Did you know that more than 80% of companies in Europe today use online interviews as the main tool for selecting employees? According to global studies, the number of video calls between candidates and employers has nearly tripled over the past five years. Why? Because an online interview saves time, reduces costs and gives companies and applicants flexibility they could only have dreamed of before. Yet I still encounter many candidates and managers who underestimate preparing for a video interview with an employer – needlessly losing opportunities or risking the company’s reputation.
From our experience at COREDO.jobs it follows that the success of an online interview depends not only on technology but also on the ability to present yourself, manage stress and communicate effectively in a digital environment. In this article I therefore offer a comprehensive view on how to prepare for an online interview from the technical, content and psychological perspectives – whether you are an employer, manager, or an applicant from Ukraine who wants to work in the Czech Republic legally and safely.
What is an online interview and why is it important?
Compared to a traditional in-person meeting it brings a number of advantages: it enables faster scheduling, eliminates geographical barriers and streamlines recruitment processes. In COREDO.jobs practice it shows that companies, thanks to online interviews, reduce time to fill a position by up to 40% and at the same time expand the pool of candidates across regions and countries.
The digitization of HR processes brings not only cost savings but also new possibilities for data analysis, automation and scaling recruitment. For example in banking and the pharmaceutical industry, where we implemented extensive projects, the shift to online interviews made it possible to manage large volumes of candidates more efficiently while increasing compliance with internal and regulatory requirements.
Professional preparation is essential for both employers and candidates. While employers need to present corporate culture and values in an online environment, applicants must master self-presentation, technology and nonverbal communication, which is often more demanding over a screen than in real contact.
The shift to online interviews also opens up new opportunities for digitizing and automating HR processes, which is especially significant in highly regulated industries such as banking or pharmaceuticals. Companies thus not only save costs but also shorten the time needed to fill positions by up to 40% and widen the pool of potential applicants across regions and countries.
How to prepare for an online interview technically?
Technical preparation for a video interview is a basic prerequisite for success.
Basic technical requirements:
- Camera and microphone: It is recommended to use an external camera and microphone, which provide higher image and sound quality than built-in options. In the case of job interviews in management or customer service, good sound is often a key evaluation factor.
- Lighting: Proper lighting eliminates shadows and ensures that your face is clearly visible. The most suitable option is daylight from the front or soft artificial light.
- Testing equipment: Before the interview I always recommend testing the microphone, camera and the platforms used (Zoom, Skype, Google Meet). At COREDO.jobs we have confirmed that a simple test with a colleague or family member helps uncover most problems in time.
Stable internet connection:
- For an online interview it’s essential to have a stable connection with sufficient speed. If in doubt I recommend connecting the device by cable instead of Wi‑Fi and closing all unnecessary applications.
- In some cases with clients from the manufacturing sector we set up a backup mobile hotspot as insurance against outages.
Setting up the environment:
- A quiet, representative and ergonomic place for the interview minimizes distractions. From our case studies, for example in laboratories and healthcare, it follows that a clean background and absence of noise significantly increase the chances of success.
- It is recommended to turn off notifications, ensure that no one will disturb you, and have notes or necessary documents at hand.
Managing technical risks:
- It is recommended to prepare a backup device (e.g. a phone with the videoconference app installed) and the contact of the HR person in case of technical complications.
- Experts from COREDO.jobs recommend having a short apology ready in case of an outage and quickly resuming the interrupted interview, which increases your professionalism.
How to succeed in an online interview?
From our observations at COREDO.jobs it follows that candidates who devote enough time to preparation have up to a 50% higher chance of success.
Researching the company and the position:
- It is recommended to study the company’s website, social media and possibly employee reviews. With clients in e-commerce and banking it proved useful to analyze corporate values and current projects, which allows better tailoring of answers.
- It is appropriate to prepare specific questions about company culture, development opportunities or team collaboration.
Preparing answers to common questions and difficult situations:
- At COREDO.jobs we often simulate model situations with candidates (e.g. conflict resolution, stress management, presentation of results), which helps increase confidence during the actual interview.
- It is recommended to prepare brief but specific…examples from practice that demonstrate your abilities and approach to solving problems.
Self-presentation and nonverbal communication:
- In an online environment it is important to speak clearly, maintain eye contact (look into the camera) and use natural gestures.
- Our experience at COREDO.jobs shows that appropriate facial expressions and a smile increase credibility and help establish rapport even through the screen.
Managing stress and nerves:
- Short breathing exercises, visualizing a successful interview, or a short walk before the start are recommended.
- From my experience in the woodworking industry, candidates who prepared a brief script and had the chance to practice a mock interview handled stress significantly better.
- In addition to basic questions about the job duties, I recommend asking about development opportunities, onboarding support, or company values. This shows your motivation and interest in long-term collaboration.
Now that we’ve covered the key aspects of preparing for an online interview, let’s move on to additional strategies that will help you succeed during the interview itself.
Appearance and etiquette during an online interview
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The first impression during a video interview with an employer is as important as during an in-person meeting. At COREDO.jobs we have verified that candidates with a professional appearance and correct etiquette have a significantly higher chance of being invited to the next round.
How to dress for an online interview:
- Clothing should match the company culture. While in banking and law we recommend a formal dress code, in startups or creative agencies it is appropriate to choose smart casual.
- Colors should be neutral, without distracting patterns that could distort the image on camera.
Maintaining a professional appearance:
- A neat hairstyle, subtle make-up and a clean background without personal items are recommended.
- In laboratories and healthcare we have observed that candidates who paid attention to details (e.g. a white coat, if relevant) appeared more credible.
Etiquette and behavior during a video interview:
- Join on time, ideally 5 minutes early, and confirm your attendance.
- During the interview look at the camera, avoid other activities and answer concisely and to the point.
- In case of an unexpected interruption (e.g. background noise) apologize and quickly re-establish contact.
Once you have mastered these elements, you will be ready for a successful online interview and can move on to the next phase of your job-seeking process.
Advanced tips and tools for online interviews
The modern online interview is no longer just about video calls — digital tools and technologies fundamentally change the way companies and candidates present their skills and assess hiring success.
Screen sharing during an online interview:
- In some fields, for example IT, accounting or management, it is advisable to prepare a presentation or a portfolio of work that can be shared directly during the interview.
- Experts at COREDO.jobs recommend testing the screen sharing function in advance and preparing all necessary documents on your desktop.
A representative user profile for online recruitment:
- It is recommended to update your profile on platforms like LinkedIn or on company portals, add a professional photo and a brief description of your experience.
- In the case of online assessment centers used by our clients in the pharmaceutical and financial sectors, a quality profile is often the first step to being invited to an interview.
Modern technologies in HR:
- Artificial intelligence and neural networks today allow analysis of nonverbal communication, sentiment of responses and the candidate’s stress level. In COREDO.jobs practice we tested tools that evaluate response consistency and predict a candidate’s success based on data from previous interviews.
- For employers it is crucial to track performance metrics (e.g., conversion rate, time-to-hire, ROI from online recruitment campaigns) and continuously optimize processes.
Digital marketing and employer branding:
- Using PPC campaigns, social networks and targeted content allows you to reach relevant candidates more effectively and build a positive employer image.
- COREDO.jobs experience shows that companies that invest in digital employer branding have lower turnover and a higher rate of referrals.
How to conduct an online interview as an employer?
A successful online interview is not only about the candidate — preparation and the employer’s approach also play a key role. At COREDO.jobs we have helped companies in mechanical engineering, construction and hospitality optimize processes so they are efficient, scalable and secure.
Preparation and communication with candidates:
- It is advisable to send candidates clear instructions about the platform, the schedule and any technical requirements in advance.
- For multilingual teams we recommend offering the option of interviewing in English or Ukrainian, which significantly increases comfort for candidates from Ukraine.
Training for managers and HR specialists:
- Experts at COREDO.jobs recommend regular training in conducting online interviews, crisis communication and using digital tools (e.g., ATS, AI analyses).
- In management and compliance projects it has proven effective to use structured evaluation forms and digital records, which increase objectivity and transparency of selection.
Risk management and crisis communication:
- It is recommended to have a plan ready for technical outages, including backup contacts and the option to move to another platform.
- For sensitive positions (e.g., healthcare staff, laboratory) it is essential to ensure the protection of personal data and data security in accordance with GDPR.
Scaling and optimization of recruitment processes:
- Digital tools enable quick data analysis, tracking key metrics and adapting processes to the company’s current needs.
- From COREDO.jobs practice it follows that companies that regularly evaluate the ROI of online recruitment tools and optimize campaigns achieve better results.
increased efficiency and lower costs of filling positions.
Summary – key findings about SEO headlines
Online interviews are now standard in recruitment across industries – from engineering through finance to healthcare. Success requires thorough technical preparation, thoughtful self-presentation, and the ability to fully utilize digital tools. COREDO.jobs’ practice confirms that companies and candidates who invest time in preparation and are not afraid of innovation achieve better results, greater stability, and long-term satisfaction.
Modern HR technologies, digital marketing and analytical tools allow you to optimize the entire process and take recruitment to a new level. For further inspiration and concrete solutions in the area of legal employment or training in online recruitment, I offer a consultation with COREDO.jobs experts.
