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Online Job Interview: 5 Must Do’s Before a Skype/Zoom Call

by | CAREER GUIDANCE, Job Hunting

Put your hand up if you don’t get nervous before a job interview. *Can’t see a single hand* Okay then, so we all have one thing in common, interviews make us a little uneasy, but nobody is alone in that feeling. So, how can you feel better prepared, and thus less nervous, for your next online job interview?

It predominantly lies in the age-old phrase, “failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” To master your online job interview, preparation is essential for success. And, now more than ever, it’s become standard practice for companies to conduct online/remote interviews via Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts or other video conferencing apps. In order to put your best foot forward in your online job interview, you need to do these five things before you start the call:

1. Triple-Check the Time Zone

It may seem obvious, but it’s definitely not something that you want to overlook, and should be done a few days in advance. If you’re looking for a dream hospitality job in a new country or are trying hard to land a 100% remote job, then you need to be aware of the time differences. You don’t want to be in the gym, in a bar or asleep, and receive a phone call from the recruiter asking why you’re a few minutes late for your online job interview.

2. Perfect Your Skype/Zoom Profile

This one is simple and straightforward, go with a professional photo. Use the same one you have on your CV or on your Hosco profile. We know pets are cute and are the key to happiness, none the less, they don’t have to appear in your profile picture. Likewise, your Skype or Zoom ID should be your full name or a close variation of it. Take the initiative here and add the recruiter on Skype or Zoom before the call so neither party is scrambling to find the contact at the last second. 

3. Work Out Your Waist-up Wardrobe

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that because you’re doing your online job interview in your bedroom or living room that you can wear your loungewear or casual clothes. You’ll need to make as much effort as possible regarding your appearance. As you’re not in a face-to-face situation, the hiring manager can’t fully assess the energy you’re transmitting nor evaluate your personality via your body language, it’s just not the same through a camera.

We recommend going with the standard business attire and doing a test run with a family member or friend beforehand to check that the outfit looks good on video. Also, a top tip is to avoid flashy jewelry or over sized accessories that could distract the recruiter.

? Unsure on the four levels of business attire? We’ve decoded the dress code for you here!

4. Set the Scene for Success

Find a quiet spot at home for your online job interview, ideally a place where you could read a book and go undisturbed. We’re talking a calm space with good lighting and a neutral background. Set up your table and chair, and declutter so there’s no eye-catching material behind you. This not only sets the right impression, it always helps you to stay focused on the task at hand.

“Clutter in your physical surroundings will clutter your mind and spirit." 

5. “Hello? Is This Thing On?”

Take this as trial run number two, with number one being double-checking your attire. It’s ideal to do these tests on the day of the interview so that you’re confident your microphone, camera, and WI-Fi connection are working properly. Use the testing features within Skype and Zoom, or even better, do a one minute call with someone for peace of mind.

As we previously mentioned, online job interviews are here to stay, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only gone to further guarantee that this will be the new normal for recruitment worldwide. For some people, they’re already used to video interviews, whereas they're a novelty for others. However, if you follow our five must do's before your next Skype or Zoom call, we’re sure you’ll ace the interview! 

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