Sometimes employers will want to interview you online rather than in person. An online interview (also referred to as a video interview, virtual interview or video call) can sometimes help them decide who they’ll invite for a face-to-face interview.
This guide to online interviews has six simple tips that can help you make a good impression.
1. Get rid of distractions before the interview
You don't want any interruptions while you're being interviewed. Here are some ways to avoid interruptions:
- Find somewhere quiet to take the call.
- Let your family or housemates know you're expecting a video call and you don't want to be interrupted.
- Turn off all notifications on your phone or computer if you can.
- If you get another phone call, message or alert while you're doing the interview, ignore it or let it go to voicemail.
2. Get prepared for the interview
Before an online interview, try to think of some questions you might be asked. Have a look at the other pages in our job interviews section for some ideas about things you might get asked.
Make sure you're ready for the call at least half an hour before the interview is supposed to start. This will give you time to sit quietly and think about what you plan to say.
Make sure you have a reliable internet connection so that the call doesn't get disconnected. Check that your headphones and microphone are working. Do a test call if you can, either on the app or to a friend or family member.
3. Speak clearly during the interview
At the start of an interview, it's a good idea to ask the interviewer if they can hear you clearly. If you're having trouble hearing them, you can politely let them know.
Don't eat, chew gum or do anything else that might make it hard to hear what you're saying.
Sometimes if you're a bit nervous your mouth might go dry or your voice might get croaky. Have a glass of water nearby so you can take a sip if you need it. Don't forget to excuse yourself before you take a sip.
4. Don't interrupt the interviewer
It's important not to interrupt an interviewer. Make sure you wait until they've finished asking a question before you start answering. It helps to try leaving a little pause between their question and your answer.
Even if you need the interviewer to explain something, or you need to ask them to repeat something, don't speak until they've finished what they're saying.
5. Give detailed answers to the interviewer's questions
When you're doing an online interview, it's good to use nonverbal cues such as nodding, smiling or making hand gestures to show that you are actively listening. Don't just answer questions with ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Try to avoid sentences that are very short, if you can.
Try to answer questions with as much detail as possible. If you're talking about jobs you've done before, or skills you have, give examples of how you did those jobs or used those skills.
If you need some time to think about an answer, don't leave the interviewer waiting in silence. Let them know you're preparing your answer by saying something like, ‘That’s a good question. Just give me a moment to think about my answer.’
Our answering interview questions page has more tips.
6. Ask about the next steps after the interview
Your online interview is probably just one step in the recruitment process. At the end of the interview you should ask the interviewer about what will happen next. For example, whether you'll be asked to do another interview in person.
If you promise to do something for the interviewer, like send them your CV or provide contact details for your referees, make sure you follow up on those promises as soon as you can.
