As technologies improve, there are more employers who settle for an online interview. However, because the change in setting may be something new to applicants, a lot of them fail.

To avoid the same scenario, here are some tips:

Complete the requirements.

For an online interview to happen, you need to have a web camera, instant messenger, and a head set. You also need to look for a place where you can communicate with your potential employer undisturbed.

Make sure you have your resume with you, as it will be used during the interview. You can also prepare links of samples or demos that you can show to your interviewer if he or she wishes to see more of your works.

Schedule the best time for an interview.

Normally, it will be the interviewer who is going to set the schedule, but if it is not ideal for you for some reasons, make sure that you can voice out your opinion so both of you can compromise.

Be interview ready at least 30 minutes before the schedule. This means that you should not be doing a project, updating your resume, talking to your other online friends, or checking out websites. Your mind and body should be focused on the interview alone.

Get ahead with the questions.

No one can really tell what questions will be asked of you, but there are those that you can call standards. Interviewers will ask you about your experience, skill, strengths and weaknesses, expectations, and possible contributions to the company. Take time to compose your answers at least a day or two before the actual interview.

Dress to impress.

An online interview is still an interview, which means it is your time to impress your potential boss. Even if you are just going to be seeing each other in a web cam, ensure that you will still look presentable and confident.

Be honest.

If there are questions that you do not understand, request the interviewer to repeat them. If you do not know the answer, be humble enough to admit it. It is a lot better to be sincere with your replies than to come up with something fictional, which you know is so difficult to defend or substantiate later.

Know the company.

Research about the firm you are applying for before the actual interview. Some interviewers are actually tricky. They will ask you about the details you know about the company. You will also be asked on what you can possibly contribute to the organization. To win the interviewer’s heart, align your answer to the vision, mission, and objectives of the firm.

Do not forget to say thanks.

To make sure that your interviewer does not forget you immediately, make a subtle follow-up. You can email him or her, thanking him or her for the time spent on you.