Interview 101: The Last-moment final Checklist for Digital Interviews

Before the Interview:

• Research the organization including the products and services offered. Find industry competitors, check news coverage and the latest developments.
• If you don’t know who is conducting the interview, google the CEO/ Director and browse the company website(s). Search for employees and their profiles on LinkedIn.
• Save the contact details of the concerned authority or Coordinator in charge. If you miss the call for the interview, get back to them at the earliest.
• Follow the Dress Code as advised by your Institute or dress in formal or business casual. (as required)
• Prepare and rehearse profile-related interview Q&A. Additionally, go through the Top 20 Interview Q&A (Engineering, Management) and FAQs as well.
• Note the documents that will be checked, ensure you have all testimonials and certificates in designated file formats (as required) and organise files properly.
• Fill out your job application on the company portal or send an email as required. Keep a hard copy of the application for reference.

[Related: A 6-Step Guide for Creating Professional Emails]

• Keep a water bottle with stationery items like pens, instruments and a notebook near but make sure they are not visible during the interview.
• Test microphone audio input and clear audio break up or echo issues. To be sure, attend a mock call with a friend for feedback.
• Customise software settings, test the video resolution and sit in a room with enough light and ambience to minimize distractions.

During the Interview:

• Look straight at the camera and not at your image on the screen. Make eye contact with the Interviewer. Smile but don’t laugh and produce positive facial expressions.
• Ensure good internet connectivity and maintain a backup network connection to be secure.
• Close any unnecessary applications on a laptop or smartphone and remove notifications with pop-ups or noises.
• Ensure the laptop and smartphone are fully charged or plugged into a socket with backup power sources.
• Greet the interviewer with a pleasantry like “Good Morning Sir/ Ma’am, thank you for your time regarding the interview” and let the Interviewer initiate the conversation afterwards.
• If you can’t understand or hear a question properly, request the interviewer to repeat the question. It reduces any chance of confusion that occurs online.
• Answer professionally and be precise without sounding vague. For the best results, follow the STAR method as explained below.
  • Situation: Understand the situation that you’ve encountered.
  • Task: Perform the tasks that the situation requires.
  • Action: Perform the necessary actions to overcome the obstacle
  • Result: Identify outcomes and measure the success of task results.
• Be honest and calm during the interview process since you may have to demonstrate presentations, and write or design codes.
• Ask questions and clarify doubts regarding contract details or benefits before ending the call.

After the Interview:

• At the end of the interview, ask about follow-up procedures and inquire about any Notice Period that you have to serve at the company.
• Thank the Interviewer once again and sign off professionally.
• If there are any successive interview rounds, you can enquire about the procedures for them.
• If you’re given an assessment, complete it within the deadlines as it will indicate your professional commitment to the organization. We wish you all the best for your next Virtual Interview and hope this checklist has helped you. This list is comprehensive and will ease the jitters experienced by job applicants and Freshers.
  That is to say, you can tick or select the checkboxes, strike out those completed and include additional items if necessary.

Conclusion:

We wish you all the best for your next Virtual Interview and hope this checklist has helped you. This list is comprehensive and will ease the jitters experienced by job applicants and Freshers.

That is to say, you can tick or select the checkboxes, strike out those completed and include additional items if necessary.