While COVID-related health risks and challenges persist and in light of the advances in technology and modern means of communication, more and more companies in the public and private sectors around the world have been resorting to remote work systems. This includes conducting personal interviews with applicants for new positions via video calls (conferencing) software. Although this method of interviewing saves the candidates' time and effort, but contrary to popular belief, video interviews are more complicated than in-person interviews.
So, to help you put your best foot forward and overcome the unique challenges inherent in video interviewing, we’ve collected some expert tips to ace any video interview:
Having the communication be via video does not mean that you can neglect basic interview rules like dress code. As with an in-person interview, wearing casual clothes is a big no-no. Make sure to dress professionally (and yes that includes changing your pajama pants too) and opt for calm and soft colors, and stay away from very bright colors or stripes and intricate patterns which may not look as good on camera. Additionally, if you wear glasses, make your that you adjust the lighting and camera angle so you can avoid camera glare that can be very distracting to the interviewer.
One great tip to ensure having a smooth interview, is to find out which video conferencing service/software that your interlocutor will be using for the interview and register for an account or install that software on your device. Install or log in to that account on a second device (maybe your mobile) so you can move to that during the interview, if the first device fails or malfunctions. You can also ask a friend or a family member to run a test call on both devices to make sure that the audio and camera are working fine, and that your lighting is great.
On the day of the interview test everything again on your own, on both devices, as sometimes restarting a device can reset the camera and microphone settings.
Ensuring that your internet connection is fast and stable beforehand, is of great importance. Visit speedtest.net to ensure that your internet download speed is at least 10 Mbps or faster. And if your internet connection is shared with family or roommates, ask to pause their streaming or download activities during the period of the interview.
Maintaining eye contact with an interviewer via video is not the same as doing it in person, because the speaker's face is on the screen, and not near the webcam's position. For example, depending on the conferencing software you’re using, the interviewer's face might be on the left side of the screen. Naturally, your eyes will be drawn to the interviewer's face, and not the camera, which will seem like you're talking to someone next to you instead.
To avoid this, try to hold the gaze of the interviewer by consciously reminding yourself to look straight at the camera from time to time, especially when you’re answering a question. Another tip would be to try and reposition the video screen to be as close to your webcam as possible. This way, when you look at the interviewer's face, you will be giving the impression of maintaining eye contact.
In most cases, preparing for a video interview means that it is your responsibility to choose an appropriate location for it. This place could be your home, a café, a public workspace, etc. While choosing the perfect spot for the interview depends on your personal preference, it is essential to keep in mind that the location you choose is quiet with minimum background noise (like loud chatter, the rattling of cutlery, the grinding of coffee beans, etc.) so you can avoid interruptions and distractions. It is also important to take the background behind you into consideration. Choose a professional and tidy background, and avoid having a window behind you, as it can mess with the quality of lighting.
As video interviews become a regular part of the modern-day hiring process, it’s important to clear guidelines and etiquette so you can perform well and have your personality shine through to impress your future employer. Follow these video interview tips, so you can ace your next video interview and continue making great leaps in your career.
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