Recruiting during COVID-19? – Yes and it is digital!

Recruiting during COVID-19? – Yes and it is digital!

We are going online. What to expect and how to get prepared to rock your interview?

Now that the Coronavirus is changing almost every aspect of our lives and social distancing is becoming a thing, conducting face-to-face interviews is also off the table. The good thing is that online video interviews have their own set of advantages – with virtual interviews distance is no longer an issue, it can speed up the process, it is also time and cost-effective as there is no need for you to travel to the venue and last but not least it is not as stressful as it is in person.

And while online interviews are not that different from the traditional ones, there are still a few things you should keep in mind so you can rock your interview.

Have you ever been on FaceTime or Skype with your parents where they can’t quite get it right? Wrong camera angle that shows only their chin or muted microphone can be funny, but you need to avoid such things from happening when having an online interview and want to look professional.

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So, if you’re in the process of getting ready for an online job interview, here are some useful tips on how to ace it:

  1. Set your interview space - find a clean and quiet place with minimum distractions. Sitting with your back to a window might not be a good idea as it can make you look like a dark shadow. You can also keep a note pad and pen ready with you in case you want to write something down. Also, if you have pets or small children, make sure they have someone who can take care of them. This will allow you to stay focused and remain calm during the interview.
  2. Test your tech - Make sure your internet connection, video conferencing program, camera, and microphone are working well prior to your interview. Also, don’t forget to keep your phone on silent.
  3. Dress appropriately – We all know that video interviews can be fun because you can literally wear sweats or even shorts and only dress up your top half properly. (I am sure we have all done it already.) And although it is an online interview and not a usual face-to-face interview, you still need to dress appropriately. Wear something that will make you look professional, but it will also make you feel good. When you feel good in what you are wearing, you also feel confident and positive and that is crucial when you want to make a good first impression.
  4. Be prepared - Research the company and the job position you are applying for. Study your resume and know everything on it. You can also practice your answers to the most common interview questions as you need to have a clear idea of what you are going to say. However, try not to completely memorize the answers as you don’t want them to sound rehearsed.
  5. Maintain proper etiquette – Make sure you listen carefully and pause when you are finished with your answer. Keep in mind that there might be a delay caused by the internet connection, so allow the interviewer a few seconds after you give your answer to the question asked. Otherwise, it may seem like you’re interrupting. 
  6. Follow up – After the interview, write a thank-you note. It takes only 2-3 minutes but this way you can once again thank your interviewers for their time and express your interest to join the company.

These things may seem so simple and well-known, yet, it is so easy to overlook them sometimes. So, hopefully, after reading this blog post you will be well-prepared to face the changes we are now going through, and you’ll ace that interview!

 

By Anna Katsarova 
Professional, Talent Acquisition
Ingram Micro GBS Sofia