How to Prepare for an Online Interview

Lights, camera, action! Those three words have significant meaning during filming, but the same is true for an online interview as well. Some may consider that an online interview would be a piece of cake, and that could be true, as long as you're properly prepared.

Lights, or better yet, lighting is very important when deciding where to set up your area for your online interview. Angie with Hot & Flashy shares great tips to help with finding the right lighting in your place of residence. The key with lighting is to focus on natural light, and try to find a place in your home where you're able to set up in front of a window or windows where the natural light shines through. Also, so the light does not beam directly into your face and create shadows, make sure to have a sheer type of curtain so that the light is diffused as it shines from the outside into the space where you'll be seated. You will want to position yourself facing the window so that the light does not distort the camera's display of your appearance.

Next, we learn how to prepare our digital device's camera with the help of Gia Goodrich . Gia explains how we should angle our screens so that we look our best on camera. One of the tips that I learned from her is to position your camera to where it is just above your eye level, which will help with making sure you are evenly proportioned in the frame as you appear on the screen. When setting up your camera, don't forget about your background. If you're able to do so, sit in a place where the setting is clean and there is no clutter visible in your frame. Make sure not to have any items displayed that would be a distraction during the interview.

Finally, it is time for action. To prepare for your debut, first perfect your appearance. Dress professionally, be well-groomed, and wear your confidence! Career Coach Kathy Caprino explains in her Forbes video, How to Ace Your Job Interview Over Zoom. Beyond your physical appearance, you're not completely ready for action until you've prepared for the actual interview.

Once your interview has been confirmed, prepare by researching the company and the position you have applied for. If you know who your interviewer(s) will be, check out their social media profiles. Also, rehearse your "tell me about yourself" pitch, and be prepared with questions to ask about the company as well. Remember not only are you being interviewed, but ask enough specific and well-thought out questions so that you're interviewing the company also.

Your online interviewing experience is sure to be successful as long as you are prepared, poised and professional!