Are online interviews effective? Yes. Have I recruited anyone via online interviews? Yes and in fact, some have proven to be good recruits. If you are on the lookout for a job, don’t postpone applying for suitable openings and don’t shy away from the camera when the spotlight is on you at a modern day virtual interview. Read on to learn about the etiquette that you need to follow at these online interviews.
01. Accept the Invitation
When you receive the invitation for the online interview, please take a moment to accept the invitation in confirmation of your attendance. Sending an email to those on copy (potential interviewers and the HR team) would be a great gesture that shows your enthusiasm. It could be a simple two liner such as the following:
‘Thank you for scheduling this interview. I look forward to discussing how I would be able to contribute to your organization and hereby confirm my attendance.’
02. Do Your Homework
Checking your connection, whether you have enough data, what background is suitable and ensuring that everyone at home keeps quiet are essential matters that I will not dwell on. Instead, I will remind you of the importance of doing a trial call with a friend or someone who would know to give you honest feedback well ahead of the actual call. During this call, make sure that the following are checked and confirmed:
* Position of the camera and whether your entire face can be seen at a suitable angle
* Clarity of your voice (ideally use a head set)
* Suitability of the virtual background that is used or go with an actual background (probably against a plain wall)
* Lighting (your face should be clearly visible)
Once this is done, inform all those at home and even your neighbours that you need some peace while you face the interview. Hopefully, there will not be melodious dog barking in the background when you start off.
03. Connect Ahead of Time
Connect to the call at least five minutes before the scheduled start, check that your microphone, camera and virtual background (if any) and inform the HR personnel that you have connected.
04. Be Ready to Go Live
You may need to wait in the virtual lobby for a few minutes and this time should not be used to gossip with your siblings, munch chips or take a call to a friend. Stay focused and have your camera on. The interviewers would be able to see you as they join the call; your confidence and composure would be evident to them immediately. Your attire is one of the first things they will notice, therefore, make sure everything is clean, well pressed and appropriate.
05. Be Ready to Share Your Screen
Depending on the job you apply for, some interviewers may request to see some of your work or they could even want to check your skills at a particular application. Be prepared to share your desktop or screen with the interviewers; keep the desktop clutter free and the most likely apps within easy access.
06. Have Solid Referees
Since these people do not see you for real, the importance of referees has grown. Please ensure that the respective field is updated in your CV and that the referees are reachable on the numbers/ email addresses given.
07. Avoid Looking Here and There
Keep your eyes focused on the camera in front of you. Don’t keep looking at your phone or other members of the family as they walk by as this can be distracting for the interviewers too. It gives the impression that you are only partly engaged in the interview.
08. Sit Straight and Be Attentive Throughout
It is easy to forget that someone is looking at you through a screen and start slouching after a few minutes. Some start fiddling with pens, others rub their chin and some even seem to get distracted by their own image. Always bear in mind that there are several sets of eyes on you and sit straight with your face firmly in the middle of the screen.
If you are prepping for an interview and need some help, write to us at fullofetiquette@gmail.com. We should be able to fill you up with enough etiquette to face any interview.
Till I return with ‘Full of Etiquette’ next week, stay safe!
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Praveeni Jayasekera is the Founder and Editor of fullofetiquette.com; she is a regular advocate on the subject. She is an ACMA, CGMA; holds a BSc. Economics and Management; PG in IT and Diploma in Social Sciences. She is employed full time in the capacity of Chief Operating Officer at CL Synergy (Private) Limited; a Sri Lankan freight forwarding company. She is an ardent fan of the written word and has compiled content for numerous websites for search engine optimization (SEO) purposes, corporate profiles and blogs. She has experience in training corporate professionals on customer service and business etiquette. She conducts coaching sessions on etiquette for school children every now and then.
