Tips for online interviews and meetings

Coronavirus has changed things in our professional lives and workplaces. People are working from their homes. Meetings and interviews are taking place online.

Many persons who are seeking jobs or changing their jobs, are facing online interviews from home. This is quite a novel experience for most of us. It takes a bit of practice to adjust to online interviews rather than face-to-face ones.

If we are a little conscious and careful, we can follow certain tips to present ourselves in positive manner during online interviews or meetings.

Presenting ourselves

It is very important to present yourself properly online. The way we dress expresses how confident we are and so no matter how we dress at home, when facing an interview or joining in a meeting, make sure you dress suitably. Don’t try to experiment with a combination of home clothes and office wear. Dress professionally in a smart and normal manner.

Non-verbal communication

Your facial expression should adapt to the situation during the online interaction. Be normal and have a pleasant countenance. Maintain a good posture, sit still and make sure to give out positive body language.

Maintain professionalism

Ensure that you maintain professionalism during online interviews and meetings. Keep your surroundings simple and adequately lighted. If it is a long meeting, when you get a chance you can walk and stretch your legs a bit so you don’t get a stiff neck or backache. If you do sneeze or cough, remember your etiquette. Ask your family not to make any loud noises during your meeting. Keep a note pad handy and take notes if required. Be active as long as you are connected online.

While speaking

Just as normal, remember your greetings at the start of the interview. If there are several persons at the meeting, make sure you know the name and position of the person to whom you are talking and address them accordingly. If you have anything to ask, keep your question concise. If you cannot understand anything due to the internet connection, apologise and reply.

Other important tips

Keep an eye on your internet connection. If there is a power failure, inform the meeting organiser over mobile phone. Take note of certain general technical matters like when to turn off the camera or the mouthpiece.

Fatima Alam is a lecturer of the audiology and speech language pathology department of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP).