Digital interviews are becoming increasingly normal, especially for initial interviews. Just as with a traditional interview, it is important to familiarise yourself thoroughly with the job duties and the company, and you should have a clear idea of why you are the right person for the role.
The biggest difference between a physical interview and a digital interview is that with a digital interview, you lose the connection you get through a handshake and eye contact. With the tips below, you can create the conditions for making the best possible impression in a digital interview.
- 1. Check that the technical is working before the interview!
Many believe this might be obvious, but it's not uncommon for interviews to be disrupted by technical issues. If such a situation arises, you'll get a somewhat shaky start, and the focus will be diverted from the interview itself. To avoid this from happening, we recommend that you check your equipment in advance. Perhaps you could invite a friend for a digital coffee, so that you can check that everything is working as it should? This way, you'll be able to check if the sound and picture are working, and that you don't have any problems with the communication platform in question.
- 2. Consider the background, lighting, and framing.
A messy background can quickly become distracting and give a slightly negative impression. Make sure you have a neutral and calm background, or simply keep it straightforward and choose a «blurry» background. Furthermore, it doesn't help much if the camera itself is working fine if the interviewer can barely see you due to poor lighting. With good lighting, the image quality improves and the interviewer can see you properly. This helps to create better contact between you and the interviewer. Also, try to position the camera so that the framing shows your face and shoulders. Another useful tip is to have the camera at eye level so you don't have to bend your neck either up or down.
- Ensure that you are not disturbed
When you're going to be interviewed from home, it's not always easy to ensure a quiet environment, but you should try your best. Try to arrange things so that neither children, pets, nor anything else disturbs or distracts you during the interview. Turn your mobile phone to silent, and put it away.
- 4. Be mindful of your body language
Even if you are now sitting in your own home, it can still be a good idea not to appear too relaxed. Show with your body language that you are interested and engaged, and that you want the job. Participate actively in the conversation, and try to look into the camera regularly. Often, people end up looking too much at the screen itself, but by also looking a little into the camera, you create a sense of eye contact. Avoid too much gesturing, as it can quickly become a distracting element.
- 5. Dress for your job interview
Dress as you would for an in-person interview. While only your upper body will be visible on camera initially, it might be tempting to pair a shirt with tracksuit bottoms. However, to be on the safe side, it's beneficial to be properly dressed with both a top and bottom. Additionally, being smartly dressed can positively affect your posture and make you feel more «switched on».
Good luck with your digital interview!
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