7 tips to attending an online interview

Receiving a request to attend an online interview is quite common nowadays, the pandemic has made employers more comfortable about using the technology available and, in my opinion, it is here to stay even after we have stopped wearing masks.

So, as a jobseeker who is leaving their military career, you need to be prepared.

I am going to share with you 7 tips that I hope will help you be successful when attending an online interview.

So, let’s get started.

 1. First impressions always count.

Attending an online interview is not an opportunity to wear your jeans and t-shirt, you might be at home, but first impressions always count.

You would not turn up for a face-to-face interview in jeans so do not do it online.

So, for me, the minimum would be to wear a collar and tie.

2. No distractions.

Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed or distracted.  The last thing you need is to be interrupted as your speaking with your potential new employer.

In my case I would make sure my dogs, Marley and Cassie, are in a room away from where I am sat plus everyone in the house knows I’m on an interview.

Ultimately, you need your own space so you can concentrate on what you are doing. Remember this is important, this might be your one and only chance to impress the interviewer.

Belt and braces; put a sign on the door!

3. Test the technology.

There are many technology platforms available to attend an online interview, the most common being Skype, Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

No matter what platform you will be using you must make sure that you test it out, do not leave it until the day of the interview.  Install the software and test it.

Here at Demob Job, we regularly set up mock online interviews with our candidates so they can gain confidence that it is all working.

If you have been invited to attend an online interview and would like to test the technology out just give us a call on 0333 3445577, we would be more than happy to help you.

4. Notes & questions.

One great thing about attending an online interview is that you can have your notes and questions within easy reach and out of site of the interviewer.

I always coach my candidates to prepare 5 questions prior to an interview and I would suggest you have these at hand off camera.  When the time is right you can easily refer to them.

If you have watched the above video, you will also have seen me place a post-it next to my screen where I have bullet pointed 3 reminders which are going to help me close the interview down in a positive and professional manner.

5. Eye contact.

Natural eye contact is important, you want to ‘connect’ with the interviewer.

You must talk to the camera and not the screen.  This is more important when you are using a separate webcam which is placed on top of your screen as it is easy to make the mistake of slipping into ‘screen watching’ mode.

6. Body language.

Be conscious of your body language as it could give the wrong message to your potential new employer.

Sit up straight and don’t cross your arms but rest them on your lap or on the table.

When you are listening remember to nod and smile when appropriate.

7. And finally, relax.

Yes, remember to relax and be yourself – try and enjoy the interview, remember you have done as much as you can, after all you have:

  • Done your homework on the company
  • Prepared your questions for the interview
  • Listened to all the advice your recruiter has given you (if using one)
  • And tested the technology out

If you are leaving your military Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force career and require advice or help with interviews or any other aspect of your job search just give the team here at Demob Job a call on 0333 3445577.

Adrian Cheesman
For further tips on your job search click here