In order to speed up the recruitment process and reduce costs, companies are increasingly moving to digital interviews using Skype or other video conference platforms.

In terms of preparation and performance, digital interviews are no different from face-to-face meetings. The recruiters will be observing your facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and language selection. And remember, they can record it and play it back!

Here are some tips for nailing a digital interview:

• Location – make sure you are in a quiet room, with good lighting, and a plain/clean background.
• Clothing – you still need to dress to impress, and not only the part they are able to see. If you have to stand to change the lighting you do not want to be caught in your pyjama bottoms. Don’t forget shoes!
• Set-up your computer 15 minutes prior to the interview to make sure the internet is working and that you can log-in. If you fail to log-in on time you will seem disorganised and unreliable.
• Back-up plan – sometimes things go wrong, so think about Plan B. Rescheduling wastes their time and can make you look unreliable.
• Test the quality of video and sound.
• Close all websites and documents you have open. If you need to demonstrate your ability via a screen-share you do not want to be caught out on Facebook.
• Turn off your phone, unless they have arranged to call you before the interview, then make sure it is on silent.
• Look straight into the camera when you are talking as though you are giving direct eye contact.
• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Smile, look positive, enthusiastic, and confident.
• Practise being interviewed online with a friend/family member.

Lastly, as usual preparation is crucial:

• Know the company and position you are applying for, as well as the industry trends.
• Practise answering questions you think they might ask, but don’t read the answers from a script.