An education in business can prepare you for the multifaceted demands of today’s fast-paced and high-tech careers. With the right training, you could become qualified for a variety of roles in accounting, finance, marketing, management, and other related sectors. But first, you’ll have to go through the interview process.
The field of business has begun to adapt itself to different facets of the modern world, like e-commerce and computerized accounting. The interview process itself has also begun to change. It’s becoming increasingly common to conduct interviews over a virtual platform rather than face to face to compensate for issues related to distance, efficiency, or the current pandemic. These processes are fairly straightforward, but you’ll need to understand them completely to navigate them successfully. Read on for some tips on how to ace an online job interview.
Business Career Interviewees Should Remain Professional
Just because an interview isn’t conducted face to face doesn’t mean the usual standards around professionalism don’t apply. For instance, you should make sure to dress in the proper attire. Try and get a sense of what the standard of dress is at the workplace, and wear an outfit to match that. Dressing the part will make the interview feel more real and help you get into the right frame of mind.
You also need to keep in mind-body language and other social cues that might be lost in translation in the online environment. For example, maintaining eye contact can be one of the trickier parts of a virtual interview. Though your eyes will gravitate towards the image of the person on your screen, you’ll need to look into your computer’s camera to make eye contact with your interviewer.
Some creative interviewees have bypassed this issue by taping a photo next to their camera, or even affixing googly eyes above it to remind them! You should also make sure your posture communicates that you’re listening while the interviewer is speaking. As with any interview you undergo after graduating from business programs in Alberta, it’s always important to be mindful of what your body language is conveying.
Have a Good Grasp of the Technology
You should be comfortable with the technology you need to use for the interview. Ask beforehand what platforms they intend to use, and whether it will be live, or you will need to record your responses to questions. Make sure your computer and webcam are in working order. Using a phone or tablet is not recommended during an interview for a business career, as the quality is often worse, and there can be more issues with an Internet connection and lagging.
There are some differences between video calling software, and you should ensure you know your way around the platform before you log on. Technology is notoriously fickle, and having a backup plan to rely on could save you from a lot of embarrassment. As a business professional, you’re expected to be up to date with the changing trends of the modern world, and having a technological mishap could undermine that.
Prepare for the interview by finding an adequate space free from distractions
Ensure You’re Sufficiently Prepared
Ensure that the environment that the camera will see is suitable for an interview. The room should be well-lit and clean, with a neutral but bright background. A plain white wall is the best option. The area should be free from distraction, with all pets, children, and housemates or partners locked out. The chair you’re sitting in should also look professional. Sitting in an armchair or on a couch can make you look like you’re not taking the interview seriously.
Demonstrate real interest and passion by thoroughly researching the company beforehand and preparing your own insightful and genuinely curious questions. Once everything else is set into place, you can take some time to rehearse. Practice speaking more slowly and clearly, than you might during an offline interview, as the quality of your speech may be a bit distorted by the connection. With your business training and these tips under your belt, you’ll be sufficiently ready to ace an online interview and begin the next phase of your life.
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