Online interviews are usually done via text chat, which greatly lessens the efficiency of the communication process. While it is true that teleconferencing, the use of both voice and video, is gaining popularity, most online interviews today are only through online chat. Because of this, important factors like the tone of voice, gestures, and other body movements are not relayed to the receiver. Hence, it is important to take the following pointers into account:
First, be careful with word choice. It is very easy for interviewers to misunderstand you, especially when you use words which have a different meaning at the place where they are located, or words that have too many shades of meaning within standard American English. For example, telling a British interviewer that you love “Free Willy” can cause some discomfort on his part. Make sure that you put things in the proper context. In this case, tell him that you love “Free Willy, the movie” to make sure that you are in the same page.
Second, make sure that your internet connection is stable before engaging in conversation. It is to be expected that the interviewer typically doesn’t have a lot of time to wait for you every time you disconnect. Furthermore, this also sends a signal that he cannot fully rely on you because your connection, the most integral facet of your online career, is unstable. Check all cables, power outlets and whatnot, to avoid any untoward incidents during the course of the interview.
Third, it’s a text-based conversation, so correct spelling and grammar is a must. No matter what kind of job you are applying for, spelling and grammar are very important criteria for most employers. With correct spelling and grammar, an employer will get the idea that you are well-educated. This becomes all the more important when your job is related to the literature, like writing, proofreading, and corporate communications.
Although the difference between online interviews and face-to-face interviews is slowly diminishing, the differences mentioned can make or break your online career.
When Joseph is not participating in online interviews, he enjoys working in his gardens. One of his favorite gardening websites is Garden Harvest Supply, which offer folding tomato cages and many other types of vegetable and flower supports.
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