Tips for Interviewing Online

Use your computer, not your phone to interview online.  Prepare before the interview to center yourself in the frame of your video screen.  Reduce the amount of space above your head and create a “mid-shot,” showing at least your shoulders and upper chest in the frame.  Create flattering lighting.  Adjust the screen so that you’re not being seen from above or below, but straight forward.  If you can create a standing desk, consider this as standing during an interview might help you be more energetic.

Smile.  Keep a relaxed, pleasant facial expression when listening to questions. 

Keep a pad and pen nearby to note questions.

Practice stories that relate to the traits and skills listed in the job description.  These stories should be under one minute, if possible.  Determine the most important details, those that show what you learned during a challenge.  Good stories always include a struggle.  A positive and upbeat sharing of our difficulties will help build both trust and empathy with our interviewer.  Research has also confirmed that stories are more memorable than other types of data and skepticism is reduced when listening to a story. 

© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved