As the online interview becomes increasingly popular throughout the fitness industry, we look at how to prepare and perform during your VoIP meeting by offering 9 interview tips:
- Test your equipment a few hours before the interview by ensuring that your webcam and microphone are working as they should be, and your internet connection is stable.
- Pick the perfect spot by making sure the background is neutral and the lighting good. If possible, place your webcam at eye-level.
- Be early for the interview as this demonstrates your eagerness, efficient timekeeping and will help you lead the conversation (we recommend be ready five minutes before the start and wait in the meeting room — if provided).
- Dress professionally as if you were attending the interview face-to-face. Wear a shirt or blouse and ensure that your hair, make-up and jewellery is presentable.
- Maintain eye contact during the interview as you would in person. This is not as easy as it sounds as you should be looking at the camera, not the person on screen!
- Check your body language before and throughout the meeting (make certain that you’re sitting upright). A quick and easy release is to remove your tongue from the roof of your mouth, relax your jaw and drop your shoulders.
- Take notes during the interview and remain fully engaged in the conversation.
- Ask smart questions at the right moments to challenge your potential employer and to keep the interview structured and focused. Watch how they respond to your questions and listen to the answers carefully.
- Follow up after the interview as you would normally by sending a brief note of gratitude, reconfirm your excitement and include any areas that you promised to follow up on.
If you’re seeking a personal trainer career, we also recommend to record your workout as this can be shared with the follow up note and will almost certainly give the interviewer a more rounded picture of your ability and suitability to the vacancy.
With a little practise, an online interview is an enjoyable experience and relatively similar to the more traditional face-to-face meeting. As always, listen intently to what is being asked and clarify if unsure. Good luck!
