QUICK Tips
4 Tips to Get Ready for an Online Job Interview
21 July 2017
Preparing for a job interview can be a nightmare. Now if you have to do it online, that changes everything.
As the social media world is rising, companies are turning to online platforms to find suitable person for job positions. You may have a LinkedIn profile and received a job offer from a company oversea. The potential employer or HR has immediately requested for an online job interview through Skype. As a result, you find yourself fumbling for ways to prepare for an online job interview. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Prepare your technology
First things first, ask yourself if you have the software or applications the employer requested for an interview. If you don't, you should download it and create an account.
Next, make sure you have constant connection to the Internet. When you are giving an interview, you won't have to worry about being disconnected.
With both of these in place, take some time to test the software and Internet connection before the big day.
2. Practice makes perfect
Just like any normal interview, practice makes perfect. But, how do we know what we look like in the virtual world? This is where you can record yourself and see how you would like on the other side. Try looking into the camera and speak in a conversational voice.
3. Arrange and confirm date and time
Before the big day, make sure you note down the exact date and time for your interview. Sometimes, international companies are located in other countries and different time zones. It is crucial that you check which time zone your potential employer is referring to.
4. Show your interest
In the virtual world, communication can be a little different because we "lack visual clues and a sense of connection" according to Matt Abraham, lecturer at Standford Graduate School of Business, who specializes in public speaking. For example, he suggested that a way to show that you are a caring and compassionate is to try to paraphrase or confirming what you are hearing. This gives the listener a sense of trust and connection.
He also recommends thinking carefully about how you would like to sound on the other side and try using oral skills such as vocal variety, active listening, and turn-taking as well as the use of acknowledgement terms like "uh-huh", "ah, yes", or "thank you for…", as a way to build trust via these web conferences or video calls.
