Whilst, until recently, most interviews took place face to face, with many companies now working from home, recruitment and in particular interviews has now had to move on-line. If you have a telephone or on-line interview coming up and are unsure how to approach it here are some of my top tips for success:
Preparation:
This is the same as any other interview so prepare in the same way:
- Review your cv and the job description. Remind yourself how your skills and experience match their requirements and think of some examples of how you have demonstrated this.
- Research the company. Think about why you want to join them and what interests you about what they do.
- Find out who is interviewing you, where they fit into the process and their connection to the role you are applying for.
- Think of what questions you would like to ask them. It is a two way process after all and this is your opportunity to find out about them.
What to consider for before and during the interview for your surroundings:
Before:
- Make sure you are in a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed or if there is a chance of this speak with other people around you to let them know you are on a call and can’t be disturbed. Keep pets in another room so that won’t walk in.
- Practice – try it out with your friends to test your systems work and you are comfortable with what you are doing.
- Be ready ahead of time so you are not rushing to join.
- Make sure you turn off your phone and other programmes on your computer so you aren’t disturbed with notifications.
During:
- Look at the camera, not the screen – the best advice I have found is to look at the webcam when you speak and when you are listening look back at the screen.
- Have a note pad to take notes as you need to.
- If you want notes to help you make sure they are only bullet points and maybe a copy of your cv to hand.
- Be aware of your body language, try to relax but look interested. Sit with your back straight and your shoulders back.
- Listen carefully to the other person and try not to interrupt.
After:
- Make sure you have the contact details of who you need to follow up with – email address or phone number.
If you are being interviewed by telephone take the call on a land-line so that there is no chance of a lost connection, try not to take it outside so that there is not a poor reception and remember a speaker phone may cause difficulty for the other person to be able to hear you.
What to wear?
As with a face to face interview you want to dress the part. Here is some advice from my lovely friend Ali Westmoreland who is a Colour and Style Consultant with House of Colour:
- Dress professionally as you would for a face-to-face interview – a jacket would usually be expected
- Wear a different colour to your background so that you stand out on screen
- Add a ‘point of interest’ such as a scarf, necklace, collar or brooch – we are perceived to have more authority when we do
- Avoid anything that could glare such as high shine jewellery, or small checks or dogtooth prints that can pixilate on screen
- Check the lighting – position yourself so that your face is in as much light as possible
- Position the camera at eye level so that you are looking directly into the lens
- Check your position on the screen – don’t sit too close, ideally you want your head and shoulders visible
- Keep your background tidy and professional – does it reflect how you would like to be perceived? Or can you change the background you have with the system you are using?
- Smile when you talk and keep your energy high, as the screen can tone everything down
How I can help:
If you would like help with preparing for your interview or want to increase your confidence ahead of your interview contact me to find out how my interview confidence session can help you.
The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this blog are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this blog. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this blog. Claire Bolsover disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this blog.