Skip to main content
  • Call Now
  • Request Info
  • Menu

Search form

  • JWU Main Site
  • jwuLink
  • Apply Now
  • Hide nav
  • Request Info
  • 1.855.598.1881

JWU

  • Academics
    Academics
    Academics Home Academic Calendar Online Catalog and Student Handbook On-Campus Programs
    • Business
      • BS – Accounting
      • BS – Advertising & Marketing Communications
      • Doctor of Business Administration
      • BS – Business Studies
      • BS – Digital Marketing & Social Media
      • BS – Fashion Merchandising & Retailing
      • BS – Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship
      • BS - Marketing
      • BSBA – Business Administration
      • BSBA – Entrepreneurship
      • BSBA – Human Resource Management
      • BSBA – International Business
      • BSBA – Management
      • BSBA – Operations & Supply Chain Management
      • BSBA – Enterprise Risk Management
      • MS – Global Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development
      • MS - Finance
      • AS – Business Administration
      • Accounting
      • BS – Finance
      • Business Communication
      • Communication for Change
      • Foundational Operations & Supply Chain Management
      • MS – Operations & Project Management
      • Operations & Supply Chain Management
      • Technical Writing & Editing
    • MBA
      • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
      • MBA – Finance
      • MBA – Hospitality
      • MBA – Human Resource Management
      • MBA – Information Security/Assurance
      • MBA – Organizational Psychology
      • MBA – Operations & Supply Chain Management
      • MBA – Organizational Leadership
      • MBA – Nonprofit Management
      • MBA – Sport Leadership
      • MBA – General (One Year)
      • MBA – Global Fashion Merchandising Management
      • MBA – Project Management
    • Criminal Justice
      • MS – Criminal Justice
      • MPA – Criminal Justice
    • Culinary
      • BS – Baking & Pastry Arts & Food Service Management
      • MS – Food Safety
      • BS – Culinary Arts & Food Service Management
      • Professional Craft Brewing
      • BS – Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship
      • BS – Food Industry Compliance Management
    • Engineering
    • Health Science
      • BS – Public Health
      • Public Health
      • Sports Nutrition
    • Hospitality
      • BS – Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship
      • BS – Food Industry Compliance Management
      • BS – Hospitality Management
      • BS – Hotel & Lodging Management
      • BS – Residential Hospitality Management
      • BS – Sports, Entertainment, Event – Management
      • BS – Tourism & Hospitality Management
      • MBA – Hospitality
      • MS - Hospitality Management
      • MS – Global Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development
      • MS – Sport Leadership
      • Food Compliance
      • Hospitality
      • Quality Assurance in Hospitality
    • HR Management
      • BSBA - Human Resource Management
      • MBA - Human Resource Management
      • MS – Human Resource Management
    • Liberal Studies
      • BS – Liberal Studies
    • Nonprofit Management
      • Nonprofit Management
      • MS – Nonprofit Management
      • MPA – Nonprofit Management
      • MBA - Nonprofit Managment
    • Psychology
      • BS – Psychology
      • MBA – Organizational Psychology
      • MS – Organizational Psychology
    • Public Administration
      • MPA – General
      • MPA – Criminal Justice
      • MPA – Nonprofit Management
      • MPA – Homeland Security
      • MPA – Human Resource Management
    • Political Science
      • BS - Political Science
    • Sport Administration
      • BS – Sports, Entertainment, Event — Management
      • MBA – Sport Leadership
      • MS – Sport Leadership
    • Technology
      • BS – Computer Science
      • BS – Digital Marketing & Social Media
      • MBA – Information Security/Assurance
      • MS - Data Analytics
      • MS – Instructional Design & Technology
    • Sociology
      • BA - Sociology
  • Admissions
    Admissions
    JWU Admissions
    • Admissions Home
    • Undergraduate Admissions
    • Apply Online
    • Graduate Admissions
    • Transfer Students
    • Doctoral Admissions
    • On-Campus Admissions
    • International Admissions
    • Career Coach
    • Returning Students
    • Tuition and Fees
    • JWU Military
  • Financial Aid
    Financial Aid
    JWU Financial Aid
    • Financial Aid Home
    • Tuition and Fees
    • Scholarships and Grants
    • Military Benefits
  • Student Services
    Student Services
    JWU Student Services
    • Student Services Home
    • Academic Calendar
    • Career Resources
    • Academic Resources
    • Commencement
    • Technical Resources
  • Corporate Partnerships
    Corporate Partnerships
  • Blog
    Blog
  • About
    About
    About JWU
    • About JWU Online Home
    • Read Student Testimonials
    • Tour an Online Classroom
    • Two JWU Grads, One MBA Journey
    • Learn from Experienced Faculty
    • Meet Our Team
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Discover the JWU Difference
    • JWU Athletics
    • Attend a Virtual Open House
    • Video Library
    • Priorities Survey for Online Learners
  • Apply Now
    Apply Now
  • jwuLink
    jwuLink
  • JWU Main Site
    JWU Main Site

You are here

JWU Online > Blog > 6 Tips for Acing an Online Job Interview
Career Catalyst

Welcome to Career Catalyst, our blog featuring helpful continuing education and career-related articles written by our faculty and staff. From study and motivation tips to career planning and interview techniques, we cover it all. Make sure to check back regularly, because we’re always posting new articles designed to help you get more out of your education and career.

Follow Us
  • RSS
  • Facebook
  • Google Plus
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • PinInterest

6 Tips for Acing an Online Job Interview

search_icon

Search

mail_icon

Subscribe

 

6 Tips for Acing an Online Job Interview

November 20th, 2017
by Sara Shine
Follow these six tips when you have an online job interview.
Image Attribution: 
AndreyPopov
Follow these six tips when you have an online job interview.

Job interviews can be daunting—especially if your prospective employer wants to chat face-to-face online. In recent years, online job interviews have become more popular and many companies, including Hilton, are regularly using technology to conduct preliminary interviews.

While online interviews are similar to traditional, in-person meetings, they have some major differences that candidates should be prepared for. For example, depending on the type of online interview you are participating in, there are some instances where you are just recording your answers instead of conversing with a live person on the other end. This can be stressful for some candidates.

Going through an online job interview for the first time can be scary, but don’t worry! Here are six tips to help you succeed:

1. Do a test-run with your computer.

In this day and age, technology can be overwhelming and with online interviews especially, you need to feel comfortable using whichever method your prospective employee prefers (Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc.). Once you’re comfortable with the program you’ll be using, it’s a good idea to test your internet connection as well as your audio and sound capabilities to make sure everything works properly.

Pro Tip: Before logging on, ask the interviewer what the format is. Here are a few questions to ask to make sure you’re prepared:

  • Is it an audio interview or both audio and video?
  • Is there someone on the other end of the video or are the questions pre-recorded?
  • If they are pre-recorded, how many chances do I get to record my answer?
  • What do I do or who do I call if I start having technical difficulties?

2. Pick the perfect spot.  

Make sure it isn’t too dark but also stay away from overhead lights during the interview if you can. If possible, try to settle down near a window. Natural light is best because bad lighting can be distracting. A glare could make it difficult for the interviewer to see you—and you always want to put your best foot (or in this case, face) forward!

Pro Tip: Scope out a good spot to conduct your online meeting the day before to make sure you’re not rushing around before the interview.

3. Eliminate distractions.

Silence anything that could interfere with your conversation, including your phone and email notifications on your computer.

Pro Tip: Make sure no one else is around when you are completing your interview, including pets.  Interviewers have told me they have had cats walk across the computer screen and close the session, a half-clothed man walk across the room in the background, and piles of laundry in plain sight. Don’t jeopardize your career by not being prepared!


RELATED CONTENT: Five Ways to Get The Boss to Remember You


4. Sit up and dress professionally.

Even though you’re not meeting your interviewer in person, make sure to dress for success and sit up straight. First impressions matter and your appearance is crucial to making a good one.

Pro Tip:  Don’t forget to smile! Whether you are talking to an actual person or recording your answers, smile the way you would during an in-person interview.

5. Calm your nerves.

Practice your main talking points if you’re nervous and remember to slow down—it can be easy to talk over people on online calls.

Pro Tip: Even though this particular interview is hosted online, don’t forget to review your traditional interview skills. You’ll want to have answers prepared to some of the more common interview questions and examples in case they ask for specifics.

6. Look your interviewer in the eye.

Even in the online environment, eye contact is important. Instead of looking at the person on the screen, look directly into the webcam and stay engaged.

Pro Tip: If you are uncomfortable, put a picture of someone you know up by the webcam. This way, you feel as though you're chatting with a friend. Overall, this will make you more comfortable.

Most importantly, don’t stress too much! Online conferences are commonly used in the first round of candidate interviews because they save the company time and money and they level the playing field for applicants. The good news is that there is (more than likely) going to be an in-person interview in the next round, giving you the chance to meet your prospective employer in person.

And the best part of an online interview? You don’t need to worry about a firm handshake!

To learn more about the Johnson & Wales University College of Online Education and how one of our degree programs can help further your career, complete the Request Info form or call 855-JWU-1881 or email [email protected].

Tags: 
career advice
online job interview
job hunting
job search
Blog Categories: 
Career Advice
General
Student Advice
November 20th, 2017
by Sara Shine
Back to Blog
next
Next Post

JWU Student Named 2017 Outstanding Student by UPCEA

Read More >
JWU Online Student Karen Duey accepting the UPCEA 2017 Outstanding Student Award
prev
Previous Post

The Ultimate Pack-Like-a-Pro Checklist

Read More >
Make sure you have your travel essentials when you travel this holiday season. That's why JWU Online has this travel checklist for you!
Featured Blogs

7 Ways to Prepare for Your Post-Grad Career

January 14th, 2021 – Graduating from an undergraduate program is a huge achievement! But as graduation inches closer, many... Read More

Want Job Security? Consider These 8 Careers

January 14th, 2021 – Could the job of your dreams also be a job with a steady paycheck, even when the economy is at its... Read More

Fall 2020 Dean's List Announced

January 8th, 2021 – The Johnson & Wales University College of Online Education is pleased to announce our summer term... Read More

COVID Chronicles: Is It Safe To Eat Out?

December 18th, 2020 – JWU professors, like students, are experiencing the “new normal” during the global pandemic, COVID-19... Read More

5 Degrees to Consider If You Want a Career in Tech

December 18th, 2020 – It's no secret that many of today's most exciting job opportunities involve technology. Many people,... Read More

Older Stories
Sara Shine's picture
AuthorSara Shine
Sara joined the College of Online Education in Fall 2014 as a Career Capstone Instructor and now teaches both Career Capstone and Introduction to Psychology online. Originally from Vermont, Sara moved out west to pursue a degree in Marketing at the University of Denver. She then went on to receive a Master’s degree in Couple and Family Counseling from the University of Colorado. She enjoys travelling with her husband, hiking, baking, and spending time with family and friends.
  • Now accepting applications
  • Apply now
  • Admissions

Career Coach

Continue to Career Coach

You are now leaving Johnson & Wales’ (JWU) site and going to a site not operated by us. We are not responsible for the content or availability of any site other than our own.The information provided on the site is provided by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). EMSI has indicated to us the information provided is fair and reasonable. We do not make any representations or warranties, nor do we accept liability or responsibility, as to the accuracy or use of the information.  Additional links may also be provided, including those relating to employment opportunities. 

You are responsible for performing due diligence, such as ensuring the listings are for actual jobs and that your private and personal information are protected, when using or relying on information from any site.

 

Johnson & Wales University
115 Cedar St.
Providence, RI 02903
855.598.1881

© 2020 Johnson & Wales University
Privacy Policy  Nondiscrimination Policy

 

  • Contact Us
  • Accreditation & Approvals
  • Online Student Consumer Information
  • Catalogs
  • Handbooks
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
Back to top