December 9, 2019

Online job interviews: 10 tips to make a good impression on camera

Topic(s)
5-minute read

For many years, first-selection interviews between candidates and recruiters were often held over the phone. Today, easy access to various video-conferencing platforms encourages companies to prioritize face-to-face meetings on screen, and provides a unique opportunity for candidates to make a good first impression. When doing an online interview, it’s the little things that matter—a lot. 

Here are 10 tips for making a good impression during an on-screen interview:

1. Get to know the software.

Whether you’re scheduled to talk over Skype, Go To Meeting, Google Hangout or any other software program, make sure you know how to use it before going live for the interview. Practice using the particular software by video chatting with a friend, or a family member who has a computer in the next room. For example, make sure you know how to mute without accidentally hanging up. Knowing the software will allow you to focus on the interview itself, not to mention avoiding looking confused by a new technology.

2. Open with the equivalent of a “digital handshake.”

On camera, as in person, first impressions are made within 17 seconds. And about 93% of our snap judgments come from non-verbal cues. In other words, we get a feel for someone not so much by what they say, but from how they stand (or sit, in this case), the expression on their face, how they’re dressed, and more.

For a first interview online, learn to master what Paul J. Bailo calls the “digital handshake.” Bailo is the author of The Essential Digital Interview Handbook. According to him, digital chemistry sparks between you and the interviewer within seconds of starting the chat. To create good digital chemistry, Bailo recommends a slight shoulder bend and eyes forward. You should open the chat with a “confident, professional, firm nod” and a warm smile. This simple gesture shows you’re happy to meet and ready to get down to business.

3. Look at the camera, not the screen.

To maintain eye contact, you have to look at the camera lens, not the screen. This is difficult to remember as we are all naturally tempted to look straight at our screens. And don’t forget that if you have a laptop plugged in to a screen, look at the camera lens on your laptop.

Also, if you are using a laptop, make sure it is raised and that the screen is straight and not leaned back. Ideally, your eyes should be at camera level.

4. Dress as you would for a face-to-face interview.

Dress professionally! This is an official interview, even if you’re sitting in your kitchen. Be careful about throwing on a dress shirt or a jacket on top of sweatpants. If you have to stand up to adjust a cable or a light, the interviewer may see your entire outfit.

5. Check your connection.

If your connection is weak, find a better Wi-Fi spot before your interview. Dropped calls and freezing are understandable, but these distract from the interview and reflect poorly on your ability to plan ahead. Make sure your audio is at the right level before the interview.

6. Close all other programs.

It irritates interviewers when pings and beeps interrupt the conversation. You should only keep tabs open that are relevant to the interview. Also, we advise against keeping your phone where you can see it; it’s just too tempting to look at alerts and messages that come in during your chat. Interviewers will notice, and it can hurt your chances of getting to the next stage.

7. Have a cheat sheet.

One of the great advantages of an online interview is that you can use a cheat sheet. Have your key points in large print, taped somewhere you can see them easily at a glance.

8. Keep your username and picture professional.

The first thing your interviewer will see isn’t you—it’s your profile. You don’t want your username and picture to send the wrong message and hurt your image. You can always create a professional Skype (or other) account. After all, they’re free.

9. Engage your interviewer.

If you’re just a talking head who goes on and on, your viewer will get bored—even more so than in a face-to-face interview. When the interviewer begins to lose interest, it’s easy for them to put you on a split screen and start reading their mail. Be sure to check in with them often, ask questions, and keep your answers relevant and to the point.

10. Don’t say anything after signing off until you are absolutely certain you won’t be overheard.

Sometimes you think you’ve hung up, but actually you haven’t. Check and check again. If unsure, shut everything down. We have heard of cases where candidates believed their camera and audio were turned off after the interview—but sadly, they weren’t. Even if nothing dramatic is said or shown, such an oversight could give the impression that you are careless. 

Ready to switch to interview mode? Check out our job postings and see where your talent can take you.

You might like:

What I should have said in my job interview.

You interview for, let’s say, a sales position. The interviewer asks, “Have you ever led a team?” You answer, ‘Well, not really.” Later you wonder, why didn’t I mention that you’d taken the lead on many department-wide initiatives.
Published: 4 years ago
3-minute read

The surprising power of the voice.

It might seem ironic, but Hillary goes low and Donald goes high – with their speaking voices when talking to large audiences. That’s the finding of Dr. Rosario Signorello who studies how politicians change their pitch and volume to attract voters.
Published: 4 years ago
5-minute read

Looking for work? Put a spring in your step.

If you’re looking for work, you know to review your resume and cover letter to make sure there are no typos. But did you know that it also helps to review the way you walk into a meeting with a hiring manager, recruiters or even a potential contact?
Published: 4 years ago
4-minute read

Job interview: 5 tips from our TalentWorld recruitment experts

Every job seeker has asked themselves this question before: how can I stand out in my interview? Our TalentWorld recruiters chime in and give some invaluable tips for acing an interview for those looking to work across Canada.
Published: 4 years ago
2-minute read

How Not to Talk to Recruiters

Sometimes, we have to be tough to be kind. This is one of those times. As part of our support for job-hunters, we need to share a tip that might not be easy to hear. But it can be a game-changer for you.
Published: 4 years ago
4-minute read

Dreamed you missed an interview? Here’s why you do that

Ever have dreams about arriving late to an exam or a job interview? Do you wake in a cold sweat, certain your dream means your car will get a flat, or the subway will break down, or you’ll be stuck in the elevator, and you’ll only get to your interview after everyone has left the building?
Published: 4 years ago
5-minute read

Could your phone cost you a job?

Some things are just irresistible. Our smartphone is one of them. Most of us are drawn to our screens like moths to a flame. Studies show we don’t even realize how often our eyes rove to look at our all-powerful rectangle.
Published: 4 years ago
5-minute read

Can you be too early for an interview? Oh yes!

“There is no such a thing as early, there’s on time and late.” That’s what comedian Chris Rock said his father taught him. Chris Rock’s father was clearly not a recruiter. If he was, he’d know you really can be too early. Arriving way ahead of time to an interview, or any meeting can work against you.
Published: 4 years ago
5-minute read

Find Jobs

Ready for your next great opportunity? Search for the job you really want
today.

Search jobs