Online interviews

By Leah Colvin

Employers are increasingly taking advantage of the convenience and low cost of technology during the hiring process. Where hiring managers in past decades may have used in-person conference or first-round interviews, today’s job hunt is likely to involve an online interview to narrow down the field of candidates for just a handful of in-person interviews.

Online interviews can take a variety of forms, from individual or panel Skype interviews to video interviews where candidates answer written questions without the involvement of an interviewer (for example, CU Boulder uses HireVue). Because of their ubiquity, it is important to become familiar with and practice for your virtual interviews.

Online interviews are just like in-person interviews . . .

While the prospect of your first virtual interview may be daunting, there are many more similarities than differences between online and in-person interviews, and much of your preparation will be the same. Whether in-person or online, the purpose of an initial interview is for the hiring manager to evaluate your background and competence for the position as well as to learn about your personality in terms of how you will fit within the workplace culture.

With that in mind, the biggest chunk of your preparation should focus on presenting yourself as a professional. First and foremost, dress as you would for an in-person interview, and ensure that your surroundings are clean, organized and work-appropriate. If possible, use a space that is entirely free of outside noises and distractions, including pets. Not only will this communicate professionalism, but it will also motivate you to feel and act in a professional manner. Finally, ensure that your camera, speaker and microphone are properly functioning and positioned prior to your interview.

Your preparation should also include researching the employer and department or workgroup, just as you would for an in-person interview. If you know who will be interviewing you, research their profile(s) on the employer’s website or LinkedIn. Use online resources or speak with a mentor or two to prepare your answers to likely interview questions as well as a few questions that you would like to ask the employer if given the opportunity. Finally, practice your answers for a more confident and polished interview performance.

. . . except when they aren’t.

Despite their similarities, virtual interviews differ from in-person interviews in several key ways:

• “Eye” Contact. While it may be tempting to maintain eye contact with your interviewer, when using a camera, you will often appear as if you are looking downward. Look at the camera – not the screen – during your interview; if it helps you to focus and calms your nerves, put a picture of a friendly face right next to the camera.
• Cheat Sheets. In contrast to an in-person interview, you can freely use notes during an online interview, so long as they are not visible on camera. While shuffling through a pile of papers will be distracting and break your focus on the camera, a few key points written on post-it notes stuck to your monitor can come in handy.
• It’s Awkward for Everyone. It is likely that your interviewer has as little experience with online interviews as you. This can lead to awkward situations – for example, one member of the panel interview playing with their phone in the background, or technical difficulties on their end. The good news for you as a candidate is that you only need to focus on the camera; if there are distractions on your screen, do your best to put on your virtual blinders and ignore them while you answer questions. Practice flexibility and empathy with your interviewers if things are going awry on their end; you may even offer to call in if they’re having difficulties.

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) is here to help you prepare for your virtual interviews, including conducting a mock Skype interview, help setting up your free Skype business account, help with testing your setup, or more in-depth one-on-one advice. Email leah.colvin@colorado.edu for an appointment or stop by Regent Administrative Center 1B72 during drop-in hours, Wednesdays from 2 – 4 PM.

Learn more
Mastering Skype
How to Style your Skype Interview
Making the Most of a Skype Interview