Get Comfortable with Video Interviews

There’s every chance your next interview will be virtual – so a few basics to get you going.

→ Does Everything Work!

Once you have been sent the link – Zoom, Teams, Google Hangout or whatever – give it a go to see that you can activate it – you might have to download an app or do a little set up. As a fall back in case of poor internet connection, always ask for a phone number for your interviewer and pass your number to them – so you can call each other if there are issues on the day. Decide whether to use your phone, tablet, laptop or PC? Is your Internet able to cope? Zoom a friend to check your equipment works. Close all other tabs, email, apps etc. so you won’t be distracted. Make sure you can easily be heard and can hear.

→ The Background.

Where will you be and what is the person at the other end going to see or hear. Tame the dog, feed the kids, put the washing in another room and try to find quite a boring wall; you want the interviewer to be more interested in you than trying to work out what’s in the background.

→ What Will You Need?

In addition to the technical equipment make sure you have:

→ The Camera Setting

Position the camera so that it’s looking slightly down towards you and you’re centred. Think about the lighting as well – we’re told that lighting that is in front of you is best, this helps to stop your face being shadowed.

→ Sound Quality

Is one of the most important issues – if you lose video connection or your video freezes you can still carry on with good sound, whereas you can’t if you only have video. At the start check that the other party can hear you clearly and do tell them if you can’t hear them clearly, rather than trying to second guess the questions!

→ Dress to Impress!

In the old days it was rumoured that news readers used to wear something smart on top and then jeans/shorts/track pants on the bottom as no one could see it – don’t try this. Go the whole hog and look the part – don’t assume you won’t have to get up to adjust something. Also think what looks best on screen – bright colours, stripes and bold patterns don’t come across well apparently.

→ Body Language.

It’s so important in a face to face interview but we wonder if body language (or lack of) is amplified when completing a video interview. Make sure you have good posture (sit up straight as your school teacher would say) and look into the webcam. Try not to fidget but do nod and smile to show you’ve understood what’s being covered and that you’re interested.

→ The Conversation.

Really it should just be the same as having a face to face interview. Make sure you don’t talk over the interviewer, especially if there is a slight time lag. Be ready to give an overview of your experience, to handle competency based questions, to tell them what you know about the company and position available and have some questions ready.

Sometimes a video interview will be shorter as you don’t have to be checked in at reception, go to the meeting room, be offered a drink or similar so don’t be shocked if it takes 30 -45 minutes, rather than the typical hour. Also you need to build rapport – the ice breakers in the lift or while getting a glass of water are lost so take this into account.

→ Closing the Interview.

Do ask what the next stage will be, thank the interviewer and express your interest in the opportunity! Follow up with a thank you email or call the recruitment consultant who’s managing the position to give them feedback.

→ What if Something Goes Wrong

Sadly technology isn’t always perfect no matter how well you prepare. If you lose connection then give the interviewer a call to explain and hopefully continue the interview on the phone. If the dog rushes in with the cat in its mouth then apologise, save the cat and lock the dog out! Take it in your stride, look professional and calm – you never know it could be what sets you apart from the competition.

Lots of luck and we hope your video interviews are successful!

Please contact us if you have questions or clarifications.