How To Best Prepare for an Online Interview

As the job market evolves, online interviews have become the new norm across various industries, including for tradespeople like electricians. While many might think of virtual interviews as being more suited for corporate or IT jobs, the truth is that more and more companies are using this method to screen all kinds of candidates, including Electricians. 

1. Set Up a Professional Space
First impressions matter, even in a virtual setting. You want to present yourself as organized and professional. Here are some tips to set up your interview space:

• Choose a Quiet Location: Ensure you’re in a quiet area where you won’t be disturbed by background noise or interruptions. Let your family or roommates know that you need some quiet time for your interview.
• Neutral Background: Find a plain wall or a neat, uncluttered background. A clutter-free environment gives the impression that you are organized and pay attention to detail.
• Good Lighting: Make sure your face is well-lit. Natural light is the best, but if that’s not possible, use a lamp. Position the light source in front of you, not behind, to avoid shadows.
• Proper Seating: Sit on a chair that supports good posture. This will help you stay attentive and look engaged during the interview.
• Your van: if you don’t have any alternative most people will understand if you have to be in your van.

2. Dress Professionally
We advise wearing what you normally wear in your current job. Current uniform is fine if that is what your normally wear. We recommend that you have clean gear on as the interviewer will want to see that you will represent their company when you start work for them.

3. Check Your Technology
Before the interview, ensure all your equipment is working properly. Your mobile phone is fine as long as it has a reasonable camera and plenty of battery available. The last thing you want is to struggle with technical issues. Here’s a quick checklist:
Internet Connection: Test your internet speed. If you have a weak connection, consider using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for better stability.
Camera and Microphone: Test your camera and microphone. Make sure you can be seen and heard clearly. Adjust the camera to eye level so that you’re not looking up or down during the interview.
Software: Download the required video conferencing software (like Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams) ahead of time. Familiarize yourself with its basic functions, such as muting/unmuting, turning the camera on/off, and sharing your screen.

4. Research the Company
Just like with any other job interview, it’s crucial to research the company before your online interview. Understand what the company does, its values, recent projects, and who its clients are. This will allow you to tailor your answers to show that you’re not only a good fit technically but also culturally.

• Visit the Company’s Website: Look for a “Careers” or “About Us” section to learn more about the company’s mission, vision, and work culture.
• Check Recent News: Find out if the company has been in the news recently. Any recent awards, partnerships, or expansions can be great talking points.
• Social Media: Follow the company on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter to stay updated on their latest activities.

5. Prepare for Common Questions
Most employers would prefer that you check the answer when on the job rather than guess so it is fine to have manuals with you or to say that you would check. If in doubt let them know what you think but you would check to make sure you are right and safe.
Just because it’s a technical field doesn’t mean you won’t get asked behavioural or situational questions. Be prepared to answer questions about your experience, skills, and how you handle specific scenarios. Some common questions might include:

• “Tell me about your experience as an Electrician.” Have a concise summary ready that outlines your key skills, years of experience, and the types of projects you’ve worked on.
• “How do you handle difficult clients?” Provide a real-life example that shows your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain professionalism.
• “Describe a challenging electrical issue you encountered and how you resolved it.” This question is designed to test your technical skills and your critical thinking ability. Be specific about the problem, the steps you took to resolve it, and the outcome.
• “How do you stay updated with the latest electrical codes and safety standards?” Mention any certifications, courses, or continuous learning practices you follow.

6. Prepare Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Asking questions shows that you are genuinely interested in the position and the company. It also gives you a better understanding of the job role and company culture. Here are some questions you might consider:

• “What type of projects will I be working on?” This shows your interest in the day-to-day work.
• “What are the most important skills or qualities for someone to succeed in this role?” This helps you understand what the company values.
• “How does the company ensure the safety and well-being of its Electricians on site?” Safety is a crucial aspect of any electrician's job, and this question demonstrates your concern for workplace safety.

7. Have Your Documents Ready
Just because it’s an online interview doesn’t mean you won’t need to reference your documents. Have your CV, certifications, and any other relevant documents on hand, either digitally or printed out. This will allow you to quickly refer to specific details when asked.

8. Practice Makes Perfect
Practice your answers to common questions and your overall interview presence. You can record yourself or practice with a friend or family member. Pay attention to your body language, eye contact (look into the camera, not the screen), and how you articulate your thoughts. Practice will help reduce nervousness and improve your confidence.

9. Follow-Up After the Interview
After your interview, send a follow-up email thanking the interviewer for their time. Mention something specific from the interview that you found interesting or exciting. This shows that you were engaged and are serious about the opportunity. Keep the email short and professional.
If we have arranged your interview we will call you to get your first impressions and give you the feedback from the interviewer when we have it.

10. Stay Calm and Be Yourself
Finally, be yourself. Online interviews can feel impersonal, but remember that the interviewer wants to get to know the real you. Take a deep breath, smile, and let your experience and personality shine through.

Conclusion
Online interviews are becoming more common, even for trades like electricians. By preparing thoroughly, you can make a great impression and improve your chances of landing the job. Remember to set up a professional space, check your technology, research the company, and practice your responses. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to acing your online interview and taking the next step in your career as an electrician. Good luck!