Interviewing online vs interviewing in person - how to nail both

When COVID suddenly forced us into interviewing online, there were moments that felt like we were flying into Zoom rooms with our pants down. Some workplaces, especially the fully remote ones, now complete their entire recruitment process virtually (great news for us pyjama-bottoms-for-work-attire types).

Despite this wobbly entry into online interviews, it’s a skill we all need to perfect because they’re sticking around for the long haul. In some cases, you may be required to do both online and in-person interviews during one recruitment process.

Here’s how to prepare for both and make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.

In this guide:

Tips to help you nail the standard interview stuff
Tips to help you nail online interviews
Tips to help you nail face-to-face interviews

Tips to help you nail the standard interview stuff

You could say that an interview is an interview, and there are some things you’re bound to experience both in person and online. So, let’s kick off with some tips to help you nail the standard stuff:

Preparation.

This is a given whether you’re online or in person. Do your research! Check out the company’s profiles and employee feedback, news updates, social profiles, careersite, and company website to develop your understanding of their products, services, clientele, company mission and values. Refamiliarize yourself with the role requirements and make a note of how your skills, values, traits, and experiences will benefit the company and role.

Purpose.

Remembering that interviews are two-way – they’re an opportunity for you as candidate to work out whether this role and employer is right for you. Refer to your non-negotiables to cover off your life and career needs. If there are gaps, get some questions together so you’re best able to decide whether you want to work there, and if you actually have the skills and attitude to succeed in the role.

Format.

Generally, *most* interviews are run from the same song sheet.

introductions
employer gives a spiel about them and the role
candidate gives a quick spiel about their interest and suitability for the role
employer asks candidates some pre-set questions to assess your knowledge and suitability
employer invites candidates to ask their own questions.

Be prepared for the questions. Run a practice interview beforehand where you can perfect your response to some likely questions and create a list of your own questions to show your interest.

Tips to help you nail online interviews

Here are some Captain Obvious, and not so obvious pointers to help you nail online interviews.

Internet connection

We get it. Total no-brainer, and yet, our consultants still deal with candidates dropping out! Whether it’s poor reception in your area, or you have low speed internet and your partner’s Call of Duty addiction causes Zoom meltdowns.

Save yourself the awkward frozen face moment and set up with a reliable connection.

Sound

“You’re on mute.”

How many chuckles and eye rolls did these three simple words conjure up in those early days. Test your sound before the call connects, and if you’re using headphones, test the microphone as well.

Making notes

The bonus of online interviews is you can have a lot more notes than if you were face-to-face (government interviews aside, which often allow 15 minutes question prep and note making!). Make the most of the space around you with sticky notes for your key points and core work examples to fire up the memory. Just don’t go over the top and get yourself all confused.

Tips to help you nail face-to-face interviews

Here are a few things to consider to best manage the advantages and disadvantages of an in-person interview.

Your timing

Online interviews allow for us to ‘Join’ the interview a moment before it’s due to start. Face to face? Not so much. Plan for traffic, commute times, and any other potential cause for delays. You do not want to arrive five minutes late sweating and heaving.

Your outfit

No chance for pyjama bottoms for this one. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the job (noting that doesn’t necessarily mean a suit!). Make an effort with your wardrobe; make an effort with your hair and hygiene.

Your body language

One advantage of in-person interviews is your ability to read body language (and vice versa). It can help conversations flow more smoothly and can help you express your interest in a way that may not come across through the screen.

Office tours

If you interview onsite, try and request an office tour before you leave. Checking out your surroundings and potential future work environment can help you figure out if this opportunity really is the right fit.

Some of us ooze charm and confidence when we interview in person. Others excel interviewing online when the physical distance enables them to better collect and articulate their thoughts. In this post-pandemic work world, it’s highly likely you’ll need to do both during your job search. Following these tips should help you appropriately prepare for every kind of interview.