Video interviews are becoming increasingly more popular. From entry level to top management positions, companies from Google to Clarion Hotels are conducting interviews using digital technology. For the employer, benefits of video interviews include reducing time and cost, the flexibility of location and being able to review the session afterwards. For the candidate, it is a great way to connect with a potential employer without travelling and it can be attended anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
It is important to prepare for a video interview at least a week in advance, testing the technology/software and equipment you will need. Here are 5 tips for video interviews that will help you prepare for them and perform well during.
1. Pick a good location
Select a room that can be closed off from any possible distractions and one that has good acoustics. Don’t do the interview from the office of your current employer if you haven’t informed them that you are interviewing for a new job. Similarly, it’s not a good idea to do the interview in a coffee shop or outdoor location due to the risk of background noise. If you pick your bedroom, make sure to have it clean and tidy before the interview and stage it as necessary.
2. Stage the room
Spend some time staging the room you intend to do the video interview in. This involves minimalising the background; removing any unnecessary objects from the sight of the camera. The room should be well lit, if possible by natural lighting. It should also be somewhere that can be closed off from possible interruptions on the day. As mentioned above, the aim is to avoid any possible distractions during the video interview.
3. Equipment check
Make sure to test your camera on whatever device you intend to use, asking a friend to help you do a trial run the week prior. Ensure the audio works correctly, testing your headset or internal/external microphone too. Position the camera at eye-level so that you will be able to make direct eye contact with the other person. Also, record yourself speaking on camera or ask a friend to do so. Doing a trial run will help you feel more at ease on the day of the interview. It can also be useful to test your microphone and determine how near you need to sit for clear audio. You can then review your performance and make any necessary adjustments before the real interview.
4. On the day
On the day of the interview, have any documents you need to hand including your CV or notes you will need. Dress for a video interview in the same way you would for any other. Wear professional interview attire. Be seated at least 10 minutes before your scheduled video interview. Inform others that are in your company that you will need to be uninterrupted for the period scheduled for the interview. Check the equipment one last time including the audio and adjust your seating. Also, do a quick check on your internet speed and if this is an issue you can inform the interviewer before starting.
5. During the interview
During the interview check that the interviewer is receiving your audio clearly and establish if there are any time lag or connectivity issues early on. Be cognizant of your body language. Convey positive body language as much as possible, making good eye contact with the person on screen and smiling throughout. Avoid using hand gestures as they may not be fully visible on screen, even if connectivity isn’t an issue. Speak slowly and clearly into the microphone throughout. Also, pause intermittently to ensure any lagging issues haven’t developed. Finally, similar to any other interview, send a quick, concise thank you email to the interviewer afterwards.