Jobs and Careers Winter 2022/23 - 35

JOB HUNTING
Ace a virtual
interview
Online interviews are common
now. Here's how to prepare...
Check your tech
We've all had that moment when
we've forgotten to turn the camera
on, are on mute or have discovered
the software needs updating. Test
everything beforehand and make
sure it all works. Make sure you have
the correct link to log in and be
early so you can rectify problems
before the interview starts.
Dress to impress
Just because you're not seeing
someone in person, it doesn't
mean you don't have to look the
part. Wearing smart, clean and
comfortable clothes will help you
feel more confident and will also
make the right impression.
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Practice makes perfect
Ask a friend to run through some
mock interview questions with
you. This will give you a chance to prepare
your answers and to avoid saying the wrong
thing when under pressure.
Be tech-ready
If your interview includes a
presentation, make sure you're
familiar with the hardware and software
you'll be using: a laptop or projector, a
simple PDF or presentation application
such as Microsoft PowerPoint. Many job
interviews are now conducted remotely, so
make sure you've got everything installed
and ready (see box, right, for more tips).
Be succinct
Don't feel the need to respond
immediately to a question. Take
a moment to understand what you are
being asked, and don't ramble if you don't
know the answer. " If you don't know the
answer, turn it around, " says Karren.
" Say, 'I don't know the answer to that,
but what I do know is...' "
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Anticipate questions
When researching the company,
consider the questions you
might be asked and be ready with
potential answers. Also re-read the job
advert and be ready to mention the skills
and qualifications that match the job
description, if you're not specifically asked.
And be ready with examples of when and
how you have used those skills.
Keep it positive
Make eye contact as you talk, smile
at people and be polite. Taking
notes during the interview keeps your
hands busy and creates the impression you
are paying attention. " And end on a positive
note, even if it's just saying, 'It was nice
meeting you', " says Karren.
Don't be timid
You don't want to be cocky, but
confidence is king. " Don't be afraid
to be yourself, " says Karren. " This is your
opportunity to sell yourself. If you explain
with confidence what you do and how
you'll fit in, very often you'll win the job. "
Keep it quiet
Hole yourself up in the quietest
corner of your home, away from any
potential interruptions. Make sure
there's nothing distracting behind
you - a blank wall or a book-lined
shelf is ideal.
Check your posture
It can be easy to slouch, shuffle
and twiddle without noticing. Get
into a professional state of mind
before the interview begins. Make
sure your head is in the middle of
the screen, smile and try to look
animated. The digital screen takes
away the ability to see people's
expressions clearly, so you'll need
to dial it up a bit to shine!
Stay relaxed
Being at home will hopefully help
with your nerves, enabling you to
present as confident and positive.
Send a thank you
Follow up with a thank you email.
Say how much you enjoyed meeting
the interviewer(s) and that you're
available for any further questions.
You can get their email addresses
from the HR department or the
person who set up the interview.
jobsandcareersmag.com /// JOBS & CAREERS /// 35
https://www.jobsandcareersmag.com/
Jobs and Careers Winter 2022/23

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Jobs and Careers Winter 2022/23
