How to avoid failing an online interview? Let's look at common mistakes

The global quarantine is forcing companies to implement solutions for remote work, and workers themselves are forced at a record pace to get used to the specifics of performing work tasks from home. Of course, for IT companies, the transition to remote work will probably be the least painful for obvious reasons. But if writing code in the kitchen instead of an open space office will be easy for most programmers, then getting used to performing a number of other processes remotely will be more difficult for many. Searching, selecting and hiring employees will most likely become one of these processes. And given that in the coming months the topic of employment for programmers is likely to become even more relevant than before, we are thinking about how to help our readers prepare as effectively as possible for successful employment in the new realities. What is most important for you to be hired and set apart from your competitors? That's right, get an interview. All interviews are now, of course, conducted remotely, and there are more nuances and small details in this area than you might think. We'll talk about them today.

The most common mistakes during online interviews

1. Inappropriate work environment

   Many people tend to critically underestimate the importance of where they are located during an online interview and how it looks, believing that no one simply pays attention to such nuances. However, when conducting an online video interview, the environment plays a fairly important role, about the same as the candidate’s appearance during live interviews in the company’s office. That is, it indirectly tells the interviewer about the professionalism of the interviewee. Accordingly, when preparing for an online interview, you should remember this and conduct it in an appropriate place, and not in the kitchen, in the company of unwashed dishes and a loudly humming refrigerator. But even if everything is not so neglected, and you are conducting the interview at your desk, you should make sure that there is no strong disorder on the desk, so as not to leave the impression of a disorganized person.

2. Poor connection quality and technical problems that could have been fixed in advance

   Most online interviews begin with checking the sound and quality of the connection, which ensures uninterrupted communication and a smooth picture. Very often, problems arise with all this, due to which the start of an online meeting is either delayed, or the parties even have to switch to other methods of communication. Such problems can usually be easily avoided by checking the quality of Skype video calls (for example) in advance, which many candidates do not do.

3. Poor lighting or complete absence of video image

   If employers schedule a video interview, it means they would like to see you, otherwise the same thing could be done through a regular telephone conversation. Logical, right? Therefore, poor lighting or a general reluctance to turn on the camera during an interview is a candidate mistake that will not go unnoticed and may well have a negative impact on the final decision. Most table lamps cope well with adding the necessary lighting (so that there is no more light, but no less than necessary).

4. Inappropriate appearance and/or clothing

   We've already said that the background of your video image during an interview serves as a kind of equivalent to your appearance, but this does not mean that appearance itself does not play any role during an online interview. You will still need to clean up before the video call and dress appropriately. Of course, it makes sense to tidy up only the upper part of the body, which will be visible on the screen, while the lower part can continue to remain dressed in old sweatpants, or even be completely naked, if suddenly you feel more comfortable. But in this case, you need to make sure that you do not stand up during the interview, otherwise the interviewer may get to know you a little better than he or she would like.

5. Incorrect position of camera and/or light source

   While poor lighting is a mistake, a light source that is too bright if positioned incorrectly will also be disruptive. Mainly, you should avoid too much lighting on the background side, that is, behind you - for example, when you are sitting in front of a window. Then the interlocutor will have a clear view of the landscape outside the window, while your face will remain in the shadows. This setup will be fine if you are, for example, a shadowy underworld boss who gives orders to subordinates while maintaining his anonymity, but for a candidate for a programmer position, or some other IT specialist, it does not work well.

How to successfully pass an online interview? Adviсe

Well, now a series of tips on how to maximize your chances of a successful interview and eliminate all the little things that could interfere with this.

1. Use headphones.

   Headphones help eliminate echo and other audio problems that may occur when you use your laptop's built-in speakers instead of headphones. If the quality of the video signal during an online interview still does not play a decisive role, then poor sound will really interfere and will most likely affect the quality of the conversation and, accordingly, the results of the interview. Therefore, use headphones - according to many recruiting experts, this is one of the most important basic tips for a successful online interview.

2. Install all the necessary software in advance and check the call quality.

   Most video calling applications require the installation of a special application or plugin. Do this in advance, because this process may take longer than it seems, which can cause you to be late for the officially scheduled start time of the online video meeting.

3. Don't forget to connect the charger.

   Video calls lead to increased power consumption on your device, which can cause your battery to run out at the most inopportune moment. Therefore, connect the charger to your laptop or smartphone in advance.

4. Place the camera at eye level.

   In order not to frighten your interlocutor with a suddenly formed double chin (the illusion of a double chin occurs if the camera is positioned too low and looks up at you), and simply to appear from a favorable angle, make sure that the camera is located at eye level, not lower.

5. Look at the camera, not at your image on the screen.

   During an interview, it is best to look your interlocutor in the eyes. In the case of an online interview, you need to look directly into the camera of your laptop or smartphone. However, many people instead focus their eyes on their own image on the screen and cannot tear themselves away from it. Therefore, it makes sense to remind yourself from time to time that your eyes should be focused on a point just above the screen.

6. You should not drink/eat during the interview.

   If candidates who combine an interview with a meal are still rare (there’s probably no need to explain why holding an online meeting while eating lunch would not be the best idea), then drinking tea or coffee during a meeting seems quite normal to many . There's really nothing wrong with this, but experienced interviewers still advise abstaining from drinks during the conversation in order to make the most serious and professional impression.

7. Choose suitable clothes.

   This advice does not mean that for an online interview it is better to replace an old “home” T-shirt with holes and stains with an ironed shirt. This, hopefully, is already clear to most. But it also makes sense to choose clothes that will look nice during a video call, or rather avoid outfits that are poorly suited for this. For example, things with stripes or a lot of patterns on the screen can ripple and therefore distract the attention of the interlocutor. Therefore, it is best to choose monochromatic outfits.

   By the way, pay attention to the fact that bright colors in clothes during a video call, as a rule, look just great. We are talking, first of all, about colors such as red, green, blue, etc. — against the background of a faded picture from a laptop camera, they look juicy and contrasting. If you really want to impress the interviewer, this little trick can be used to enhance your image and make it stand out.

8. Make speech preparations.

   As is the case with regular interviews, it makes sense to prepare in advance templates for answering the most common interviewer questions, such as talking about yourself and your experience, talking about key skills for the position being discussed, etc. We have already discussed these nuances of preparing for an interview in an article for Java junior programmers. For online interviews, this is even more relevant, because with an unusual approach to an interview, it’s even easier to get confused.

9. Don't forget about emotions (smile, facial expressions and gestures)

   If the conversation is conducted remotely and not live, this does not mean that you can speak unemotionally, like a robot. Don’t forget to smile and reinforce your words with unobtrusive gestures: this will also make your tone of communication livelier, and the interlocutor will not fall asleep.

10. Keep a notepad and pen next to you to take notes.

    This will help you remember important things during the interview, like the name of the interviewer or the name of the project you are asked to work on and everything connected with it, as well as write down questions that may arise during the conversation.

11. Turn off notifications on your computer and phone.

    As with live interviews, it's best to turn off sounds and other notifications on your phone and computer so they don't distract you or interrupt the interview. This is especially important if you need to show something on your screen during the interview: the content of pop-up messages from instant messengers can become an unnecessary addition to your self-presentation.

conclusions

As we can see, even such a seemingly simple thing as online interviews includes many nuances and features, knowledge of which can be very useful during the interview and may even bring you the desired offer. However, do not forget that knowledge, skills and professional experience still play a decisive role in finding a job, and even the most bombastic bright red shirt, along with ideal video quality and a clearly thought-out background, will not help you get the desired place if you nothing to offer in terms of skills. Fortunately, knowledge and skills are acquired, and our resource aims to help in their acquisition. So don’t forget about studying and self-improvement, and we will help and support you in this difficult task, to the best of our ability.