Online Interview

What is an Online Interview?

An online interview is an interview conducted via the internet or video call over spatial distance. It combines the demands of an interview with the particularities of digital technology and environment.

Online Interview in Detail

Online interviews – conducted via video conference tool – have become a firm part of media and communication work. They save time and travel but place their own demands. Besides the classic interview competences (clear key messages, concise answers, handling of questions), the technical and visual setting counts especially here: a stable connection, good sound and image quality, suitable light, a quiet, professional background, and the right camera position (at eye level, gaze into the lens if possible). Challenging are the reduced nonverbal exchange, possible delays, and distraction from your own environment. Those who want to conduct an online interview composedly test the technology in advance, set up the setting deliberately, and concentrate on presence despite distance. Well prepared, the online interview is hardly inferior in impact to a personal conversation – poorly prepared, technical mishaps and an unfavorable setting can overlay the message.

In practice, online interviews save time and travel but place their own demands. Besides the classic interview competences, the technical and visual setting counts especially: a stable connection, good sound and image quality, suitable light, a quiet, professional background, and the right camera position at eye level, with the gaze into the lens if possible. Challenging are the reduced nonverbal exchange, possible delays, and distraction from your own environment. Those who want to appear composed test the technology in advance, set up the setting deliberately, and concentrate on presence despite distance. Well prepared, the online interview is hardly inferior to a personal conversation – poorly prepared, mishaps and an unfavorable setting can overlay the message.

What matters in an Online Interview?

The online interview combines classic interview competences with the demands of digital technology: a stable connection, good image and sound quality, a fitting setting, and presence despite distance. Those who set up technology and environment in advance appear composed.

Online Interview – Examples in Practice

An expert gives an interview via video call to a TV team. A manager sets up light, sound, and background before the online interview. A spokesperson tests the technology in advance to avoid mishaps.

Online Interview: Key Features at a Glance

• Definition: an interview via video call over distance
• In addition: technology, light, sound, background
• Camera: at eye level, gaze into the lens
• Challenge: less nonverbal, delays
• Preparation: test technology, set up the setting

Related Terms

• Interview Setting
• Web Meeting (Web Call)
• Television Interview
• Interview Preparation
• Camera Anxiety (On-Camera Presence)

Would you like to appear professional in an online interview? We support you with our Media Training Print & Online.

Online Interview: Frequently Asked Questions

What is an online interview?

An interview conducted via the internet or video call over spatial distance – with the demands of an interview plus digital technology.

What matters especially in an online interview?

A good technical and visual setting: a stable connection, good sound and image quality, suitable light, a quiet background, and the right camera position.

How do you prepare for an online interview?

By testing the technology in advance, setting up the setting deliberately (light, sound, background, camera at eye level), and concentrating on presence despite distance.

What are typical challenges?

The reduced nonverbal exchange, possible delays, and distraction and technical mishaps that can overlay the message.