At the start of 2021, online interviews represent nearly 40% of interviews, national or international. Practical and less expensive, companies have learned to face new technologies and to use them to recruit and evaluate their future employees, especially in times of health crisis.
However, if these interviews take place for the candidate directly from their home, it should not be forgotten that this is a real interview. There is therefore a series of rules to follow, whether before, during or at the end of it.
1- Checking the equipment
2- Storage of visible space
3- Verbal and non-verbal communication
4- Self-control and control
5- Content sharing
6- Conclusion of the interview
1- Checking the equipment
Indeed, it is hardly imaginable to wait until the last moment to realize that something is not working: camera, microphone, speakers, etc. Everything must be functional and it should be noted that a proper verification before the fateful hour ensures a dose of less stress for the candidate.
2- Storage of visible space
The arrangement of the space visible to the recruiter in the room is also something to consider. Online interviews may seem more flexible and less stressful at first glance, but recruiters can keep an eye on and easily note every detail. There should not be too many bazaars and in the same vein, the outfit of the candidate must be impeccable. This is a real interview, even if it takes place at home, so it is about optimizing your chances by acting as if you had to move.
3- Verbal and non-verbal communication
During the interview, attention should also be paid to verbal and non-verbal communication. Even if the latter seems less obvious, since the recruiter can only perceive the upper body, certain gestures are not mistaken and the candidate should not forget that recruiters are now trained for this type of online spotting. It is best to train with a relative or a friend before the scheduled date on the same medium to be as comfortable as possible.
4- Self-control and control
During the interview, it is not excluded that a material problem arises, it is the right time to show that we are showing composure and control. It's about staying positive, not to get carried away. Remember that if the candidate can no longer hear and see nothing on their screen, this may not be the case with the recruiter. Great vigilance is required. This allows, among other things, to convey a professional image and shows the candidate's ease in dealing with stressful or unexpected situations.
During an online interview and depending on the medium used, the candidate should not hesitate to share content with the recruiter. Resume, cover letter or other documents, which will show their ease with new technologies on the one hand, but which are also practical so that the recruiter has everything they need in front of them during the interview.
6- Conclusion of the interview
The end of the interview is also something to be worked on. It usually lasts less and is less manageable than during a physical encounter, but it should not be overlooked. Acknowledgments, a smile, an invitation to remain at the recruiter's disposal, all of this must be specified in a brief, but warm and dynamic manner.