Preparing for a job interview? You might also be interested in my blog post: Ten Step Process To Help Ace Your Next Job Interview.
Being asked for a video job interview instead of a live job interview is increasingly common.
Employers like it because, unlike phone interviews, video interviews feel closer to live interviews, with the ability to connect face-to-face, and the employer’s ability to assess non-verbal clues. It’s good for the candidate, too, in that there is less time lost in travel, and many times, these appointments are faster to schedule.
However, video interviews are not the same as live interviews – they require technology and a different set of skills to prepare and perform successfully. Common video interview platforms are Zoom, Google Meet, Skype and What’s App. While the platforms all differ in certain areas, many of the concepts are consistent across all of the platforms.
Here are 10 tips for successful video interviews:
1. Test your connection
Internet connectivity varies based on what you’re using and is also influenced by what else you have running (for example, if there are other people in your household, and everyone is streaming on Netflix or gaming).
Do a test run to see how fast/ slow your connection is and to see if you will have any problems with video. If an interviewer asks for a video interview, they want you to use the webcam, not to just have a conversation on audio.
2. Test your webcam and display placements
Depending on where your webcam is and where your screen is, you may have to toggle between the two frequently during the interview.
Ideally they are close enough such that, as you’re looking at your display, (therefore looking at your conversation partner and reading their non-verbal cues) you are still looking directly at your webcam so they feel like you are looking at them.
Sometimes, however, the webcam and display are far enough apart that, by looking at your display, you look away from the person, and that’s distracting to the other side (they will feel like they’re having a conversation with someone who doesn’t make eye contact).
You have to practice looking back and forth unless your display and webcam line up exactly.
Test with a friendly person so you can determine what they’re seeing;
3. Test your audio
Make sure that your mic resonates clearly to the other person, and that your speakers make the other person understandable to you. You might find that you need to use headphones to ensure that there isn’t an echo on the other side.
Ideally, you don’t need headphones because you’ll look more professional in any interview (Zoom interview or otherwise!) without headphones, but audio quality is more important than appearance here, so check the audio in advance to be sure.
4. Connect to your interviewer in advance
If using a platform where you connect person to person directly, like Skype or What’s App, don’t wait until the last minute to connect to the interviewer on the platform, and then realize you can’t find them. At the very least, trade ID ahead of time, not just names.
Make sure you know how to log into Skype, or whatever platform is being used. Don’t assume your computer will remember you when you last signed in.
Have your interviewer’s phone number as a back-up in case the video platform doesn’t work for whatever reason.
5. Have a professional background visible
If you normally work in your bedroom and your bed is visible to the other person, perhaps you can move your laptop to a different room where there is a more neutral background. Or perhaps you can put some kind of throw over your bed so it doesn’t look so casual.
Preparing for a job interview? You might also be interested in my blog post: Ten Step Process To Help Ace Your Next Job Interview.
6. Have professional dress from the waist up
You will probably just have your face to the shoulders visible in a video interview, but the webcam can still capture what you’re wearing on top. You could wear jeans and no one will know.
However, some people act too casually when they dress casual, so you may want to dress up anyway to give your body the signal that yes, this is an interview.
7. Make sure that you smile
Video deadens your energy, so a video interview still won’t replicate a live meeting. You have to proactively make sure that you smile, make eye contact, and speak clearly and enthusiastically.
Don’t fidget or make a lot of movement – if the connection is slow, you’ll appear fuzzy and out of focus. This is distracting to the other person and appears unprofessional, even though it’s the technology, not you.
8. Put reminders on your screen
If you need helpful reminders of these video interview tips (e.g., look at the webcam! Smile! Speak clearly!), or if you need talking points for your interview, put post-its or tape index cards to your computer monitor to remind you.
This way, you see these hints in real time as you’re interviewing.
9. Practice your key project examples
Remember that, beyond the technology, a Zoom, Skype or video interview is still an interview. Content and preparation matter, as they do with phone or live interviews.
Practice your key project examples, know what your value proposition is, prepare how you’re going to tell your story so it’s relevant to this company and this job;
10. Follow up with a thank you
As with phone or live interviews, after a video interview, be sure to follow up with a thank you once it’s over!
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Have you conducted a Zoom or Skype video interview? What has worked for you?
