There are more and more online interviews at companies since COVID... we can see, however, this is not only because of the COVID, but the companies have realized that the first rounds can be organized faster this way and the process is quicker. It's worth paying attention to a few things during such interviews because there were candidates who didn’t get the position because of an online interview – e.g. inappropriate camera settings or "unprofessional" behavior. Because of the above, we decided to help you prepare for the online interview:
Just as with the personal interview, make an appointment so that you can conduct it undisturbed in calm conditions. | |
In order to ease the initial excitement, it is worth trying out the technical device used before the interview. It is worth downloading the used program (e.g. Skype, Teams) in advance if you have not used it before, test the camera and microphone, and make sure that you have a stable Internet connection. | |
Strive for straight posture and professional behavior. Also, for the outfit, you should be elegantly dressed (especially on top), but in our opinion, it should be your whole outfit, because you will take the conversation more seriously. | |
During the interview, it is important to pay attention to the fact that they see you on the other side. It is more fortunate if you look in the camera like you do in an ID photo (face, shoulders only!). Try to avoid a setting where your hands are visible, because if you are nervous and fiddling with it, you can look insecure. | |
Strive for straight posture and professional behavior. Also, for the outfit, you should be elegantly dressed (especially on top), but in our opinion, it should be your whole outfit, because you will take the conversation more seriously. | |
Choose an environment in which you feel comfortable, where you will not be disturbed, but which suggests arranged conditions. As in the case of a personal interview, the appearance is also important here. This applies not only to your appearance, but also to the background that the camera sees behind you. There are wallpapers that can be selected in many programs, so if e.g. an unmade bed would be behind you (or even a made one), choose a wallpaper instead. | |
You are not in the same place (of course), so the conversation may get a little stuck, the sound switches more slowly from one device to the other, so try to speak at an appropriate pace and allow the other person to have a chance to react. If there is a problem with the Internet/device, don't panic, communicate to the other party that something went wrong with the system. If you don’t hear each other, just write a message to them, through the online system. | |
It is worth designing your screen/window in such a way that you can look into the camera during a conversation. Just like in real life: sometimes we look completely into the other's eyes, sometimes we look away a little. Also, try to avoid looking at your own image on the screen. There were cases when candidates checked their e-mails during the interview or looked away too often – these also suggest that you don’t pay attentions to the other party. | |
And your behavior should be professional. One applicant put his head in his hands too often, like he was bored during the interview. The body language goes through here as well. In fact, we think it is even more emphasized because the other person is completely focused on you. | |
The most common mistakes when using a phone as a device are that the mobile is constantly moving in your hand or that only parts of your face is visible. Adjust the mobile phone so that it shows you and your surroundings at the best possible angle. Don’t hold the mobile in your hand. | |
And we think the most important thing is to smile, too. A smile affects not only the other person, but also yourself. Try it! When you smile, there is a different energy level around you. You will have a more positive perception and you will also be in a better mood. |