. You will effectively change your frame of mind and feel more at home in the professional setting. Smiling is also a great way of exuding confidence; with fewer visual cues for your interviewer to pick up on, appearing pleasant can give off a sense of openness and sociability.
- Keep The Small Talk
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Using technology as a way to conduct an interview can really throw things off kilter and as a result, you might feel less at ease than normal. When you’re trying to relax and form a bond with someone new, taking a few minutes to chat about something more relaxed or relevant to your industry can loosen things up a bit and make shifting to a different type of conversation more easy. See small talk as a way of warming up; you need to practice before you go in with the big guns.
- Follow Up Soon Afterwards
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Good interview etiquette is all about knowing when to contact your interviewer and how frequently to do so. Sending a quick email after the process to thank your interviewer for their time can make a great lasting impression and leave them more inclined to remember who you are. Contacting the company within a few hours of the interview shows a positive level of interest, proving that you’re really serious about joining the team. Be careful not to go overboard, though; contacting a company too often can come off as pushy and leave them feeling colder about you.
