Read the article about online job interviews. Answer the questions (1–8) using a maximum of four words. Write your answers in the spaces provided. The first one (0) has been done for you. TASK 2 How to excel at an online job interview How should you do job interviews from your laptop at home? Here’s some expert advice on how to look like a pro, even if you’re wearing pyjamas from the waist down. Is the interview on Zoom, Google Hangouts or another platform? Are you sure of the time and time zone? “Triple check the details – arriving early or late is hard to recover from,” says Ruth Cornish, co-founder of HR Independents. Arrive early, but not too early – two or three minutes is fine. She knows someone who signed in too early, thereby crashing another interview. However, it depends on the platform. Some recruiters will have a “waiting room” and ask you to be there 10 minutes early. Download the software well in advance and familiarise yourself with it – for added security, download it on a second device and practise on there too, in case your computer fails at a crucial moment. “The main thing I see is, people are uncomfortable with the technology,” says Cornish. For example, “The microphone or camera isn’t working.” If you plan to show slides or share your screen, make sure you know how to do this. Eye contact is especially important, says John Lees, career coach. “The mistake people make is talking to the face on screen and what you should do is talk to the camera,” he says. “Eye contact really matters through the screen and creates an impression of direct communication so it’s a good idea to practise with a friend and record the call and look at it afterwards.” If you don’t have a spare room at home, find a quiet corner and style it for your interview. “You want a clear, uncluttered background that says something about you,” Cornish advises. “I’ve seen it all – piles of washing in the background, boxes, and rubbish.” She isn’t a fan of digital backgrounds either, which distort your outline. “If it’s chaotic, you’re diminishing your chances because you’re really saying, ‘It’s an unsuitable place to work from’.” Don’t dress too casually, warns Cornish. “You still need to make an effort – not necessarily a jacket, but a smart top or shirt, or whatever’s the industry standard.” For men, says Lees, a tie looks strange at home but “smart casual” is appropriate. If you wouldn’t do something during an inperson, office-based interview, don’t do it on screen. “I’ve seen people file their nails or say, ‘Don’t mind me, I’m just wrapping a present’.” That’s a bit extreme, Cornish admits, but “people are a bit more casual than usual.” This is where recording yourself can be helpful – are you fiddling nervously with something on your desk without realising, or is your body language too casual? “You’ve got to connect with the interviewer and work harder when you’re not in the same room, so anything that’ll distract you is going to be negative.” Interviewers are fairly forgiving of life’s interruptions, says Cornish, when it’s not too extreme. “If your dog starts barking, that’s OK; it can be a bit of a laugh. We all know people are working from home and doing their best. The interviewer is on your side.” If your technology fails, “don’t let it become the focus” says Cornish. “Deal with it calmly and confidently and don’t show your frustration.”Have a backup plan. “Any unexpected hitch gives you an extra chance to demonstrate your resilience.” This is still a job interview, after all. “Don’t forget about things you’d ordinarily do,” says Cornish. “Research your interviewer and the company. Good questions are great while obvious ones aren’t. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification – asking questions is a sign of confidence.” Following up afterwards can work, she says, “Depending on how you do it. The trick for any job interview, is to look keen, but not too keen, which can come across as desperate. “You’ve almost got to be thinking, ‘I’ve got three offers, you’re lucky to get me’.” 180 E Preparing for final exams Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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