Online Job Interview via Video Chat - Best Practices

Here's a list of best practices to help you prepare for an online job interview via video chat, ensuring you come across as confident, professional, and well-prepared:

🎥 1. Test Your Tech in Advance

• Check your webcam and mic: Ensure they work properly and clearly. Use built-in apps or Zoom/Google Meet test rooms.
• Internet connection: A wired connection is best; if on WiFi, make sure it’s stable.
• Backup plan: For an actual interview with the company (following after Niky AI’s interview in the case that you are invited to move forward), have a phone or alternate device ready in case your main setup fails.

🪑 2. Set Up a Clean, Professional Background

• Use a neutral background free of clutter or distractions.
• Avoid virtual backgrounds unless they look realistic and don't glitch.
• Ensure good lighting (natural light or a lamp behind your webcam so the light is illuminating you would be ideal). Don’t sit in front of a brightly lit window or you will be very hard to see.

🧍 3. Dress Professionally (Head to Toe)

• Dress as if you’re attending an in-person interview - even if they’ll mostly see your upper half.
• It helps mentally shift into a professional mindset.
• Avoid loud patterns or logos that can be distracting on camera.

🗣️ 4. Practice Speaking Clearly and Naturally

• Do a mock interview with Niky AI! You can also practice on video with a friend or record yourself answering common questions.
• Try to avoid filler words like "uh" or "like" and maintain a steady pace. Practice will help you a lot to be more confident, concise and convincing in your interview
• Make "eye contact" by looking at the camera, not your own image.

📄 5. Know the Role and Company Cold

• Review the job description, company website, and recent news or press releases. Review salary ranges and have a clear idea of your expectations and room to negotiate. Having a secondary job offer present at that point can help you a lot in salary negotiations.
• Prepare tailored examples of your experience that align with the company’s needs.
• Have a few good questions ready to ask them at the end. Here is a killer question that puts the company in a mindset of already having hired you: “If you hired me right now, what would be my first tasks on day one?”

📋 6. Keep Key Notes Nearby (But Use Sparingly)

• It’s okay to have a cheat sheet - just don’t read from it. You can have a few sticky notes near your webcam for subtle glances, but don’t overdo it.
• Highlight key points like accomplishments, numbers, or questions.
• Don’t use cheat tools like AI speech-to-text. Companies get increasingly good at detecting this, and always remember that if you have to cheat to land your job, you most assuredly will not keep it for very long. If you don’t have certain skills or expertise, the company will notice that very quickly - and then you're back to square 1.

📵 7. Eliminate Distractions

• Silence your phone and close all unrelated apps/tabs.
• Let others in your space know you’ll be in a meeting - use a "Do Not Disturb" sign if needed.
• Turn off on-screen notifications (Slack, emails, etc.).

🧘 8. Mind Your Body Language

• Sit up straight, lean in slightly, and smile when appropriate.
• Nod occasionally to show engagement.
• Avoid fidgeting or swaying - it can be more distracting on video.

🕰️ 9. Be Punctual and Log In Early

• Join the call 5-10 minutes early to handle any unexpected issues.
• Take that time to check your camera angle, lighting, and audio again.

💬 10. Follow Up Afterward

• Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
• Reiterate your enthusiasm and mention a specific part of the interview you appreciated.

These are our best practices for online video interviews. Best of luck, and go land that dream job!