How to Prepare for Your Digital Interview

Going through an online job interview for the first time can be scary- you may be wondering what questions you may encounter, or what tips can help you succeed.

We get lots of visitors coming to HireVue's website looking for interview questions to prepare with, or wanting tips to maximize their chance of getting a call back. Here's what you need to know about digital interviewing.

You may be wondering, "What kind of interview questions should I expect?"

Each employer determines their own interview questions so that they get the most out of the software-- after all, it wouldn't make sense for a potential marketing director to be answering questions more suited to technical interviews. The questions are completely customizable based on what position the company is hiring for, but it also means that every candidate gets asked the exact same interview questions.

This is great news for you as an interviewee. A digital interview platform will level the playing field between you and the other candidates, since it means everyone will be evaluated on the exact same criteria. So what can you do to give yourself an advantage? Here are a few tried and true HireVue interview tips.

1. Do your homework

Know what's on the internet about both you and the company. Just because the interview is digital doesn't mean you can't prepare. Delve in to the employer's website and read, read, read. Then, go check out Google News for any press releases they've pushed out recently. Know what's going on with their company and with the industry. Once you've done that, put together a list of questions that you would like to ask the company at the end of the interview. Here are some of our favorites.

2. Practice and prepare

Think of your digital job interview like a performance. You can read all the written materials you want beforehand, but you won't really succeed unless you've practiced. Know how to decode common interview questions, be ready to answer tough questions, and have a method in place for making sure you fully answer every question that's asked of you. Practice in front of a web camera or a mirror-- focus especially on exaggerating your facial expressions. It may feel funny and artificial, but it'll be easier for the recruiters to see your reactions on camera, which in turn will help you present your best self.

3. Keep calm

Treat your digital interview like an in-person event. What does this mean? Make sure you have a clean and tidy appearance, and that you keep your body language positive. Pick a clean, distraction-free area to do your interview-- the last thing a potential employer wants to see is a pile of dirty clothes in the background! If you can position yourself with your back against a flat-colored wall, this will also help you present your best version of yourself. It may feel strange to do so, but keep eye contact on the web camera, and smile.

When you're interviewing, make sure you avoid committing interview faux-pas, as you won't have a chance to re-record. Be ready to sell yourself as a candidate, especially how your skills fit the company's needs, and what you can do to contribute to their bottom line. If you follow these three steps, your HireVue interview should be painless and fun, and your interviewers will appreciate that you've prepared enough to put your best foot forward.

Good luck!