If you’re a newbie to the world of work, have only faced in-person interviews, or are simply looking for your next opportunity, it’s quite likely that a video interview is coming your way.
But while video interviews may be convenient, they’re a double-edged sword. One minute you’re sitting comfortably at home and the next, you’re nervously adjusting your camera angle, hoping your WiFi doesn’t decide to take a vacation mid-call. If you’re keen to prevent common hiccups, you’re in the right place!
Read on for our six key tips on preparing for video interviews and our answers to frequently asked questions.
Key Takeaways
- The only difference between an in-person and video interview is that an in-person interview happens face to face and a video interview happens remotely.
- Make sure your background is tidy, your tech is set up correctly, and any issues have been resolved ahead of time.
- During the interview, sit up straight and maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
What Is a Video Interview?
A video interview is the same as a standard interview for an in-person job, remote role, or internship. The only difference is that it happens remotely via a video link as opposed to on site like a standard interview.
You should prepare for a video interview just like you do for an in-person interview. But you’ll need to take additional steps to ensure your tech is set up and ready to go.
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There are a few different types of video interviews. These include:
- Live video interview. These are the closest to the standard in-person interview format. The only difference is they happen via a live video link or video conferencing tool. Think MS Teams, Zoom, or Skype.
- One-way video interview. One-way video interviews are where candidates record and answer a written or video interview question. This format allows employers to review your responses at their convenience, making it easier for them to sift through candidates.
- Group video interview. Group video interviews are where one interviewer will interview a group of candidates. These are usually used for customer service, hospitality, or retail roles.
- Panel video interview. A panel video interview is where a panel of interviewers interviews one candidate. These are usually used for senior or managerial positions where multiple perspectives from different departments are needed to evaluate the candidate.
When will I complete a video interview?
You might complete a video interview if you’re applying for a remote or international role, or one with a large pool of applicants. Remote job interviews are becoming increasingly popular as they allow hiring managers to connect with candidates from all over the world, saving time and resources. Plus, they give you and the interviewer the flexibility to interview from the comfort of their own home.
6 Video Interview Tips To Help You Stand Out From The Crowd
Follow these six pro tips to ace your next video interview.
1. Limit distractions
This first one’s a biggie—make sure everyone in the house knows you’re doing a video interview. This will prevent friends or family from popping in to say hello or offer a coffee. In addition, pets should be secured in a different room, your cell phone should be on mute, and notifications should be off on your computer.
The goal is to create a calm, focused environment where you can shine without interruptions. You wouldn’t expect to see someone’s pet cat during an in-person interview, right?
2. Do a tech run beforehand
Doing a tech run in advance ensures no surprises pop up during the interview. Test your camera and microphone to make sure they’re working properly, and check your internet connection for any potential hiccups.
If you do identify any issues, try to rectify them in good time. You can use the following solutions to common tech problems:
- Spotty WiFi – Have your cell phone nearby to act as an emergency hotspot if necessary. This option is available through your phone settings under the “mobile hotspot” tab. Also make sure your cell is fully charged and that you have a good signal.
- Poor microphone quality – Purchase a headset with a built-in microphone to act as backup. A headset with a built-in USB connector is less likely to disconnect than a Bluetooth one, so it’s a safer option.
- Poor speaker quality – Using external speakers can make a huge difference in sound clarity. Consider investing in decent external speakers to help you hear everything clearly during the interview.
- Camera issues – Camera issues can usually be resolved by switching the camera off and on again. Alternatively, consider investing in a quality webcam if your built-in camera isn’t cutting it.
- Software glitches – Software glitches can be prevented by ensuring the desktop app you’re using is up to date. Double-check there are no pending updates before the interview. Equally, if the desktop app won’t load, you can try accessing the browser version. Be sure you know how to use both before the interview.
- Misaligned video and audio – Occasionally, the audio may lag behind the video. This can cause you to speak over the interviewer or get thrown off when they respond. If you notice this happening, try leaving the meeting briefly and rejoining to see if that syncs things up.
Finally, ensure you know your login in details for whatever video-interviewing platform you’ll be using to avoid disruptions or a late start to the interview process.
Pro tip: Be sure to take a phone number or alternative contact for the interviewers in case you experience unexpected difficulties. This way, if everything shuts down, you can quickly reach out to them and let them know what’s going on. It shows professionalism and ensures that you’re still on their radar, even if tech decides to throw a curveball.
3. Utilize on-screen tools
Use the benefits of a remote interview to your advantage and make the most of on-screen tools. For example, screen sharing, the chat function, and the ability to share links and resources. This can enhance the interview experience and give you an edge over other candidates. Just make sure you’ve practiced this ahead of time so you can do it smoothly during the interview.
4. Tidy the room
Although the virtual backgrounds offered by video interviewing tools may be tempting, keep things professional by showing a netural space that’s clutter free. This is more professional and keeps the focus on you and what you’re saying.
Also, try to sit in front of a natural light source like a window or sunlamp. Natural light is much more flattering than synthetic light, making you look bright and awake on camera.
5. Be mindful of body language
Body language is all the more important when the interviewer can only see half of your body. So, sit up straight, don’t lean on the table, and try to use hand gestures as you speak. This not only conveys confidence but also makes you appear more engaged in the conversation.
Also, don’t forget to smile and make eye contact (more on this below). Smiling builds rapport and helps create a positive atmosphere. It also shows enthusiasm and friendliness, which can make you and the interviewer feel more at ease.
6. Make eye contact
While it can be tempting to look at the picture of the interviewer on the screen, try to look directly into the camera as you speak. This creates the illusion of eye contact and helps establish a stronger connection. It might feel awkward at first, but it makes a world of difference.
Pro tip: We know staring into a camera to make eye contact feels impersonal and unnatural. To avoid this, place a smiley face sticker by the camera. This trick can help you remember to maintain eye contact while also giving you a visual cue that feels more friendly and engaging.
Final Thoughts
Video interviews are becoming increasingly common in our modern world. They’re convenient and flexible, and offer all the benefits of a face-to-face interview in a more comfortable, remote setting.
While most of the preparation for a video interview is the same as an in-person interview, you’ll need to take a few additional steps. Setting up your tech, having a backup plan, and creating a distraction-free environment are all crucial to ensuring you present your best self.
Overall, treat the video interview just like you would an in-person one— take a deep breath, prepare in advance, and be yourself. Good luck!
