By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
What if your next job interview was a video interview instead of a traditional one? How well do you think you’d do?
Video interviews are increasingly common.Companies are using them to conduct interviews and engage with candidates.
If you’re looking for work, you’ll almost certainly have to do one of your interviews through video, therefore it’s critical that you understand how to conduct an effective video interview, beginning with the preparation. This article will provide you with some helpful hints for preparing for one.
What Is A Video Interview And How Does It Work?
As described, a video interview is a job interview performed by video using tools such as Zoom Skype, Google Meet or Teams.
Remember that a video interview differs from a traditional phone interview.
The Different Types Of Video Interviews
As a job seeker, you will most likely encounter two types of video interviews.
Because you rarely know which format your interview will be in, it’s critical that you become familiar with both.
A: Video Interview in Real-Time
A live video interview is similar to an in-person interview, with the exception that the interviewer asks you questions through video call in real time, and you respond.
You may conduct a live video interview using programs you’re already acquainted with, such as Zoom, Skype, Meet, Teams or FaceTime. They can also be done using business software like Spark Hire or HireVue, which offers tracking capabilities for companies.
B: Video Interview (Pre-Recorded)
You don’t talk to anyone or answer questions in real-time during a pre-recorded video interview. Instead, you’ll be asked a series of questions on the screen and will be asked to respond by video.
The questions can be supplied as text, audio, or video for pre-recorded video interviews. You can respond straight away, within a specified time range, or within half an hour, depending on how it’s set up.
Because you won’t get any comments or acknowledgment as you would in a live video interview, it’s critical that you prepare for this type of video interview.
12 Crucial Points To Consider When Preparing For A Video Interview
Video interviews are clearly important in determining whether or not you will be hired for a job. You don’t want to take it for granted just because it isn’t conducted at the office.
You should warm up for a video interview in the same way you would for an in-person interview; in fact, you should take extra care to ensure the interview runs smoothly.
These are the most important things to remember when preparing for a video interview:
- Keep an eye on your tech.
Because your video interview is so reliant on technology, the last thing you want is for it to fail halfway through or even prevent you from starting.
Double-check your tech a day or two before your interview as a precaution, and give it another once-over on the day of the interview.
Among the things you can review are:
Checking Your Internet Speed – Changing from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection will help you get faster internet. If you will be using Wi-Fi, ask others in your household not to be streaming at that time. Your connection may become unstable and affect the flow of the conversation
Fully Charge Your Device – Whatever device you’re using for the interview, make sure it’s fully charged or at the very least hooked into a power source while you’re doing it. You don’t want it to turn off in the middle.
Check Your Camera – Your camera should be in good working order. You may need to acquire a webcam if the one on your laptop isn’t clear. You don’t want to look fuzzy on camera.
Do A Mock Interview With The App- If you’re going to have the interview utilizing a video call app, it’s a good idea to practice with it first. Make a video call with a friend.
- Select an image for your professional profile.
Any profile photo you use for the video call app should be professional and portray you in a professional light. This is the time to delete photos from Facebook, Instagram or elsewhere that show you into casual a light.
- Prepare ahead of time for any questions that may arise.
Before your interview, you must prepare responses to the most typical interview questions you will be asked. Understand the questions and give a response that doesn’t make you appear scripted or generic.
Simultaneously, prepare the questions you want to ask the interviewer and research the firm to uncover potential inquiry areas.
Order the video course, “The Ultimate Job Interview Framework” to help you prepare.
- Do Not Arrive Late
Because video interviews are as important as in-person interviews, you must do them with the same level of professionalism and formality. Be on time (or a minute or two early) for a video interview.
- Make Certain You Won’t Be Bothered
Set your phone on vibrate and turn off email alert tones that might distract you.
If you are not alone at home, remind everyone to keep the noise down while you are doing the video interview.
- Have a contingency plan
You may have prepared for the interview, but even if you’ve double-checked everything, your tech can let you down. As a backup plan, you can connect to another Wi-Fi network, have another way to charge your device, or even use UPS. If you are using your laptop or tablet and unable to connect, keep your phone nearby has an alternate. The reverse is also true.
- Select the Appropriate Room Configuration
Establish a professional environment for yourself, which the interviewer will observe when they video call you.
When choosing a room, make sure it’s private, peaceful, well-lit, and clear of clutter. Sit across from an open window, not in front of it, for the optimum lighting. When you stand in front of a window, it creates a shadow on your face, making it difficult for the interviewer to see you clearly. If necessary, order a ring light to create additional lighting on your face. If you wear glasses, do not point to light directly at you. Instead, pointed toward the side or in such a way that the light bounces off the wall onto your face.
- Dress well.
A video interview conducted from the comfort of your own home is not an invitation to dress casually. Dress professionally.
Solid-colored shirts are preferred over checkered or stripes, as they are distracting on camera.
- Be Aware of Your Body Language
Check to see if your body language is communicating the proper messages to the employer. Maintain eye contact at all times, and make sure your camera is at eye level so you’re not looking down or up at the interviewer.
Respond to questions with a nod and a grin, rather than sitting with a stubborn or extremely serious look on your face. You’d like the interviewer to be aware that they’re speaking to a real person. Look cheerful! Few people want to hire someone he was looks grumpy
Don’t rely on notes as a crutch.
It’s fine to think about your answers ahead of time and even write down your questions on a piece of paper. However, you should not refer to your notes whenever you need to say something. In doing so, use a sticky note or with note that you hate to the left or right of the camera on your laptop. No one will be able to see it and it gives you a chance to take a peek to remind you of something.
- Only say what you want recorded.
Because the interviewer may share your interview with other members of the organization so that they can compare you to other candidates, video interviews are often recorded and replayed.
To that end, only say things in the interview that you are comfortable being recorded saying.
- Create a favorable first impression
Because the interviewer will be able to see you face to face, you need to project a friendly demeanor in order to create a connection to them during the video interview. The goal is to make a good initial impression and leave a lasting impression.
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter is a career and leadership coach who worked as a recruiter for more than 40 years. He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with more than 2100 episodes. He also hosts Job Search TV on YouTube, Amazon and Roku, as well as on BingeNetworks.tv for Apple TV and 90+ smartsets.
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