Many companies now use video interviews as a standard way to hire people because of how the digital revolution has changed hiring. Video interviews are popular with companies because they are quick and easy, allowing them to quickly and effectively screen applicants. There are a lot of people looking for jobs right now, and knowing how to do a video interview well can help you stand out.
To master the video interview process, you must be able to present yourself professionally, show that you’re tech-savvy, and demonstrate your enthusiasm from behind a screen. How can you do well in any video interview? Let’s look at some useful tips.
Preparing Your Environment for Success
Setting up your environment well is the first step to a successful video interview. Unlike in-person interviews, where you are can directly affect how the recruiter sees you. To set the scene, do this:
Choose the Right Location:
Wherever you choose, make sure it is quiet and well-lit for your video interview. The best light is natural light, which makes your face stand out and gives the room a warm, welcoming feel. If you can’t get natural light, put a lamp in front of you. Backlighting can be distracting, so stay away from it.
Make certain that the background is clear and clean. A plain wall is best for keeping things out of sight. Maintaining a neat bookshelf or plant is acceptable, but avoid leaving personal items such as laundry or unmade beds unattended. You should keep your attention on yourself rather than what’s going on around you.
Check Your Tech:
Technology plays a crucial role in video interviews. To avoid creating a negative first impression due to technical glitches,
- Test Your Equipment: Make sure that both your camera and microphone are working properly. To get rid of echo, wear headphones and test the sound levels with a friend.
- Stable Internet Connection: If you can, use a wired connection to keep things stable. Strong WiFi is important if you have to use it.
- Practice with the Software: Learn how to use the platform where your interview will take place, like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Skype. Sharing your screen or using virtual backgrounds can help you feel more sure of yourself.
Dress to Impress – Even at Home
First impressions matter, and in a video interview, your attire speaks volumes about your professionalism.
Dress Professionally:
Dress like an in-person interview to show your interest in the job. In most fields, it’s best to wear business or casual clothes for work. Don’t use busy patterns or bright colours that could be hard to see on camera. Utilise neutral colours like navy, grey, or white.
Groom and Present Yourself Well:
Remember that grooming is more than just what you wear. Maintain a neatly styled hair and a well-lit face to convey your friendliness and confidence. Placing the camera at eye level allows you to establish direct eye contact with the interviewer, fostering a sense of connection.
Body Language and Communication Are Key
Non-verbal cues play an important role during video interviews, even if you’re not in the same room as your interviewer.
Maintain Eye Contact and Posture:
Instead of looking at the screen, look straight at the camera when you answer questions. Simulating eye contact makes your responses more interesting. Avoid slouching and sit up straight—this shows that you are confident and professional.
Use Hand Gestures Naturally:
It’s fine to use hand gestures to make your points clear, but don’t do it too much. Your gestures should enhance your message and look natural. Rest your hands in a straight line when you’re not using them.
Mastering the Art of Answering Questions
Delivering thoughtful, articulate responses is the crux of any successful interview, including those conducted online.
Practice Common Questions:
Develop responses for frequently asked interview questions. Interviewers are likely to discuss topics like your strengths, weaknesses, and experience. Utilise the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to organise your responses, particularly for behavioural enquiries. This approach facilitates the delivery of thorough yet succinct responses that effectively showcase your achievements.
Avoid Rambling and Stay Concise:
Video interviews frequently have time constraints, so it’s critical to keep your responses focused. Avoid rambling and get to the point quickly, making sure to cover the basics. Prepare your responses ahead of time to ensure that they are appropriate in length and clarity. A confident, timely response is always more effective than a lengthy explanation.
Have Questions Ready:
Typically, the interview will conclude with a question period. Here’s your chance to show that you’re genuinely interested in the company. Think of interesting questions to ask about the company’s culture, how the team works, or upcoming projects. If the interviewer doesn’t bring it up, don’t ask about pay or benefits.
Handle Technical Glitches Gracefully
Even with the best preparation, technical problems can still occur during video interviews. How you handle these issues can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and composure under pressure.
Have a Backup Plan:
If something goes wrong, make sure you have a plan. For example, if your internet goes down, having the interviewer’s phone number on hand lets you get in touch right away. Tell the interviewer you’re aware of the problem and working to fix it. Staying calm and collected will show that you can adapt well.
Practice and Rehearse – The Secret to Success
If you are familiar with the setup of video interviews, you will appear more confident. You can figure out what you need to work on by practising with friends or recording yourself on sites like Zoom.
Simulate Real Interview Conditions:
Put yourself in the interviewee’s shoes, dress the part, prepare your backdrop, and practice answering questions on camera. If you want to come across as more assured and interesting, you can watch the replay and make adjustments to your tone, body language, or reaction time.
Work on Your Voice and Tone:
The way you speak is as important as what you say. Practice modulating your tone to convey enthusiasm while avoiding monotony. To effectively convey your points, speak clearly and at a moderate pace.
Follow-Up After the Interview
Following up after your video interview is an excellent way to show gratitude and reaffirm your interest in the position.
Send a Thank-You Email:
Send a short thank-you email to the person who interviewed you within 24 hours. Thank them for their time, mention something you discussed in the interview, and express your excitement about the job. This small act can make a big impression and help you stand out from other applicants.
Video Interview Etiquette for the Modern Job Seeker
For a successful video interview, remember the basics of regular interviews, such as being on time, prepared, and professional, while also adjusting to the differences in the digital format. For a lasting impact, everything matters, from making sure you have a professional background to mastering your answers.
You should show that you are knowledgeable, excited, and a good fit for the job in any interview format, but in-person interviews may feel more personal. Now that you know these tips, you can do great in your next video interview and get one step closer to starting your dream job.