If you're currently in the job market, its only a matter of time before your going to find yourself being asked to participate in a virtual interview. Video chats have become an increasingly normal part of the interview process, especially when working with a recruitment company, who often pre-vets candidates before sending them off to clients. Our approach to recruitment is founded on genuine relationships and building trust, often becoming friends with our clients and repeat candidates. This makes us especially qualified to judge your suitability as a candidate and ensure you shine in your next video interview.
The advice we're about to show you has been given to candidates over the phone with some really positive feedback, so we trust the following tips will be equally as helpful to you in helping you ace your next online interview.
In the current climate the VIDEO INTERVIEW is obviously becoming much more common, therefore I thought I’d give you my 2 cents regarding VIDEO INTERVIEWING. I’ve been preparing candidates over the phone with this advice and the feedback has been really positive and helpful, so I thought I’d share my thoughts and ideas with the wider community.
THE TECH
- I’ve been caught out with this – I get a video invitation and then go to login 2 minutes before the start of the meeting only to find I haven’t downloaded or registered the correct software. This usually takes forever and makes me late to the call. Make sure you do this way in advance of the video interview start time.
- Once downloaded, video call a friend, or the recruiter you’re working with to test the connection, lighting, and sound levels.
- Wear headphones if possible as this cuts out echo and makes the sound much clearer.
- Elevate your screen camera, or laptop, safely to eye level to make a better impression.
BEFORE THE VIDEO INTERVIEW
- Prepare for the interview like you would a normal face to face interview.
- Research the interviewers and send them a connection invite via LinkedIn. On LinkedIn find any info to build rapport with them at the end of the interview. (school history, overseas work, common connections, any hobbies) ……..THIS IS KEY as you will want to try and have little personal conversation at the end of the interview.
- Have your notes, questions, and good scenarios to use for some of your answers in front of you. CAUTION – don’t constantly stare at them!!
- Dress smart (obviously)
DURING THE VIDEO INTERVIEW
- Start strong. Give them a ‘digital handshake’, greet them with a big smile and an enthusiastic tone, thanking them for their time today
- Ask role/company specific questions during the interview instead of waiting till end. This will make the interview more of a back and forth conversation that will create a better ‘connection’ rather than just questions being fired at you. You want your interviewer to see you as someone they could talk to every day, not just someone they read a list of questions to.
- This is a tricky one – Try and look directly at your camera and listen to them speak as much as possible. At their end you will be looking directly at them and come across more engaged.
- At the end of the interview ask them some personal questions and try and ‘shoot the breeze’. Find some common ground. Use the info you found from their LinkedIn profiles. This is your final chance to make a lasting impression and be likable.
Daniel Heath
