Online interviews are game changers: here’s how to crack them

Let’s face it: interviews are tough. One is supposed to flash through years, or even decades, of experience, along with ideas for the future, in a short time, under stress and in front of a bunch of strangers.

Doing this online is even tougher. A lack of human touch, no small talk and the inability to feel the interviewer’s vibe undoubtedly make being interviewed online an even greater challenge.

Plus, technology, to some extent, is beyond our control. One cannot legislate for the occasional wi-fi freak-out or camera glitch, but there are steps we can take to help minimise the risks of technology failure.

If possible, it’s worthwhile having backup at hand. So, even if you are planning to run the interview on your laptop, have your mobile nearby, so you can switch, if necessary. Similarly, you should have a backup browser open on your computer in case the meeting does not run on the original browser.

Closing all applications and windows you do not need at the time can stop unnecessary distractions (the ping of incoming mail or messages can be annoying to everyone in the meeting), and it might also give a more stable bandwidth for your call.

Above all, if something does go wrong, try to remember there’s no need to panic. Members of the panel have all been in challenging online meetings and are fully aware of most issues that might emerge. You probably would not lose your nerve if this happened in class, so really there is no need to feel anxious if it happens in an interview. Try to fix the problem and focus instead on what you want to say.

The panel will be looking for three things: your competence in the field; your passion for your role; and the feeling that you’re hungry for the job.

Competence is best demonstrated by being well prepared with examples ready to share. All interviewers will look for evidence of your statements: these can best be provided by referring to examples from your academic and professional career. Whether discussing how you overcame the challenges of digital inclusion in class or how you make sure developments are embedded into your teaching, ideas need to be supported by evidence. It’s a good idea to compile a list of possible questions in advance and prepare your best answers, always based on evidence.

Plus, this is one area where you can turn the online setting to your advantage. Prepare notes and have them ready either on the screen or (legibly) handwritten on your desk. It’s easy to use “additional resources” in an online interview.

Being passionate and radiating a positive attitude are intrinsically linked. While body language is important, and the online environment limits these tools, you can still control what you radiate.

Whenever possible, look into the camera. Looking at your notes or the faces on the screen will not facilitate eye contact, an essential element in building rapport. Yes, we have the inclination to look at the faces, but then you are not looking into the camera, and panel members might not feel addressed directly. So, make sure you know where your camera is and regularly look into it.

And it’s not too obvious to state that you must sit comfortably and with a straight back. To this end, you might need to elevate your screen or lower your chair, so you’re not looking down at your laptop. Articulate clearly to avoid distortion of your voice and have a glass of water at hand, just in case. Be mindful about what is behind you, as the background could be distracting to the panel. Make sure there are no unnecessary noises during the call. And, again, if your child runs in unexpectedly asking for lunch, there’s no need to panic. In fact, it might even put everyone at ease.

Finally, be hungry for the job. Knowing what you’re pitching for is the best way to show this. Swot up on the institution you have applied to, the details of their curriculum, their ranking on various listings and their important achievements.

As part of your prep, talk to someone who knows the place and Google their student feedback. And if you cannot find something, do not hesitate to ask. Most interviews finish with the option to raise questions, so do come prepared for that – when the interview is over, you should fully understand what the job entails.

In the end, be sure you prepare thoroughly so you know you did everything possible. After all, that’s the most anyone can do, offline or online.

Gábor Sarlós is a senior lecturer in marketing communications at the Roehampton Business School. Prior to his academic career in the UK, Vietnam and Hungary, he was managing partner of a strategic communications firm.