How to Nail An Online Job Interview (According to An Expert)

Don’t leave your job prospects on mute.

Look into my virtual eyes.

That’s why it’s important to consider how to achieve things like eye contact in an online space, because those dynamics are still just as crucial. 

“Focus is going to be an important part of this, showing that you are listening attentively, and nodding when the interviewer is talking,” Lois says.

*Checks notes*

Just like any interview, preparation is key.

You tend to be more relaxed at home, but Lois says it’s vital to prepare the same way, and you can actually use the online aspect to your advantage.

“The wonderful thing about an online meeting is that you can actually have notes and examples in front of you and no one will know, so take advantage of this,” she says.

"Sorry, you’re frozen…"

How’s your internet connection? This is an obvious, but important one! You’ll thank yourself later for doing a test call and ensuring your internet is reliable.

“The cues of those face-to-face interactions are going to be off if the internet connection is choppy,” Lois says.

“Likewise, you don’t want your responses to be off or have the interviewers struggle to hear you,” she added.

If you’re five minutes early, you’re late.

Lois says the earlier, the better.

“Get in ahead of time because you might have trouble with the link and it could make you look unprofessional,” she says.

Blur your background.

Maybe a Minecraft or galaxy background isn’t quite the vibe for this one… But a blur, or being in front of a plain wall is a great shout.

Lois says people can “unconsciously form impressions of you” or be distracted by your background.

Let us take a moment to reflect on the cultural reset that was this BBC interview from 2017:

Say cya to distractions.

Lois also suggests putting your phone on silent and muting your notifications, so they don’t pop up and distract you.

Location is important, too.

“Don’t ever interview somewhere noisy like a café or somewhere outside. It’s too hard to control that environment and the background noises,” she says.

Still dress professionally.

Dress for the job you want! Appearance definitely shouldn’t determine your suitability for a job, but it's great to get you into that profesh zone.

“As you would in a normal interview, it might feel odd wearing a blazer in your house, but those first impressions are still super important,” Lois says.

Now, with all that advice in your back pocket, go well young grasshopper! And excuse me while I move my lava lamp out of the frame for my next virtual team meeting…