So, you landed an interview and you’re ready to meet your (hopefully) future employer. The usual questions run through your head… What do I say? What should I wear? How do I get there? Wait… these days… “getting there” might mean showing up in your own living room!
If you’re not used to online communication, the idea of an online interview can be intimidating. It’s also an exciting opportunity to explore the possibility of working from home! These tips and resources will help you get ready for your online interview, present your best self, and ace your interview.
Get Ready
Whether this is your first online interview or 12th, it’s important to be ready! Use this checklist to make sure you’ve thought through and are prepared to go live online.
- Check your internet. It’s critical to have a good internet connection for the interview to go smoothly – and for you to work from home. Test your speed and find out options in your area.
- If your internet isn’t reliable, check with the Wisconsin Broadband Office to learn what your options are.
- Ask your interviewer what meeting platform will be used.
- If you don’t have the software, download it and practice using it with a friend or family member before the interview.
- The interviewer will be able to see whatever is around you in your home. Clean and de-clutter your surroundings to show your organizational skills, and remove personal information from camera view.
- Keep a copy of your resume, a list of questions to ask, and other useful information near you.
- Learn as much as possible about the employer before the interview to show you’re interested and self-motivated. Visit their website and social media pages to learn more about them.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask of the employer, such as “How would you describe a typical workday for this position” or “What is the best part of working for this company?” The Balance Careers offers a list of questions to inspire you.
- Practice asking questions with a friend or family member.
- Make a list of your skills and abilities that match what the employer is looking for.
- Consider your weaknesses and how you can best present them if asked in an interview.
- Learn more about how to assess and talk about your strengths and weaknesses.
- Learn more about why and how to disclose a disability.
- Think about both the good reasons to disclose and the good reasons not to disclose a disability.
- Use your own judgement and do what makes you most comfortable.
Present Your Best Self
An interview is your opportunity to present your best self and show the employer why you would be a good choice for the job opportunity. You’ve done your homework – now it’s time to present your best self! Here’s how:
- Arrive at least 10 minutes early to the meeting to make sure you have good connection and can join the meeting on time
- Set up your screen and camera for good eye contact.
- Prepare to allow a little more time between people talking for transmission delays.
- Remember to mute your microphone when you’re done speaking to cut out background noise.
- Dress professionally from head to toe as if you were meeting in person. You will feel more confident!
- Smile and look into the camera, listen attentively, and talk naturally as if you were meeting in person.
- Remember the list of questions you created when preparing for the interview? Here’s your chance to use them to show your interest and motivation.
- State your interest in the job
- Summarize why you would be a good fit for the job.
- Ask what the next steps are, and the best way for you to contact them.
- Thank the employer for their time.
Follow Up
You can make a good impression on an employer by following up after the interview. It’s another chance to show your good communication skills and appreciation for the employer’s interest.
- Send a thank-you email to the interviewer(s) within 24 hours after the interview.
- Mention specific things you talked about in the interview, such as a specific job task that you believe you would excel.
- Restate why you believe you would be a good fit for the job.