The Digital Interview

The digital interview is now becoming a standard part of the interview process.

Watch this video to find out more:

There are two common types of digital interview:

• A ‘live’ interview carried out by an interviewer or an interview panel
• A ‘pre-recorded’ interview where you answer pre-recorded questions. There may be a time limit.

Common platforms for digital interviews are Microsoft Teams, Skype and Zoom.

Before the Interview

Consider:

• Find a quiet, distraction-free location where you won’t be disturbed
• Check the lighting. You need to be seen clearly
• Make sure the location is tidy. Use a neutral, uncluttered background with no inappropriate posters.

• Test the technology before the interview
• Make sure the picture is clear and the sound quality is good
• Check you know how to use the webcam, the computer and can turn your mic and video on and off
• Have a practice digital interview beforehand. One way to do this is to visit https://young-professionals.uk/. This has a facility to carry out a practice interview. These aren’t recorded or saved. You can play it back to see how you look and sound and to check how the location looks.

• Make sure everything is charged and plugged in
• Dress as you would for a traditional interview
• Turn off your mobile before the interview
• Let other people in the house know your interview is starting
• Shut the door so you are in relative silence
• Put the dog in another room
• Open up the platform you are using for the interview a few minutes early
• Don’t sit too close or too far from the computer

• If there are technical issues with sound or vision, say so
• Make eye contact, nod and smile to show you are actively engaged in the interview – but don’t overdo it
• Sit up straight
• Speak clearly, at a reasonable pace
• Don’t interrupt the interviewer
• If you have notes on your desk, (such as your CV and the Job Description) look at them sparingly – you don’t want to seem distracted