CandidatesInterview Tips

Our Top Tips for your Video Interview

Tess,   16th February 2021

Our Top Tips for your Video Interview

Due to the pandemic, many of our clients took to video interview in order to conduct their interviews. For most of us, this was a brand-new way of interviewing. We were using technology we weren’t familiar with, finding it difficult to communicate in the same way, and unsure of the correct ‘etiquette’ used during video interviews.

A lot of our clients still conduct interviews via video. And almost all of them ask candidates to meet via video for their initial interview (if it’s more than a 1 stage process).

So, we’ve put together our top tips on how to successfully partake in a video interview…

Practise your Video Interview:

Before you actually attend the video interview, have a practise run. The same way you’d run through some potential questions for a face-to-face interview. Record yourself, or ask a family member if they would mind holding a fake interview with you. This way you can see how you look and sound, prior to the actual video interview.

Test the Link Prior to your Video Interview:

It’s important to test the link, PRIOR to your video interview. So many clients have told us that interviewees have been late due to technical issues, which doesn’t give the best first impression – especially if you’re interviewing for a technical job. We’ve found at times that Microsoft Teams doesn’t work immediately after using Zoom, so make sure you do check the link beforehand.

Choose your Location Wisely:

There have been a lot of ‘funny’ stories making the news recently, where inappropriate objects are on show, or silly backgrounds are being used. Make sure you set up your webcam so there is a blank canvas behind you, or an inoffensive piece of art, or a bookcase (with JUST books on it). If you’re borrowing a laptop, make sure the owner doesn’t use silly backgrounds, so you don’t get caught off guard. Also, make sure nobody (human or otherwise), can be a distraction. Make sure you’re in the room alone and that nobody else walks in.

Have your Laptop at the Right Height:

If you don’t have a laptop riser, then to ensure your laptop is at the right height, use some books. A lot of people slouch when they’re working on their laptop, so make sure the camera is eye level to help your posture. Also, you want the laptop to capture your full head and also your shoulders, so place it further back if needs be. The rule of thumb is to have the top of your screen at eye level.

Unmute your Mic and Turn on your Camera Before your Video Interview:

The catchphrase of 2020 for most (working from home) businesses was “you’re on mute”. We cannot stress enough how important it is to make sure your microphone is unmuted and your camera is turned on PRIOR to the interview. Both Zoom and Teams allow you to put your camera on, and unmute your mic, before you go into the meeting.

Look at the Camera:

It’s very tempting to look at your screen during your video interview. This tip will take some practise, but when you talk, look into the camera. This will give the impression you’re looking into the interviewer’s eyes (even though you aren’t).

Let the Interviewer Finish their Sentence:

Interrupting someone when they’re speaking can cause their mic to mute and will come across rude. Video interviews make it harder to know when someone has finished talking, so allow a couple of seconds before you jump in with a response.

Video Interviews: In Conclusion…

So, in conclusion, when attending a video interview, you need to make sure:

  • You’re prepared
  • You’ve practised
  • Your technology works
  • You’ve read this article

Good luck! And if you’d like to practise your video interview skills, then get in touch with your consultant who will be more than happy to arrange a practise interview with you.