6 top tips for video interviews
The coronavirus pandemic altered the expectation for onsite face to face meetings and led to a significant rise in video conference calls, meetings and webinars. The recruitment process has followed this trend and candidates are now expected to provide or attend a ‘video interview’ as the norm.
Why? It’s simple. Companies prefer video interviews as a way of shortening the time it takes to make an appointment, as well as the added benefit of reducing travel costs. Add to this the ease of video interviewing as a means of reducing stress for both sides, and with a recorded interview the benefit of being able to revisit the content over and over again, it’s clear video interviews are crucial to a modern recruitment process.
Do not underestimate the importance of this type of interview. In the ‘new normal’ we find ourselves in, a video meet could be your main interview, so don’t underestimate the importance of this interaction with a potential employer.
Here are our 6 top tips for video interviewing:
- Be Prepared
You should prepare as you would for an in-person interview and then some. For example:
- Do you know the interviewers’ names and job titles?
- Do you know how they will be contacting you, for example, skype, WhatsApp or another video meeting software provider?
- Make yourself familiar with the software instructions.
- Do you have a stable and strong internet connection?
Finally, practice, practice, practice. The Glen Callum team can help, but make sure you practice and ask family and friends to run through the interview questions with you in a video interview setting.
2. The Questions
“Tell me about yourself” – An interview opening classic.
If you’ve been to an interview before then you may be aware of the usual interview questions, but here they are again for your convenience.
You need to be able to master questions about:
- Your previous career history.
- Reasons for leaving previous employers.
- Any gaps on your CV.
- Your skills and experience.
- Qualifications and Educations.
- What you have found out about the company? (have you done your research?)
- Why do you want this role?
- What makes you the right candidate?
Bonus tip: Write notes on cue cards or a thick paper to avoid any loud shuffling!
3. Connection
Is your internet connection strong? Find somewhere with good signal; you don’t want the video to freeze while the interviewers are asking a question or while you are giving your answers.
4. Equipment
Is your equipment up to date? Is it capable of running the latest versions of the software needed? Will you be using a laptop or a mobile phone? If you are using a mobile phone, use a stand so you are free to use your hands while speaking.
5.Avoid a cluttered backdrop
Make sure you are somewhere quiet and free from distractions. If you can find a blank wall to sit in front of, this will help the interviewer to focus only on you. If it’s not possible to sit in front of a wall then at least make sure that any areas or surfaces in shot are clear and tidy.
Dress as you would to attend a face-to-face interview, professionally ‘suited and booted’ for the role.
6. Positivity shines through
The video interviewing process is still daunting for many of us and so it’s important you make good eye contact and listen to what’s being said. Speak clearly and don’t be afraid to take a second once the interviewer has finished their question before delivering your answer.
Following these tips, you will be well on your way to making a fantastic first digital impression on your potential employers.
Want to know more? Glen Callum has a wealth of experience in international recruitment so we are well placed to assist you in your remote recruitment activity. If you have any further questions or want to know more about offering video interviews as part of your recruitment process, call our expert recruitment team on 01384 4858274.