Tips to Ace Your Video Interview
- Prepare
- Rehearse with Camera
- Study the platform
- Have a good sound source
- Select a comfortable location
- Have a backup plan
- Dress Appropriately
- Be Punctual
- Maintain Eye Contact
- Keep a smile and speak confidently
- Have your resume handy
- Take notes
- Ask Questions
Video interview is a commonly adapted strategy in today's business industry, where employers are trying to cut recruitment costs while making the experience seamless for candidates.
A strong first impression during a video interview is crucial since it sets the tone for the entire session. But how do you stand out from the crowd in a virtual setting? Create a lasting impression with these key tips.
Tips to Ace Your Video Interview
Pre Interview Setup
1. Preparation is Key
When attending a video interview, you should adequately prepare by researching the company's mission and values and familiarising yourself with the specific roles and skills they are looking for.
Ensure that you have the correct information, such as the date, time, and venue, at hand to avoid missing the scheduled interview.
Inform people around you about your interview and remind them again 10 minutes before your interview starts so that they don't cause any distractions or background noises in your environment.
2. Rehearse before attending your Video Interview
Ensure that you practice using the camera extensively before your big interview. After you've checked your technology, ask a trusted friend or family member to practice interview questions over a video call.
Strive to answer questions naturally, keep your eyes on the camera the whole time, and speak only after the interviewer has finished.
To ensure effective video assessment, it is important to practice attentive listening, communicate clearly, and provide adequate space when others finish speaking, despite the unavoidable little delay.
You can improve your connection with the hiring manager by actively listening to them and showing interest in what they have to say.
You can demonstrate your comprehension during interviews by using a word or nod that conveys "yes" or "I understand."
The amount of practice you put in directly affects how prepared you feel for the video interview.
3. Study the Medium
A hosting platform is used for the video assessment process in every video interview. It is important to study the platform beforehand to get a hang of it.
Studying the platform beforehand will help you focus on setting up your lighting, camera, and microphone. You can also use it to identify any technical issues that need to be resolved before the interview.
4. Select a Location
Choose a good spot before the video interview. Find a peaceful area with little to no background noise or other interruptions.
Look for a quiet spot to sit where you won't be interrupted. To ensure that the interviewer can see you clearly, either position yourself in a well-lit area or bring a lamp to adjust your lighting.
If possible, use a desktop or laptop instead of a mobile device. When setting up your laptop, set the camera to your eye level.
You will demonstrate to the interviewer that you are committed to the interview and the position by creating an impression of professionalism
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5. Have a Backup Plan
Ensure that you have a backup plan in place while preparing for a video interview. If your primary connection or device goes down, it is a good idea to have a backup plan.
This includes having a different device, a spare set of headphones, and an alternate internet or hotspot.
You can still go forward with the interview by making use of the backup resources if this happens.
6. Have a Good Sound Source
Consider using a button mic or earbuds to amplify your sounds and ensure that your interviewers can hear you clearly.
These gadgets amplify sound without being as cumbersome as conventional headphones, which could distract interviewers.
Practice controlling the volume of your voice by using your earphones and microphone.
7. Dress Appropriately
Dressing professionally can help you concentrate and feel more confident, even if you're doing the video assessment from the comfort of your own home.
Less is more when it comes to jewellery. Avoid shirts with words printed on them or anything else that could create a lot of noise when you move.
If you want to radiate confidence and showcase your abilities during your interview, it's a good idea to dress for success and style your hair like you would for an in-person interview.
The way you dress during a video interview speaks volumes and leaves an impeccable impression on the mind of your interviewer.
During the Video Interview
8. Be Punctual
You should be ready to begin the video interview at least ten minutes before the scheduled time, just as you would for an in-person interview.
It is courteous to open your online platform a few minutes before your interview so you have time to fix any technological issues and set yourself in a framing position that captures a clear view of yourself for the interview.
Although the interviewer will probably wait until the allotted time to start the video assessment, it's still a good idea to be on time to impress the hiring manager.
9. Maintain Eye Contact
Making eye contact is crucial for building rapport and conveying genuine interest in any interview. While it can feel a little different in a video interview, it is important to maintain eye contact in order to show your interest .
Avoid staring at your reflection in the camera and maintain eye contact with the hiring manager through the interview by looking into your camera.
Pay close attention to the camera the entire time; if you glance away to write something down or review your resume, quickly bring your gaze back to it.
This way, the interviewer can see your face clearly, just like in a face-to-face interview.
10. Keep a smile and speak confidently
There's nothing as charming as a warm smile while talking. Putting up an expressionless or angry face shows stress, anxiety or that you're uninteresting.
To keep your interviewer engaged, put up a smiley and welcoming face- not overly done but subtly enough to see your confidence in responding to their questions.
Most times, all they want is a conversation that reveals your true personality, not a question and answer session.
Even when you make mistakes, correct yourself and move on.
11. Have Your Resume at Hand
You might want to bring a hard copy of your résumé with you to the interview, just in case. Also, have a soft copy at hand in case your interviewer requests that you share it.
Highlight certain dates or tasks on your resume if you want to be prepared to talk about them when interviewing.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase your relevant skills and experience with concrete examples.
To help you understand what companies value most in a resume, you may also use the interview as a chance to emphasise certain areas.
12. Take Notes
Keep a notepad and pen or sticky notes close by so you can jot down vital details as they come up throughout the interview.
You can use the computer to open a document and jot down some notes. To avoid being presumed uninterested, inform the interviewer that you're taking notes.
Writing down information is a great way to demonstrate interest and involvement, as long as they understand what you're doing.
You can easily recall important aspects for a follow-up email, as well as any questions or comments you want to include, by taking notes.
13. Ask Questions
You should not only be prepared to answer questions, but you should also be proactive in asking questions during interviews.
Speak with the interviewer for further information on the position and the company's beliefs. Targeted inquiries can focus on their compensation and benefits package.
Showing your interest in the position can be achieved by asking the interviewer questions that allow them to offer more information about their ideal candidate.
Post Video Interview
14. ThankYou Note and Follow Up
After the interview, you should send a thank-you email to the interviewer(s) to express your interest in the role.
Thanking your interviewer via email after an online interview is polite. Please outline your top takeaways from the call and explain how they relate to the opportunity.
Make sure you have your response ready right after the interview ends in case the interviewer requests further documents or details about your work history.
Tips for a Pre-Recorded Video Interview
An opening and closing time exist for most pre-recorded interviews. Record your responses early before the closing date so the interviewer can review them later.
No human interviewer will be present during a pre-recorded interview. You will not be able to use body language to strengthen your confidence. To ace a pre-recorded video interview, you should:
1. Pay attention to any time limits for responses, keep your answers concise and focused and make sure you leave a five minutes gap between the given time limit and your video response.
2. Do a mock interview with a friend or record yourself answering pre-recorded questions to get comfortable speaking directly to the camera.
3. Speak clearly and confidently, using a natural tone and pace.
4. Position your webcam at eye level and maintain eye contact with the camera. This creates a sense of connection with the viewer.
Bonus Tips
1. Minimise distractions: silence your phone, turn off notifications, and inform anyone who might interrupt you.
2. Body language: maintain professional body language, avoid fidgeting, crossing arms, or leaning back excessively.
3. Be yourself: Let your personality shine through while remaining professional.
4. Professional demeanour: maintain good posture, eye contact (looking at the camera) and a positive, engaged expression.
5. Build rapport: You can set yourself apart from other applicants by developing a personal connection with the interviewer through the establishment of rapport.
By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can confidently step into your video interview and make a lasting impression on potential employers.
