The world is moving faster than ever. Employers are working to tight deadlines and so if they request the first initial meeting online you need to prepare as if it is real face-to-face meeting.
Despite the differences between in-person and online, your goals are the same. To make a good first impression you must prepare. Here are some tips to ensure success when interviewing online.

Preparation
At Arcadia Recruitment we will prepare you the best we can. However, you will need to consider other preparation such as the device you will use. What is the most reliable, is it charged up, which has the better camera and sound?
Lighting is important to avoid shadows and glare, check that that light is in front of you not behind. Behind you should also be no clutter. Clutter behind you does not look good and may indicate that you are disorganised. Find a background that is not too distracting and where you can be seen from the waist up not just a headshot.

Next test, test, test. How do you look? is the sound ok? Are you familiar with the platform? be it Teams or Zoom you should test with a friend or family member. Using earbuds with noise cancelling is best should you have external concerns about neighbour's dogs or kids shouting. Make sure you know how to share your screen should you wish to share documents upon request.
Don’t be fooled to think it is a quick chat, still prepare as if face to face. Do your research and prepare questions you might want to ask the employer. Check your CV and refresh yourself on your skills.

On the Interview Day
Face to face it is easy for your personality to shine through however online you might need to be mindful of your posture sit up straight, facial expressions, smile, don’t fidget and keep your hands relaxed, and friendly eye contact. Check this beforehand to see how you appear on a screen.

Dress professionally, make yourself feel good and confident check the colour you are wearing and how this looks online you want to appear fresh-faced and well.
Log in early to check all is working ok, have a notepad ready and a copy of your CV or some tips within sight in case you need to reference dates. Post-it notes are great near the screen or behind the screen. Also, grab a glass of water in case you need it.

Question time
There will be a structure to their interview. Questions in relation to skills, competency, portfolio, and perhaps some behavioural questions. Be familiar with your CV and have some project examples ready of situations or documents you may like to share with the interviewer.
There may be team leadership or relationship questions. Prepare for these.

e.g.

• Describe how you work well in a team environment?
• What type of leadership do you work best in?
• Describe a difficult project you have worked on and the outcome?

There are also general questions that you must prepare for:
e.g.

• What interests you about this company and this role?
• Which job have you enjoyed the most and why?
• What are your weaknesses? Your strengths?
• What have been your key achievements to date?

What should you ask?
Interviewing is a two-way discussion and an opportunity for you to find out more.
Make sure you prepare some questions that you feel are suitable:
e.g.

• What opportunities for growth and development are there?
• What company plans and vision are there for the future?

Conclusion
The key to a successful online job interview is practice, practice, practice. This will help you do reduce anxiousness and will allow you to focus on the actual interview as if you are there in person.
For those who may need to prepare a portfolio for an interview be sure to check out our next blog coming soon.

Arcadia Recruitment are specialist in Architecture, Design and Planning in Brisbane if you would like help with finding your new role, please feel free to get in touch for a confidential discussion.

Caroline Sanders – Director of Arcadia Recruitment