Having an interview online can feel strange and uncomfortable. While you might appreciate the advantage of staying at home for the interview, there can be several disadvantages too when interviews are conducted online. Here are some of the key steps you can take to ensure you have the best chance of success at any webcam interview.
1. Pretend You’re Face-to-Face
While you might not physically be in the same room as your interviewer, you can try to pretend that the interaction is happening face-to-face. This is much easier when interviews are happening with webcams switched on, since you can exchange facial expressions and body language as well as words and verbal feedback.
Adopting this mindset can help you to connect more easily with the interviewer and can help to encourage positive and engaging conversation.
2. Test Your Camera in Advance
Don’t leave things until the last minute, especially when it comes to technology. Ask a friend or family member to get involved by helping you test your devices beforehand – checking that the sound and video quality are up to the standard needed.
A 4k webcam can enable you to participate in interviews and meetings with higher definition. This can help to make a great first impression in an interview, and provide premium quality for those involved.
3. Dress to Impress
Just because you’re sitting at home and the interview is online, doesn’t mean you don’t need to dress for success. Dressing for an interview shows the interviewer that you are taking the opportunity seriously and are willing to put it in some extra effort.
4. Get Rid of Distractions
Before your interview starts, eliminate any distractions from around the room or inside your home. Tell other people in the house about the interview and let them know when it will start and end. Put any phones or other devices into silent mode.
5. Practise with Video
Video calls can be distracting because you can constantly see yourself in the corner of your screen. Getting used to seeing yourself on the screen and practising ways to help ignore this distraction can help you to succeed in an online interview.
You can also record yourself on your phone answering practice interview questions. This will help you to become more comfortable with your answers and how you present yourself during the interview.
6. Position Yourself Well
Choose a good spot in your home to position yourself while having the interview. This should be somewhere which is well-lit but not overly bright, and with a low risk of loud noises or other distractions. A suitable workspace will not only make a good first impression, but it will avoid overshadowing your interview by a negative experience based on surroundings and lighting.
Also Read: How Web Developers Shaped Communication, Commerce, and Entertainment
Any interview can be daunting, but webcam interviews can bring a unique set of challenges. Taking some time to prepare in advance – including testing your devices and doing a quick sound and video check – can set you up for the best chance of success in a webcam interview.
