How to succeed in an online interview

A few tips to get you started

Don't forget to find out what time and on what platform the interview will take place. Some recruiters prefer Google Meets, others Teams or Skype. Make sure in advance that the platform works on your computer or if you do not need to install anything onto your computer.

If you have an interview with a recruiter in another country, specify the time zone according to which you are arranging the interview due to a time shift.

Types of online interviews

Video calls

The most common form of online interviews are video calls. This is a standard real-time video call between a candidate and a recruiter. It will save you unnecessary travel and you have more time to prepare.

Video recording

Another method of online interviews is a video recording or video questionnaire, where you answer the questions asked by the interviewer. This type of interview will allow you to prepare properly for the questions and think carefully about your answers. Don't forget to turn on the camera so that the recruiter can see you.

Preparing for the video is easy. The interviewer will send you a list of questions to answer in the video, as well as a deadline for sending everything to the recruiter for review. 

How to prepare for an online interview

The online environment often puts us at risk of children running into our room, dropping out the internet, or having broken headphones. That is why we have prepared some tips for you on how to avoid these oversights.

Test your technical equipment

Make sure the device you are interviewing on is fully functional and does not run out of discharge or overheat. Also pay attention to the internet connection. Make sure your wifi or mobile data lasts throughout the interview. Ask a friend or acquaintance to call you before the interview and test that both the camera and the sound are working properly for you.

Practice

Think about what questions the recruiter might be asking you, and try to answer them in advance. This will ensure that no question is a catch for you and you will always be ready to answer immediately without unnecessary hesitation. Pay attention to speed and intelligibility. Nervousness means that you try to have the interview behind you soon and it is not easy for them to understand if you sputter or stutter.

Frequently asked questions at the interview:

• Tell me something about yourself.
• What attracted you to this position and why?
• Tell me about your greatest professional success.
• What are the parameters of your ideal job?
• What will you do first when you take up this position?
• Why should we choose you?
• Where do you see your room for improvement?
• What salary do you expect?

The question "Do you want to ask something?" will certainly be asked during the interview. Therefore, prepare at least 2 to 3 questions to ask during the interview. You can learn more about the company and the work you will do.

Examples of good questions from your side:

• What tasks should I solve first?
• What do I need to know or have to succeed in this position?
• What do you enjoy most about working in a company?
• Tell me about the team I will be working on.
• What does a typical working day look like in this position?

Suitable place for an interview

Choose a quiet place where no one will disturb you. Adjust the background behind you to make it look neutral. Avoid wild wallpapers or posters behind you. On some platforms, it is also possible to set a background that looks decent and professional.

Dress formally 

Even during an online interview, dress as if you were going for an offline interview. Wear something conservative and formal. You won't spoil anything by looking at your potential employer's site for more information on the company's dress code.

Ladies will certainly not be spoiled by an elegant blouse with a bag and men's ironed shirts, even with a tie and jacket. Do not take anything tight, as you will be sitting in front of the computer for a relatively long time. Women can definitely put on make-up if it increases their self-confidence.

Body language

Avoid forceful gestures, rocking on a chair, clicking a pencil, etc. Try to show that you are relaxed and well prepared. Pay maximum attention to the recruiter on the other side of the screen. Don't be distracted by anything around the interview. This will also show that you are calm and are listening carefully.

Be careful! If you wear glasses, you can see the reflection of your screen in them. You can keep your CV open on its part in case you would like to look into it, but avoid browsing the Internet. In short, just do the interview. 

Thank you

After the interview, we recommend sending an e-mail or a message thanking you for the time the recruiter spent with you. Be patient and give the recruiter time to evaluate the just-completed interview, and if he / she doesn't respond for a long time, it's out of the question to remind yourself decently.

TIP! Also read our blog about how to change work without risk in uncertain times. We wish you good luck in finding a new job.