What are the best online job interview tips? Our guide outlines the 6 key things you should not forget if you want to do a great job interview online.
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In times of the coronavirus and an increasing move towards people working from a home office, the classic job interview is disappearing. That is why alternatives such as video interviews are in demand. Here you can find out everything you need to consider during a video interview and how you can also make a good impression via video conference.
There is currently no area of life that is not affected by the effects of the coronavirus. It has also made significant changes in the business world, in HR and recruiting and of course in the application process.
Top 6 online job interview tips
Pay attention to the background
During a video job interview, pay attention to what is being seen in the background. Cupboards and doors should be closed and untidy laundry or leftover food should not be visible.
The light should also be good and, above all, as bright as possible. Daylight is therefore always best. In addition, no uninvited guests such as roommates should wander through the background or burst into the conversation.
Pets such as dogs and cats should also not be seen or heard. A background that is as neutral as possible, such as a white wall or something similar, is therefore suitable.
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Pay attention to clothing
Even if you are at home, you should definitely wear formal clothing for the interview. It is best to dress as it is common in the industry. Attention: Appropriate pants are also necessary! You do not know whether you have to get up briefly or whether you will be fully visible.
Serious name
Perhaps you already have an account on one of the tools used for the video interview. Or you can create a new username for the interview. Either way, you should choose a reputable name. Hotgirl33 or Tomboy17 are not suitable names. We recommend the classic first and last name.
Test beforehand
It is very possible that you will experience an interview for the first time by video. It is therefore advisable to do a test beforehand. Be it with a colleague, a sibling or with the roommate. The main thing is that you have already tested the process and the technology. This is how you can tell whether the sound is understandable and whether the camera is really working. In an emergency, you still have the time to react and you are well prepared.
Eye contact
It will not be possible to look directly into the other person’s eyes, but make sure to look into the camera lens regularly. The other person would like to get to know you and learn something about you. Eye contact exudes security and openness and conveys that you are self-confident. If you need notes for the conversation, make sure that they are visible near the camera, either digitally or in the form of sticking them on the screen. It can make you feel bad or nervous about constantly looking elsewhere. Make sure that other programs and messages on the computer are switched off and that they do not disturb or distract you.
Facial expressions and gesturing
Your posture, facial expressions and gestures are usually also checked during an interview . This is not possible in the same way in a video interview, but it is also important to keep an eye on it. Here, too, it can be an advantage to use your hands as a supportive tool, for example. However, you should keep in mind that fast movements can cause the video to stall very quickly. That means no hectic or fast movements, just short and subtle ones.
No matter which tool you use for the video interview, they usually all work in a similar way. Platforms such as Skype, Jitsie or Commio, to name just a few, are frequently used.
With these tips, nothing should stand in the way of your new job.
