Introducing etiquette for online interviews! Pass the interview and get a job at a construction company

Hello, this is Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).

Online interviews require different etiquette than face-to-face interviews with people from the company.
There are also some things you will need and should prepare for an online interview.

By preparing in advance, you will be able to attend the interview with confidence, so please use this as a reference.

What is an online interview? Learn the differences between an online interview and a face-to-face interview

An online interview is an interview conducted over the internet.
Use a computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.

In a face-to-face interview, you go to the company you want to work for and have the interview, but in an online interview, you can have the interview from home.

Even for online interviews, many people wear suits.

However, if you are interviewing at a construction company, it is okay to wear clothes other than a suit.
It is best to wear clean clothes that are free of stains and wrinkles, such as shirts with collars.
In the construction industry, some people wear work clothes.

I don't wear sleeveless clothing, like tank tops.
Remove sunglasses and hats as well.

Things to prepare before starting your online interview

Before your online interview, there are some preparations you need to make.

Preparation #1: Find a place to take the interview

Decide where you will have your interview.

The conditions are a location with internet access and quiet surroundings.
Many people take the test at home.

Places like stores, outside, and in the car can be so noisy that you can't hear what the other person is saying.
Sometimes it's hard for others to hear your voice.

Preparation 2: Prepare the tools you need for the interview

Online interviews will be conducted using tools such as Skype, Zoom, or Google Meet (Hangouts).
Place the tools specified by the company into the computer or other machine you will use for the interview.

Preparation #3: Set up the tools you will use for the interview

Some tools used for online interviews may require you to create an account.
Make sure to create it the day before.

The name and photo you register in the tool you use for the interview will be displayed to the other person during the interview.
When you use a tool for the first time, give it a name so that others can easily recognize it.

If it's a tool you've used before, make sure the name you registered is easy to understand.

Preparation #4: Keep the interview area clean and bright

When you're in an interview, everything around you and behind you will be displayed on the screen.

When you come to the interview, keep your surroundings neat and tidy.
When done in front of a plain white wall, it looks nice and neat.

Your face may appear dark on screen, so try to sit near a window for the interview or turn on the lights to brighten the room.
It's also a good idea to have a small lamp on your desk.

Step 5: Try out the tool

To avoid feeling rushed during your online interview, try out the tools you will use the day before.

Please check how easily you can hear others and where you place your computer or smartphone (cell phone).

If you have difficulty hearing your own voice or the other person's voice, it's a good idea to prepare earphones.
Adjust your computer or smartphone camera so that it is at eye level.

Preparation 6: Set the device so that no other sounds are heard

When taking an online interview using a computer or smartphone, make sure to set it so that app notifications and phone calls are not silent.
Smartphones (cell phones) also make a loud noise when vibrating, so set them to silent.

Preparation #7: Keep your resume and other documents nearby

Keep all necessary documents close by so that you can quickly refer to them during the interview.
It is also useful to bring along writing utensils (notebook and pen) so you can take notes.

Preparation 8. Keep the charger plugged in

It's a good idea to keep your device plugged in to avoid it running out of charge during your online interview.
Keep your wireless earphones charged even when you use them.

What is the etiquette for online interviews? Here's the process

Here is the procedure for the online interview.

1. Log in to the tool before the start time

Please log in (enter the room) 3 to 5 minutes before the online interview begins.
If your company has specified a time, log in at that time.
Make sure it's not muted.

2. Introduce yourself

Once the online interview begins, someone from the company will often ask you to introduce yourself.
Tell us your name, age, work experience, etc.

3. Log out after the interview

Once the interview is over, follow the instructions of the company staff to log out (exit).
Before logging out, say "Thank you for today."

Important points to remember when taking an online interview

In an online interview, you can make a good impression by paying attention to how you speak and where you look.

Point 1: Volume and speed of voice

Speak loudly.
It is especially important to be cheerful when interviewing at a construction company.

During an online interview, your voice may be heard slightly delayed, so try to speak slowly.
It is also a good idea to speak loudly and clearly when introducing yourself and when saying goodbye.

Point 2: Where to sit and eye level

Sit so that your shoulders are just above the screen, neither too far nor too close.

If you place a computer or smartphone on a desk and look at it from above, your face will look scary.

Point 3: Communicate your thoughts clearly

You don't need to worry about making mistakes in Japanese, so just make sure to clearly communicate what you want to ask and your thoughts.
Be proactive in communicating what you want to work hard at and what you're good at.

Rather than worrying about etiquette, it is important to convey your feelings that "I want to work in Japan!" and "I want to do my best at this company!"

What should I pay attention to when taking an online interview?

Online interviews involve the use of machines, which can sometimes cause problems.
Here are some precautions you can take before your online interview.

1. Keep tools on multiple machines

If you have several devices that you can use for online interviews, such as a computer and a smartphone (cell phone), download the tools onto the other devices as well.

If your computer doesn't connect, you can use another device, such as your smartphone.

2. Check the contact information of people at your company

With online interviews, problems can arise, such as a lack of internet connection or the tools not working.

Know who to contact if a problem occurs.
It is a good idea to have the number of the company where you will be interviewing and the number of the person interviewing you ready.

3. Look up and speak cheerfully

It's okay if you're not confident in your Japanese or can't speak it well.
It's okay to look at your notes, but make sure to keep your head up and speak cheerfully.

For more information on etiquette for face-to-face interviews in Japan, please see "Japanese Interview Etiquette! Important Points for Working in a Construction Company."
Please read this as well.

Summary: Don't worry too much about etiquette during online interviews!

For an online interview, you often need to prepare a computer, smartphone (cell phone), and a place to take the interview.
Being prepared will help you feel more comfortable during the interview.

The key to an online interview at a construction company is to be cheerful.
It's okay if you can't speak Japanese well, so don't worry about making mistakes and just make sure you express your opinions clearly.