In-Person Interviews vs. Online Interviews: How to Prepare

Many of you will likely experience the common pressures associated with interviews, whether they are conducted in-person or online, as you pursue your career goals, graduate school, or other endeavors. Interviews are an essential part of the job search process. They allow employers to learn more about you and your qualifications.

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In-person interviews have traditionally been the norm, but with the rise of technology and unpredictable events, online interviews are becoming more common. As job interviews continue to evolve, candidates are now faced with the challenge of navigating both in-person and virtual interviews – which is why we want to introduce you to the unique set of advantages and disadvantages of both with personal experiences.

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Preparing for an Online Interview

Online interviews, also known as virtual interviews, are conducted through video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet. Here are some tips on how to prepare for an online interview:

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Test and prepare your technology: Ensure that your internet connection, microphone, and camera are all working correctly. Test your equipment well in advance to avoid last-minute glitches. 

• Prepare your screens with notes that are needed for the interview. Place your notes directly below the camera. This way, if you need to refer to them during the interview, you can do so while still appearing to maintain eye contact with the camera!
• Test out all the features needed (background, filters, device) of the app before the interview to make sure everything is functioning properly.

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Choose a quiet and well-lit location: Make sure you have a quiet space with adequate lighting, and there are no distractions in the background.

• Let your family or roommates know that you will be in an interview and ask them to keep the noise level down.
• Make sure you have your phone on “do not disturb” so any alarms that you may have had that you forgot are completely off!

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Dress professionally: Even though it is an online interview, dress appropriately in business attire. You want to make a good first impression! Dress with confidence!! Whichever outfit you are wearing, ensure that it makes you feel confident!

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Research the company: Conduct thorough research on the company and the role you are interviewing for. This research will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your interest in the role. Here are some ways to research a company before an interview: 

• Company website: Visit the company's website to gather information about its mission, values, products or services, and the team.
• Social media: Check the company's social media accounts, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
• News articles: Read news articles about the company to get a sense of its industry position, recent achievements, and challenges.
• LinkedIn: Look up the company on LinkedIn and explore its page to see its employee count, employee profiles, and connections. You may also find alumni from your school or people in your network who work or have worked for the company.
• Glassdoor: Check the company's Glassdoor page to read reviews from current and former employees. 

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Practice Your Body Language: Your body language is just as important in an online interview as it is in an in-person interview. Sit up straight, smile, and nod your head to show that you are engaged and interested in the conversation. When in doubt, utilize these four ways to show you are engaged + empathetic towards the interviewer, provided by the McKinsey Academy: 

• Awareness: Remember that you are ultimately interviewing them as well! Whichever situation you are in, still be aware of what you want in your journey.
• Vulnerability: Everyone has problems that they are working on, and many are open to learning about how they could help you! Being vulnerable in the workforce could build trust and connection, promote teamwork, and foster personal growth.
• Empathy: Understand and connect with your interviewer through understanding from their point of view – while that may be tricky! They are also ultimately curious to know who you are as a person. Having empathy builds better relationships, enhances your leadership skills, and fosters a positive workplace culture.
• Compassion: Now that you have the ability to feel empathy, take into action of having compassion through asking questions for better understanding of the interviewers’ stance within the company and how they are outside of work. 

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