Top tips to a great video interview
We are entering a new era and video interviews are no longer restricted to those far away jobs. Now, they are becoming the norm.
It’s our belief that even if Covid-19 is controlled better in the future, employers and recruiters have seen the benefits of conducting interviews online and we don’t see them going away anytime soon.
We do understand that this is new to many people and can be far more intimidating than a face-to-face interview. With the ‘normal’ interview, we have an idea of what to expect but video interviews are new to many so we thought it would be of benefit if we shared our top tips.
- Technology is great until it fails!
Make sure you do your research on the technology the interviewer has chosen to use. Familiarise yourself with it. Use it to call friends and family and make sure your computer has the capability to cope with it. You may need to install or download software. Don’t leave this until the last minute as you may find yourself a little red faced when you show up late and flustered.
- Charge it up
This may seem like a simple tip, but we have seen it happen. If you are using a laptop, tablet or phone, make sure you have enough battery life to host the entire meeting. It will get a little embarrassing if you get cut off mid-sentence.
- Dress to impress
We know things have become a little more casual over the last few months, but interviews are the exception. You should not dress any differently to how you would dress for a face-to-face interview. It’s also worth noting that dressing from the waist up is not an option. Don’t get caught short!
- Limit distractions
We know it’s been difficult to get any peace during lockdown but it’s important that you make sure there are no distractions during an interview. Put yourself in a quiet room with no visual distractions behind you and lock the door. Ask for support to supervise children or pets if necessary. This is a time for quiet so make it happen.
- The early bird catches the worm
Just like you would with a regular interview, make sure you are ready and available when the interviewer logs on. Don’t let them wait to admit you to the meeting. Make sure you are sat upright and smile as they come online.
- Maintain eye contact
This is quite difficult when you’re online but try to look the interviewer in the eye as much as possible by looking at your camera. Try to avoid looking around the room or being distracted by anything. Keep your focus on the person you are talking to.
- Practice makes perfect
With all of these tips, it’s a great idea to practice with a friend or family member. Get them to ask you some questions so you can practice eye contact, the technology etc and you will find yourself far more relaxed when the real interview happens.
- Be thankful
Don’t forget to thank the interviewer for their time and be grateful for the opportunity. Always end the call on a positive note and smile as you leave the meeting.
Ultimately, video interviews are no different to face-to-face interviews; the questions are just the same. But the interview will feel different and more impersonal. However, they are far more time efficient and so practice as much as you can and try to relax.
You’ve got this!