Even though online job interviews via Skype, Zoom & Co. were already being used to select suitable applicants before the coronavirus pandemic, digitalization is now increasingly replacing the traditional job interview. Meetings are no longer held on site, but virtually. Applicants are sent a link by the company, which they can use to easily take part in the appointment.
The online application interview has some advantages but also disadvantages.
Advantages:
- You have no travel and no travel costs
- You stay in your familiar surroundings
- You are flexible
- You are not tied to your location and can also contact companies that are further away
Disadvantages:
- The virtual environment is more distracting
- Non-verbal signals are omitted
- Technical hurdles can make the conversation more difficult
- You don't get any insight into the company
What do I need to consider?
- Technical pitfalls
If possible, make sure you have a stable internet connection and familiarize yourself in advance with the software via which the call will take place.
- Sound & vision
The right lighting is important so that the other person can see you well. Perhaps you need an additional light source or are more visible if the window blind is a little lower? Test this out before the interview. You should also check the sound before the interview.
- The background
The dishwasher and washing machine can wait until after the call, because you should avoid distracting background noise at all costs. The surroundings that will be visible in the background during the interview should also be tidy and clean. Personal items or photos that you don't want to show can be placed somewhere else in advance.
- 4. your appearance
Even if the interview is taking place from home, you should urgently get out of your tracksuit and put on something appropriate. Concentrate on the other person, make eye contact by looking directly at the camera and always let the other person finish speaking so that you don't end up with a babble of voices and lose important information.
Sources:
https://www.stepstone.at/Karriere-Bewerbungstipps/online-vorstellungsgespraech/
https://de.indeed.com/karriere-guide/vorstellungsgespraech/online-vorstellungsgespraech?aceid=&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5ZSWBhCVARIsALERCvykjHaW7-6-4LnBjPnzIze-jlTQs_R1QACUiEzhaopo0XzMICpIPOwaAhK6EALw_wcB
https://www.avantgarde-experts.de/de/magazin/online-vorstellungsgespraech7
From A for call to Z for zoom: how job interviews are conducted today