Interviews can be a nerve-racking experience at the best of times but throw Zoom links and webcams into the mix and you’ll have a bit more planning to do. Don’t let a video interview stop you from being your best self.
Whether you are an experienced veteran of face-to-face interviews or a complete novice, we have some helpful tips and tricks to consider so that you can ace that video interview and show the interviewer what a shining star you really are.
Depending on what technology you have available, there are a few options to choose from when joining your interviewers online. We recommend using a desktop with a webcam, a laptop, or a tablet device when undertaking your interview.
Hint: Try to avoid interviewing on a mobile phone where possible, though this will be fine if you have no alternatives.
A few days before your interview, try testing the tech you’d like to use by making sure any necessary apps are installed, the mic and camera are in working order, and that the device can connect to the internet. You might want to try this with a friend or family member as a test run. Doing this a few days prior to the interview will give you sufficient time to fix any issues or find an alternative.
It’s important to dress for success even though your interview isn’t face-to-face. Dressing smart will make you look professional and put you in a professional mindset, so you feel more prepared to answer the questions coming your way. Try creating a complete outfit from head to toe, to really embrace the experience and avoid accidentally letting your interviewer see the pyjama bottoms you’re wearing with that smart shirt.
When deciding what to wear ask yourself:
Hint: Steer clear of clothes that are too vibrant and flashy or don’t quite sit correctly when you’re sitting down.
When picking a spot to attend your interview, make sure to choose a quiet, well-lit place with a strong internet connection. Where possible, set yourself up against a plain background without distractions. This will help to draw the focus to you and make for a smoother video interview. If you’re using a tablet, ensure it is set up on a stable surface, so you can keep your hands free and camera steady.
Make sure your device is charged or plugged in, so you don’t lose power midway through. Turn any other devices on silent to prevent interruptions and consider leaving a note on your door to inform visitors or other household members that you’d like not to be interrupted.
Be sure to trial run a call with a friend or family member. You’ll want to know that your set up, audio, camera and clothing choice will work well for your interview. This will also give you the opportunity to check that you won’t be entering the call with any backgrounds or add-ons applied to your camera.
This is the same for your screen name and how those interviewing you will see you. Make sure to remove any joke names or inappropriate labels that may have found their way onto your account.
Aim to login and be ready around 5-10 minutes early so you have time to collect yourself before the interview begins. You might want to consider having any useful documents or information close to hand, like your CV, to help ease the pressure.
Consider questions you might be asked in the interview and how you would answer them. Why not read our helpful Tips for Candidates?
If you were attending an interview face-to-face, you would want to keep an open and approachable body language. This also applies to a video interview! You’ll want to sit up straight, shoulders back and head up to show that you are eager and engaged in the discussion in front of you. You’ll find that when it comes to interviewing over webcam, eye contact is slightly more challenging but by looking directly at the webcam and not at the screen, you’ll simulate similar eye contact from the interviewer’s perspective as if you were talking in person.
Show your passion and confidence by speaking loudly and clearly so the interviewer can hear you and your mic doesn’t drop. This will help to make you stand out more among other candidates as you’ll appear more capable and leave a lasting impression.
Once you have been asked a question, try taking a short moment to think about your answer and then respond. This will accommodate for any delay in the video call and offer extra time if the interviewer wants to elaborate on their question, so you don’t end up speaking over each other.
Much like an in-person interview, it’s important to express your thanks for their consideration and the opportunity to meet for the interview. It is important to remember to do this as it will help to strengthen the rapport between the hiring manager and yourself. You should also consider sending a follow up email to say thanks again and reiterate a few reasons why you think you are the best fit for the job. Think about something you and the interviewer discussed during the interview to make the email more personal and help yourself to be remembered above other candidates.
Video interviews, whether it be over Zoom, TEAMS, Skype, or Google, require similar etiquette and effort as in-person interviews with a few extra steps. It’s important to check the technology you intend to use is suitable well in advance of the interview date to leave enough time to rectify any issues. Dress well from head to toe and keep good body language and eye contact. Pick a clear quiet spot where you won’t be bothered and make sure to give thanks when winding up the interview.
Follow these steps and you’ll increase your chances of acing that video interview and secure your dream job!