Online job interviews: how to convince in a video call
In Germany the first interview is now often held by video – especially for applications from abroad. The content follows the same rules, but the setup and your presence add new ones.
Many companies run the first round on Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Google Meet. It saves travel and is often the only practical option for international candidates.
At the same time, much of what carries an on-site meeting disappears: the waiting room, the handshake, the sense of the place. Picture, sound, structure and preparation matter all the more.
This article covers preparation step by step, the usual structure and the mistakes that stand out most on video.
Types of online interview
Not every video interview works the same way – clarify the format beforehand:
| Format | How it runs | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Live video interview | real-time conversation with one or more people | as for an on-site interview, plus a tech check |
| Recorded interview | set questions, your answer is recorded | practise answers out loud, watch the time limit |
| Phone screening | short first call, often 15–30 minutes | documents at hand, a quiet place |
| Technical interview with a task | case study, calculation or screen sharing | open and test the programs in advance |
It is fine to ask about length, participants and tool when confirming – that reads as prepared, not pushy.
Technology: test the whole chain once
Check your setup the day before and again shortly before the call – not just the camera, but everything involved.
- install the software, create an account, test the invitation link
- select camera, microphone and speakers in the tool and record a test clip
- use headphones with a microphone – this prevents echo and background noise
- secure a stable connection, ideally wired or close to the router
- turn off notifications and automatic updates
- note the contact's phone number in case the connection drops
- charge the device or keep it plugged in
Picture, light and background
Place the camera at eye level, about an arm's length away. Head and upper body should be visible with little space above your head.
Light works best from the front – a window or lamp behind the screen. Light behind you turns you into a silhouette.
A neutral, tidy real background beats a virtual one. Artificial backgrounds often flicker at the edges.
Dress as you would on site
Dress the way you would appear at the company – fully, not just from the waist up. Avoid fine patterns, they shimmer on camera.
How an online interview runs
The structure mirrors a classic interview but feels more compressed: greeting, company introduction, your self-presentation, technical questions, your questions, next steps.
Join two to three minutes early. Speak slightly slower than usual and pause briefly after answers – otherwise transmission delays cause interruptions.
The typical questions and how to answer them: Interviews: 15 common questions
Place your notes visibly
Put keywords on a sheet beside the camera or in a window directly below it: job title, three strengths with an example each, two questions to ask, your salary expectation.
That keeps your gaze close to the camera instead of drifting sideways.
If you are joining from abroad
Convert the time carefully into your own time zone and confirm it in writing with the time and zone – German companies usually state local German time.
Mention calmly what matters for planning: your availability, the status of any visa or recognition procedure and your German level.
Basics for applying from abroad: Applying from abroad
Recognition of foreign qualifications: Recognition of foreign qualifications
Before/after: handling a technical glitch
Before
The audio drops, you keep talking, repeat „Can you hear me?“ several times and grow visibly nervous.
Problem: time runs on and you lose the thread.
After
„The audio seems to be failing – I will rejoin and be back in a minute.“ Then reconnect the thread: „I was on the question about my project experience.“
Benefit: composed handling, a clear statement, the conversation continues in order.
Common video interview mistakes
- testing the setup only minutes before the call
- camera below eye level, showing the ceiling
- backlight from a window behind you
- a busy or private background
- constantly glancing at a second screen
- reading answers off a sheet
- having no questions for the company
- confirming a time without the time zone
Before the interview: check your documents
Frequently asked questions
How early should I join the call?
Two to three minutes before the agreed time. That leaves a buffer for connection questions without crowding the interviewer.
Am I allowed to use notes?
Yes, keywords are common and sensible. Reading out pre-written answers, however, is noticed immediately.
How should I dress for a video interview?
As you would for an on-site interview in that industry – and fully, since you might unexpectedly need to stand up.
What if the connection drops?
Rejoin immediately and inform your contact by phone or email in parallel. That is why you note the details in advance.
Is a virtual background acceptable?
It is accepted, but a real, quiet background looks more reliable and puts less strain on the connection.
Should I send a thank-you note afterwards?
A short email the same or next day is fine and comes across as attentive, as long as it stays brief.
Read on
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