Given the current circumstance, more and more employers are moving to video platforms to screen, interview and on-board new hires. Companies are conducting video interviews for positions that start as soon as next week in a remote capacity and will eventually move on-site once the health crisis is over.
Follow these tips to prepare for your video interviews so that you don’t miss out on job opportunities. For more helpful tips visit LinkedIn.
Types of Video Interviews
On-Demand Interviews
On-demand or pre-recorded interviews mean you’ll be recording your answers to interview questions that will be viewed later by the hiring team.
The employer will give you instructions on how to record your interview answers at your convenience. Record your interview promptly to convey to the recruiter that you are very interested in the position.
You may be sent the questions in advance giving you a chance to prepare and practice your responses, or you may be prompted while recording your interview to answer questions that have been pre-recorded or appear in writing on the screen. There is often a time limit for your answers. Sometimes you’ll be given more than one chance to record your answer.
Live Interviews
Live interviews allow you to talk to the interviewer in real-time. In some cases, you may be meeting and interacting with the entire hiring team.
You’ll connect with the employer via a video conference link such as Zoom or CitrixWebex, or you might receive a call via Skype or Google Hangouts. If you’re using a personal Skype or Google account, be sure to set up a professional username and if necessary, create a new account for your video interviews.
Develop These Habits to Make Your Digital Interview a Standout
The following steps will make you a video interview stand out and help you navigate the hiring process during these times.
Dress professionally, from top to bottom, just like you would for an in-person interview. Avoid bright colors and patterns. Avoid jewelry that makes noise or is visually distracting.
Choose a quiet, private, and well-lit place where you won’t be interrupted by people, pets, or noises.
Too much light or not enough light coming through the windows can make it difficult for the interviewer to see you. Lighting behind you casts shadows.
Your background should be neutral and free from distractions such as a wall of personal photos.
Be sure the camera is positioned so that you are looking up slightly and centered on the screen. Sit so that 10-20% of the screen is above your head. Your eyes should be level with the camera.
Eye contact is especially important. For recorded interviews try to imagine that you are having a live conversation. When answering questions during a live interview look directly at the webcam, not the interviewer on the screen. When listening to the interview you can look back at the screen.
Use your body language to convey enthusiasm and interest. This means good posture with feet planted firmly on the floor and no fidgeting. During live interviews nodding and smiling communicate that you are listening and fully engaged.
Using headphones helps prevent strange echoes, and if your headphones have a microphone on them, that will make it easier to hear you.
Have your resume, a notepad, and a glass of water available for live interviews.
Practice Makes Perfect!
To get used to the technology and the body language of a video interview, do practice video calls with friends or family members. Get their feedback about your body language and eye contact.
Practicing in advance will give you the confidence you need and make all the difference between an ordinary video interview and one that’s outstanding!
