The interview is such a vital step in the hiring process. Today only the top 3 candidates are lucky enough to be invited for a face-to-face interview. And with companies spanning a more global reach, it can be cost-prohibitive to fly potential candidates in for an interview. However, many companies benefit from conducting digital interviews so their hiring team can review, rate, and share interviews from anywhere in the world at anytime.
So what does the average job seeker need to know to be successful in a digital interview?
1. Pre-check your technology. Make sure your computer and internet connection are in good working order. It is frustrating for everyone if the call gets dropped or you have to postpone because of technical difficulties.
2. Pay attention to your surroundings. You want to keep the employers focus on you, and not distract their attention with the view of laundry piled on the floor in the background.
3. Check your lighting. You may think your lamp is giving off enough light, but it could cast shadows on your face. Check your lighting before the interview so you can add a few extra lights off-screen to enhance the brightness of the background and your face.
4. Treat this like a face-to-face interview. Dress and groom yourself as if you were meeting in person. You want to look your best for a good first impression.
5. Engage with the interviewer. Don’t be tempted to check how you look in your monitor once the interview starts. An interviewer can tell if you are distracted or your eyes are wandering elsewhere.
6. Don’t drive during an interview. Technology has advanced so people can use their phones for face time or Skype, but trying to conduct a digital interview while driving can be suicidal in many ways. Schedule digital interviews when you can be in a quiet and safe environment such as your home or office.
7. Step away from Starbucks. Coffee shops are not the ideal environment to be conducting a digital interview. They are noisy, distracting, and you have no control over who might shout an obscenity or crying babies. Be professional and show courtesy to your interviewer by choosing an appropriate interview environment.
8. Check your nerves at the door. Very few people are natural interviewees, and tend to add “uhs” and “you knows” into a conversation. Practice your interview responses just as you would for a face-to-face meeting so you can catch and eliminate these speech pauses and appear more confident during the interview.
9. Focus on engaging. Don’t let a one-sided interview (pre-recorded), or other digital interviewing idiosyncrasies throw you. Maintain eye contact and act as natural as possible when delivering your responses.
Congratulate yourself for making it to the interview stage, and tap into your talents and expertise to carry you through a winning interview.
