7 Tips for Online Interviews


Entering the workplace is daunting at the best of times and right now, even more so.

But there is some good news:

Whilst Covid-19 has meant that businesses have changed their operations, including recruitment, a positive is that companies are preparing for the 'New Normal' and if they aren't recruiting now, with the support of the Government, they will be soon, so if you are looking to start work, you should start planning to.

Companies might not be hiring in the same way, however, with lockdown easing, companies are looking at their future operations, most will still need staff, and most companies are very supportive of apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are delivered by training providers who will help you find the right one for you.

We have some tips for online interviews, but there are a couple of things you will need to do first:

  • The first thing is to decide on the right apprenticeship for you, and you can read about this here. 
  • Secondly, you will need to search vacancies, and you can do this through a training provider, or an online recruitment agency, such as Indeed, or Reed, or even direct to the employer.
  • Then you will have to write your CV, and you can research our Top Tips here. 

You will then attend an interview – and this is probably one of the most significant changes to the way companies are recruiting right now.  It could be likely that you will be attending an online interview via your webcam. While this might be daunting, it does mean that because you won't be travelling so much, you can attend more interviews. If your interview is going to be face to face, you can still use these tips to ensure your interview goes well.

  1. TEST YOUR TECH

If you are not waiting at your computer ready to start, this is the same as being late for an interview. Spend time well in advance getting to know Skype, Zoom, and other online meeting tools. Test the camera and audio to make you can be seen and heard clearly.  Try to have a plain background.  (Depending on what type of device you are using and platform the interviewer has chosen, you might be able to select a virtual background). As long as you can be seen and heard, with no distractions, you're off the great start, and you will feel calm and prepped.
 

  1. DRESS THE PART

You need to dress as you would for a face to face interview, and dress up fully. If you need to get up for any reason, you don't want your prospective employer seeing your PJ's – even they can't see you, you will feel it. Your look should be smart and professional.
 

  1. MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY  

Be ready at your device 10 minutes before. Again, no distractions, find a quiet place and talk to those around you, letting them know that you will be an interview.  Turn off multi-screens and the sound on your mobile phone. Have your CV and any other documentation printed out next to you.
 

  1. PREPARE AND REHEARSE

Allow some prep time beforehand. Go through the employer's web pages or research some news about them and jot a few points down.  Once again, don't have it open on multi-screen as you might seem distracted. Interviews always end with the employer asking if you have any questions, so write these down. 'General questions' asked at interview can be found online; by preparing and rehearsing, you will avoid awkward pauses between question and answer.
 

  1. MARKET YOURSELF – IT'S YOUR TIME TO SHINE!

You have chosen the course and the company with your training provider, make sure you can explain why you want the role (this is one question that often comes up, and it should be rehearsed), and then show why they should hire you for the position. Showcase your skills, which you will have noted on your CV, and include that you are reliable, dependable and give specific examples explaining what you've learnt from previous experiences.
 

  1. CHECK YOUR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT

Remember, you are online, and so is your digital footprint. Any employer may look for you online, so make sure your online personal profile shows you at your best. Take time well in advance to check and update Facebook, LinkedIn, Insta and Twitter.
 

  1. FOLLOW UP

After the interview, make sure you send an email thanking the interviewer for the opportunity and their time and that you look forward to finding out if you are successful. This will enforce that you are interested in the role

Now you have completed your interview successfully; you have to wait for the outcome!

Remember, it often takes more than one interview to get a job, so don't be downhearted if it does not go your way first time.  Think of the positives, what you have learnt and the confidence you have gained to succeed next time.

Even though these are challenging times, you can take advantage to learn further education routes and career paths, about applying for a job and new recruiting methods. So take action to look at as many opportunities as possible, then plan, prepare and rehearse, above all learn and enjoy the experience while you can!

We wish you Good Luck…if you would like some help with your next career steps, feel free get in touch here.


10 Aug 2021