8 tips to ace your online job interview

Just like an in-person job interview, an online interview requires preparation. Put all the odds on your side with these best practices. When looking for a job, you may encounter video recruitment: many companies use this format for all or part of their hiring process. Actual gives you 8 tips here to help you properly prepare for an online job interview.

1. Prepare your space

Just as you wouldn't neglect a traditional job interview, a remote interview must be prepared ahead of time! Beyond gathering information about the company, the role, and your interviewer, you'll need to put several best practices into action, starting with the dedicated meeting space! Choose a location suitable for a discussion. Ideally, use an office. Otherwise, opt for a closed, quiet room, far from any source of distraction or disruption.

The environment is also important: choose a simple, tidy backdrop.

Finally, place your computer or mobile phone on a stable surface at eye level, avoid sitting in front of a bright light source (backlighting), and position yourself 50 cm to 1 m from your webcam.

2. Test your equipment

There is nothing more stressful than a microphone that doesn't work or a connection drop right in the middle of a video call! So remember to test your internet connection and equipment (camera, mic, headphones, battery...) well before your interview.

Whether it's Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, or any other software, test the video tool suggested by the recruiter as well. It is important that you know how to join the call, add a contact, share content, and leave the call stress-free. Having a basic understanding of the tool also makes a good impression.

3. Project a professional image

For a video job interview, create a professional profile. Avoid informal or casual usernames, complete your profile with serious information, and choose an inviting yet simple photo (no holiday pictures or photos of your kids!). This is, after all, the first impression you will give your recruiter.

4. Set the stage for a real interview

Granted, interviewing from home often allows you to be more relaxed... but you still need to take it seriously. So, just as you would for an in-person interview on company premises, dress professionally in an outfit that makes you feel confident. And smile!

5. Mind your verbal and non-verbal communication

Similarly, during the video interview, pay attention to your posture, gestures, and language. Look into the camera lens, and don't let yourself get distracted by your own image on screen. Give your interviewer the impression that you are truly face-to-face.

Also be attentive when speaking, so you don't risk interrupting your interviewer or talking over them.

6. Stay positive

Did the video freeze? A problem pops up? Keep in mind that the recruiter might still be online and able to hear you. Stay calm, mention the connection issue, and pick up where you left off. If necessary, suggest using an alternative solution.

7. Share content

A significant advantage of video conferencing is being able to organize your computer to view your notes without looking away from the screen and share content easily! Use the chat window to drop in your CV, links, documents... It's both practical and professional. Just remember to prepare everything in advance so you don't break the flow of the conversation.

8. Wrap up your interview successfully

No handshakes or walking to the exit here... Confirm your interest in the position and ask about the next steps in the hiring process. Finally, thank and greet your interviewer calmly, then leave the call while staying smiling and engaged right to the end!

A common hiring practice, remote job interviews offer many benefits: interviewing from home is comforting, the process is fast, it facilitates sharing documents, and it allows you to demonstrate your adaptability.

Do you have questions about video recruitment or want to prepare for your next assignment? Contact your Actual advisor!

Image credit: © Vitaly Gariev / Pexels