Looking for a job?
It’s high time to confess that the hiring process is far from what it looked like ten or even five years ago. To keep your eye on the ball and get that dream job, you should be ready for a video interview. Six out of ten hiring managers used video technologies for interviewing three years ago, and their number seemed to grow. Your resume and portfolio of work are tickets to an interview, but the interview itself is your ticket to getting the desired position. Both employers and candidates have several reasons to prefer video interviews today: it’s time-saving and cost-saving.
A video interview is perfect for the first round, before the in-person interviews. That’s why you need to do your best to succeed in it. How to do that?
How to Prepare for Video Interviews
At home, even the walls help. In theory, you need nothing but a computer with a webcam and internet access. As far as you are concerned, having this sorted alone will not be enough to succeed. Have a read of these practical preparation tips below:
1. Test all the technologies: Camera, sound, connection, light, and video program – make sure that everything works. To check that, you can ask a friend to help you and organize a test interview. Moreover, if you record this test interview, you’ll have a chance to see how you look and sound to make sure everything is fine.
2. Choose a proper location: No noises and distractions, good lighting, and a generic background which is ideally a plain wall. Also, make sure it’s not just your face that can be seen on camera: framing from the waist up would be ideal.
3. Dress professionally: Interviewing from home doesn’t make t-shirts and slippers your best friends. Plus, take care of your hairstyle, clean your fingernails, brush your teeth well, and showcase minimal piercings (if you have any) or other jewelry. No gums or candies in the mouth, and choose a suit you would wear for in-person interviews.
4. Make a list of questions: It’s not only the interviewers who ask questions; you might have some, too. Prepare all possible questions in advance, as well as some notes with points you might want to highlight during the interview. Certainly, these notes should be off-camera. Let’s call it your cheat sheet, designed to can help you get your dream job.
Bonus tip: Turn off all programs and applications that could interrupt the interview.
Tips to Succeed
The zero hour has come. You are ready. The technologies and questions are ready, too. You are looking professional and ready to impress your interviewers with your knowledge and skills. Now it’s go-time!
5. Look into the camera: Don’t forget to smile and make eye contact when appropriate.
6. Watch your tone of voice: It’s better to speak in a conversational tone and behave as if you are at the actual interview.
7. Take your time to respond: Wait for a second before answering the questions, just in case the connection is weak. This will ensure it doesn’t look like you are interrupting the interviewer.
Bonus tip: Here are four questions to expect during a video interview.
Why are you good for this position?
What is your background for this position?
What type of environment do you need to work the best?
When was the time you overcame obstacles in your career?
Do you need any variants to answer these questions? Check the article from the Community Table here.
What to Do Afterwards
Phew! The interview is over.
You did your best! But what’s next? “Shall I just sit and wait for a call?” your first question is, isn’t it?
8. Write a thank-you note. If there were several people who interviewed you, send individual emails or notes to each of them. Try to vary your letters a bit in case they decide to compare them.
9. Don’t be shy to follow up. Be patient: the hiring process usually takes several rounds, but it doesn’t mean you can’t follow-up and express your interest. Follow-ups show your desire for the position, but make sure they don’t seem as if you are desperate.
Bonus tip: Don’t forget to ask the interviewer when they expect to make a decision.
Bonus tip: Write thank-you notes after every interview, even if you are sure you’ve failed and the job is not for you.
A video interview is your first and important step toward your dream job. It’s essential, as it helps you create an initial impression; but don’t consider it as one and only round – have your resume and portfolio ready.
Have you ever been video interviewed? What would your recommendations be? Any personal tips that would help job seekers succeed?
About Author: Lesley J. Vos is a content writer and contributor to many publications about student life and career. She is an occasional guest writer at MC2, supporting Hugh’s love for math and other STEM disciplines.
