Many employers conduct online interviews to screen and select candidates, especially when interviewers and interviewees are in different locations. Treat online interviews with the same level of preparation and professionalism as in-person interviews. Here are some tips to excel in online interviews:
PREPARE
- Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a clean or neutral background.
- Use background blur or a simple virtual background if needed.
- Test your internet connection, camera, audio and microphone quality before the interview.
- Position your camera at eye level and ensure your face is clearly visible.
- Dress professionally and ensure you look sharp on screen.
- Test your login link and software (e.g. Zoom, Teams, or company-specific platforms) in advance to ensure you are ready as scheduled.
- Keep a glass of water, pen and notes nearby for quick reference.
RESEARCH
- Prepare for the online interview as you would for an in-person interview.
- Research the company’s mission, values and recent developments via its website, LinkedIn and news sources.
- Review the job description carefully to identify required skills and experiences.
- Prepare specific, thoughtful questions that show your genuine interest in the company. Refer to the previous article on Tips to Ace Your Job Interviews for more details.
BE PROFESSIONAL
- Keep in mind that all your interactions and expressions will be captured on camera.
- Use clear and confident speech and stay mindful of your facial expressions.
- Keep your body language open and professional. Smile naturally and nod when listening.
- Avoid reading verbatim from a script. You may keep brief notes on your screen, but speak naturally.
- Maintain eye contact with the interviewer by looking at the camera, not the video feed on your screen.
STAY ORGANISED AND FOCUSED
- Keep your resume, cover letter and key talking points accessible either digitally or printed.
- Review common interview questions and practise your answers aloud.
- Minimise background noise and mute notifications on your devices, such as your laptop and phone.
- Maintain your focus throughout the interview.
AUTOMATED OR AI-SCREENED INTERVIEWS
Some organisations use AI-powered or pre-recorded video interviews to assess large numbers of applicants. In a one-way structured video interview, you will be asked to answer a series of automated, pre-scripted questions within a specific time limit. Check how much time you are allocated and be mindful of the time. Be informative yet concise with your responses. There may be a practice round before the actual recorded interview to help you familiarise yourself with the process.
Tips for AI or one-way interviews:
- Practise speaking clearly and confidently to the camera.
- Be concise but informative. Aim for about one to two minutes per answer.
- Use the practice round (if available) to familiarise yourself with the timing and format.
- Maintain good posture, smile and express enthusiasm. AI tools can analyse tone and facial engagement.
- For chatbot-based interviews, keep responses short, professional and relevant. Proofread before submitting.
- Remember that while AI may screen your responses, human recruiters make the final decision.
QUICK CHECKLIST
- Quiet room with clean background and good lighting
- Professional attire
- Good internet connection
- Camera and microphone properly set up
- Test out login instructions
- Turn off notifications on phone and computer
- Glass of water by your side
- Log on five minutes before the scheduled time
- Take deep breaths and stay calm