Covid 19 is throwing up lots of unusual scenarios for us all. Life has to go on though, as tricky as that can be. This includes job hunting. Companies still need to hire staff and people still need to find work.
I have conducted hundreds of interviews in my career so far, from part time Christmas staff to store managers. I have been on the end of quite a few too, so I would like to think I am learning all the time as to what people can do to show themselves in the best light.
An interview in these times certainly has a different feel to it compared to ‘normal’ interview processes. However, one thing that still applies is you must put your best foot forward to be in with a chance of being successful.
Read on for 6 ways to have a good interview in the Covid era!
1. Do your research.
You’ve just received confirmation of your interview…congratulations! Now what though? Many of the basics will still apply during a Covid style interview process. First things first, do your research on:
- the company (make sure they are a good fit for you).
- the role you are interviewing for.
- how many stages are involved in the interview process.
- how many people are interviewing you.
Along with this, is the first interview:
- telephone based?
- a video call?
- face to face (if so, what are the protocols in place)?
- Zoom.
- Microsoft teams.
- Skype.
- Google meet.
Each service is easy to use, but slightly different, so make sure you check them out before your interview! 
Doing all of the above will have you feeling more confident and relaxed heading into the process. Control what you can, all of the above is in your hands.
2. Check your Connection!
Many first or second round interviews may be done online right now. This could well become popular even after Covid, as it saves on things like time and money (important areas in the business world!)
What if you realised 5 minutes before your interview that your connection isn’t good enough for a face to face zoom call… 
That is NOT the time to figure this out! Make sure wherever you are has a strong enough signal to allow you to have a seamless conversation with the interviewer. To help with this:
- try make sure no one else is using the connection if possible.
- use headphones if you need to.
- test before hand.
- if you know someone with better connection see if you can use their facilities.
Connection issues can crop up, but do your best to minimise them. Charlotte Rodgers has some great points to note on the importance of technology during an interview in the Covid era.
3. Dress appropriately.
Whether your interview is by video link or in person, looking the part is still key. I have used the phrase dress ‘appropriately’. The days of wearing slacks and a pressed shirt are gone in some companies. Doing your research on the type of company you are interviewing with will help you decide how to present yourself.
First impressions will always be vital in an interview process. Many times an interviewer will have a decision made within a minute or two. Looking your best will allow you to feel good. That confidence in turn will let you put the best version of yourself forward right from the off.
Even if the meeting is by video, treat it like you are about to meet someone face to face, this will get you in the right mindset.
4.Body language.
Body language gives a lot away. Make sure you are doing all the right things to project a positive image of yourself. Face to face or via video link, the same rules apply:
- stand/sit up straight.
- keep your feet on the ground and your hands on your lap or on the table.
- use eye contact. (even more important now).
- over-exaggerate hello and goodbye on video link if you have to.
- interact with your interviewer when it’s appropriate to.
- use your hands when you speak if that is natural to you.
Indeed have some great tips on succeeding on a video interview, including body language.5. Practice makes perfect.
“Practice makes perfect” can mean a couple of things:
- practicing for a particular interview.
- or you can get practice by doing a few interviews.
Even practice saying hello, goodbye and sitting during the interview. These little things will really help you to stay calm and focused when the real thing comes along.
I remember going through a spell where I had probably 10 interviews in the space of a couple of years and a few meetings with recruitment agencies. Some jobs I wasn’t ready for and others I didn’t want, but the interviews were a great way of learning for me.
It’s not nice to get rejected for a role, especially if you were really excited about it. If and when this happens, try and find out why you were not suitable for the job. If you feel your interview wasn’t the best, analyse your own performance. You will always find things you can do a little better the next time.
6. Ask questions (but not about money).
Most interviews will finish with the interviewer asking if you have any questions for them (at least it should!). Always have something prepared, it will show you are taking everything seriously. Good questions to ask can be:
- what would my day to day duties be?
- what will my training consist of?
- are there opportunities to grow within the business?
- when do you hope to have the position filled by?
To conclude.
There is no doubt the Covid era has changed how businesses conduct interviews. Parts of it may well be changed for good as people engage more and more through telephone and video link.
However, many of the same tips apply to a video link interview as they do to a face to face one. If you follow the 6 steps outlined above, you will be well on the way to securing that job you want after delivering a great interview!
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