10 tips for nailing an online interview | iQ Thrive Academy

Congratulations! You’ve smashed the CV and landed yourself an online interview. This is your time to really sell yourself and give that good impression that can’t be put into words. Whether you’re used to doing interviews or not, they’re always a little nerve-wracking for most of us. So, we’ve got 10 quick tips to help you set yourself up for success.  

1. Find a quiet space 

Make yourself free of distractions. The biggest thing you need is a quiet space where you can hear your interviewer and your interviewer can hear you. You can use your study desk in your room at iQ, or book a study space if you’ve got one onsite – just make sure you put up a sign so that people don’t disturb you. 

2. Do a tech check  

Before the interview, make sure all your tech is in working order. Test your camera, microphone and internet connection by doing an online speed test (just Google “speed test”). If you’re living at iQ, you should have superfast wifi at all times to keep you connected.  

3. Create a solid background 

Mess in the background isn’t gonna look great for you. Try sprucing things up with plants, books or anything that reflects your personality and maybe even starts some conversation. Try to balance looking professional while showing who you are.   

4. Dress to impress  

You’ll need to make yourself look presentable even in a virtual space – but you do have the fun of only having to worry about the waist up. So, professional on top, party on the bottom if that’s what will make you feel confident and comfortable. You’ll be surprised how a bit of formalwear can give you a feeling of power.  

5. Headphones or no headphones? 

Headphones can help to minimise distractions so you can only focus on your interviewer and make things clearer. But, headphones can add another bit of tech to mess up and if you’ve only got a set of old, taped up headphones , might not look too professional. Testing beforehand is again a must. 

6. Perfect your pitch 

Interviewers will often ask you who you are and expect you to describe yourself. Prepare a a short and snappy elevator pitch to make an impression, shout out your skills and experience, and talk about what you’re looking for. Think 30 seconds – and make them count.  

7. Take time to pause 

In any online meeting, it’s easy to talk over one another. Pause at the end of a question to make sure you’re not talking over the interviewer – delays can make it difficult to know when someone is finished talking.  

8. Don’t panic over tech 

A lot of the world has been working online for a while now – we're all used to the accidental muting, connection cutting out and trouble being heard. If something goes wrong, roll with it. Don’t panic and instead show that you can get over little obstacles. A bit of humour might help here and will show your personality.  

9. Keep up a smile 

Online interviews can feel awkward, but don’t let that show on your face. Keep up a natural smile and show that you’re interested and engaged in the conversation. That doesn’t mean grinning from start to finish, but let the interviewer know that you’re warm and approachable.  

10. Bookend the interview 

Without a handshake, you’ll need to rely on your charm to start and finish the interview. Begin with a confident “hello” and even a “how has your morning/day been?” and finish with a “thank you”, “goodbye” and “enjoy the rest of your day”. This will all help with leaving a good first impression.