Practice Your Video Interview Skills Ahead Of Time
If youre not used to video chat, you might find carrying on a conversation to be a bit awkward at firstespecially if you can see yourself as well. Setting up a mock video interview with a friend or career coach can help you zero in on anything you need to watch out for, Turner says. Maybe you have a tendency to look away from the camera or maybe your natural hand gestures are too low to be seen. Turner also recommends recording your practice. When you play it back youll notice if youre making eye contact, fiddling with papers, your posture is bad, she says. Then you can make adjustments accordingly.
Muse career coach Eloise Eonnet, who specializes in public speaking, presentation, and communication skills, stresses answering questions in practice the same way you would in a real interview, especially when it comes to talking about key pieces of your background. Dont say the names and numbers you need to say out loud for the first time in the interview, Eonnet saysyou dont want to get nervous and stumble over them or say something incorrect.
Help It’s A Video Interview
Video interview: how does the phrase make you feel? Nervous? Apprehensive? Video interviews are becoming increasingly common now both in New Zealand and overseas, so chances are that youll come across one in your career journey!
CDES can help you nail your future video interview, and we have some pointers to help you prepare!
Dress For Success Even Remotely
Make sure that you look polished and professional at least up top. Consider a button-up shirt or blouse, and be sure to groom just as thoughtfully as you would for an in-person meeting. Not only will this help you make a great impression with your interviewer, but wearing clothes that make you feel confident will also help you get your head in the game!
Recommended Reading: How To Pass A Customer Service Interview
How To Nail A Phone/video Interview
By Laura Temme, Esq. | Reviewed by Ally Marshall, Esq. | Last updated February 22, 2021
Technology has changed essentially every aspect of our lives, including looking for a job. More and more employers are using phone and video interviews to conduct not only first-round interviews but all interviews. And although many agree there’s nothing better than being in the room, there are a lot of things you can do to make yourself noticed in a phone or video interview.
Have The Login Information Handy
As part of the invitation, you should receive a URL where you will need to login to participate in the interview. Other login information, like the employers or the interviewers name, an identifier for the interview, and possibly a password, may be sent to you as part of the invitation process. Be sure to have that ready.
Read Also: How To Pass Coding Interview
Remember To Stay Responsive After You Wave Goodbye
After you end your call, be sure not to ghost your interviewer. Download the Handshake app to ensure that you respond to recruiter messages promptly, and check your email at least twice per day to stay abreast of any outreach or next steps that might land in your inbox!
With these tips in your back pocket, youll have all the keys to succeed in your video interview. Now all you have to do is find the right opportunity! Check out this helpful advice for finding a job or internship online, and discover ways to make the most of a remote internship once youve got an offer.
How To Nail A Job Interview Via Video Conferencing
As organizations practice social distancing, the hiring process is going virtual. Here are some tips for how to land the job from afar.
Social distancing measures caused by the coronavirus outbreak have led many companies to either freeze hiring, postpone hiring, or move the hiring process online. The most popular avenue organizations are taking to facilitate job interviews is video conferencing services such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, BlueJeans, IntermediaAnyMeeting, and Cisco Webex.
SEE: Top 100+ tips for telecommuters and managers
However, this way of interviewing is different for organizations new to the remote working style, said Paul Wolfe, senior vice president of human resources at Indeed.
“This big social experiment that we’ve all been dumped into is causing us to change the way we’ve done things for a long time,” Wolfe said. “Video interviewing is a part of what normal is for us right now, and we’ll see where we are when we come out of it.”
Video interviewing isn’t all that different than an in-person interview the fundamentals are pretty much the same. With that said, there are details candidates must keep in mind when doing a video interview, just as they would attending one in person, Wolfe added.
Also Check: How To Prepare For Sql Interview
Still Do Your Research And Come Prepared
Before the video interview process, be sure to read up about the company’s mission statement, services and products offered, consumer base, and even any recent press releases they might have. This helps you to be informed about the latest happenings in the company and allows you to discuss them knowledgeably. Similarly, you should also be prepared to answer any questions about your past experiences. Be sure to review your resume right before recording the video and prepare some talking points. Lastly, dress professionally when you’re recording your video interview, even if you’re just recording in your bedroom.
Complete The Interview In A Bright Area
If its too dark, it will be difficult for the camera on your device to pick up your image. The picture may become blurry or the video may cut out because the webcam is searching for more light. If you think the room is too dark, it probably is. You should either add some additional lighting through lamps or opening curtains, or move to another brighter location.
To take it a step further, make sure the wall behind you is a dull, light color as that will reflect any additional light instead of absorb it, allowing the recruiter or hiring manager to see you clearly.
Read Also: What To Ask When You Are Interviewing Someone
Pay Attention To Your Voice
As well as making sure youre not talking for extended periods of time, for Amerasekera, paying attention to the volume and tone of your voice is also an incredibly important part of nailing a virtual interview.
When were sitting at home, often our voices come across too quietly, he points out. Theyre too dialled down. And this is particularly the case for women women tend to do this more habitually so you want to project your voice typically at about 20-30% louder than you would normally speak. This seems really strange but projection is really important because it means that you can be more authoritative and more purposeful in the way in which you get your point across. People arent used to doing this, but its a key part of selling yourself.
Tips For How To Do A Zoom Interview
Due to COVID-19, your next job interview will likely be on Zoom. Here’s everything you need to know.
If you have a job interview coming up on Zoom, you might feel intimidated especially if you’re not super familiar with the platform. But you’re already taking the right steps. One of the keys to nailing a video job interview is to make sure you’re familiar with the video software. This guide covers everything you need to know before your Zoom interview.
Also Check: How To Make A Short Interview Video
What Is A Video Interview
Most video interviews follow the same format as a regular interview but are held over Skype . These are known as live video interviews. More rarely, you might be asked to upload a video of yourself answering interview questions. You can think of that as the equivalent of doing a paper exam.
Right now, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about if its just an ordinary interview done over Skype, surely you should answer the questions to the best of your ability like you normally would. And its true. You should. But as with any other interview, theres a lot more to it than just answering the questions.
We all know that appearance and demeanour are vital to success. In video interviews, this goes even further. As well as dressing and acting the part, you need to present yourself well on the computer screen. Its the role of a film technician finding the perfect picture, sound and angles to show yourself off to best effect.
Position The Camera At Eye Level
“One of the most common mistakes people make on video calls is bad camera positioning their camera way too low or they or appear too dark on the screen. Having your interviewer see your face clearly makes it easier for you both to connect and build rapport. Theyll get the best sense of your personality when they can clearly see all of your facial expressions and cues.
When it comes to camera positioning, the key is to keep it as close to eye level as possible. I know its called a laptop, but it definitely shouldnt be in your lap during an interview, unless you want them chatting with the inside of your nose. Purchase a laptop stand or prop it up with a few books, and then place it about an arms length away so youre framed in the middle of the screen. Generally, you want to see yourself from around the chest up, with a bit of space above your head.”
Read Also: How To Watch Oprah Interview With Meghan And Harry
How To Nail An Interview
The interview is one of the most critical parts of the hiring process. It gives you a chance to impress the hiring manager with not only your skills and qualifications, but also your confidence and how you carry yourself in person. Taking the necessary steps to prepare for your interview in advance can increase your confidence before you walk into the interview. In this article, we discuss 10 steps you can take to nail your next interview.
Set The Stage For A Distraction
Choose a location thats free from the distractions of children, roommates or pets. Hang a sign on the door asking mail carriers and package deliverers not to ring the doorbell.
Make sure the background is free from clutter and embarrassing items like laundry piles. Set up lighting thats bright but not glaring, illuminating your face from the front. Natural light is best.
Turn off email, text and social media alerts, software updates and other notifications that may pop up on the screen during the interview. Turn off programs that might interfere with the webcam, and close browser tabs.
Recommended Reading: How To Ace A Project Manager Interview
Keep Your Internet Tabs And Running Programs To A Minimum
There are two types of people in the world: the ones who hate having unused internet tabs open, and the ones who have no less than 7 tabs open at all times. Which are you?
In any case, youre going to want to close out of unused tabs and computer programs just to make sure your video quality is the best it can be and your internet speed isnt maxed out. Its a simple tip, but its a little way to help your interview run smoothly without distraction.
Practice With The Video System
One way to help settle your nerves is to make sure you know the system. Log in ahead of your interview to figure out if youâll encounter any password issues or other concerns you may not anticipate. You could also film yourself answering potential questions to establish whether you need to amend your body language.Use this time to make sure youâre positioned properly in the screen so the interviewer will see you at your best angle. Career adviser Paul Bailo encourages job seekers to remember that âcamera angles are importantâ, explaining that âyou shouldnât be looking up or down at the person youâll be addressingâ.You should also ensure your video profile is up to date and professional. Get rid of nicknames on your profile, any unprofessional profile pictures or statuses full of emojis and in-jokes. You should be portraying yourself as capable and intelligent, not immature and trivial.
Read Also: How To Watch Oprah Meghan Markle Interview
How To Make A Good Impression In A Virtual Job Interview
Follow this guide to prep and perfect your video interview skills.
Theres no question that for many job-seekers, interviewing is the most intimidating part of the process. But what if you could do it from the comfort of home? For many employers, virtual interviewing is the futurewhether you live far away or need to interview remotely for another reason, video conferencing is an easy fix that many companies utilize when meeting candidates face to face.
While video interviewing doesnt allow for some tried-and-true methods for making a good impression, like giving a firm handshake, there are many ways to wow your potential boss from behind a screen. Simply follow this guide to prep and perfect your video interview skills.
How To Nail The Video Job Interview
Many organizations are using video to simplify the candidate-screening process, speed time-to-hire and make the interviewing process less expensive. But for candidates, the video interviewing process comes with pitfalls unique to the medium. Here are expert tips on how to get your screen test just right.
Recommended Reading: How To Do An Online Video Interview
If Someone Enters The Room Unexpectedly
If family members, housemates or pets enter the room while youre interviewing, apologize to the interviewer, ask for a few moments, mute your microphone and turn off your camera, and then step away to deal with the interruption. Make sure that the room is secure before beginning the interview again.
As with any job interview, you should conclude by thanking the interviewer for their time. Send a follow-up thank you email later that day . This message may help build a stronger connection with your potential employer and help you progress to the next step.
Do Some Advance Planning:
When asked for an interview via video conferencing, you have to ensure you are ready in advance. Which means- if you are connecting from the confines of your home make sure you download any required software and check your connection and comfort with the web camera. And if you are required to go to a facility, ensure that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the designated time for orientation of the process and equipment.
You May Like: How To Prepare For An Online Interview
Show Up A Few Minutes Early
You wouldnt walk into the building where a 3 PM interview was being held at exactly 3 PM or even at 2:59 PM, so you shouldnt cut it so close for a video interview either. Prepare your computer by closing all extra windows and tabs. And if you have a portfolio or anything similar youd like to be able to show via screen share during your interview, make sure that its ready in an easy-to-access, but minimized, window.
Open up the program where your video interview will take place a few minutes early. Before you fully enter the meeting, a lot of the common video interview software will give you a chance to check your shot. Then, relax, says Turner. Be completely in place a few minutes early and do a few breathing exercises. That way, when you click to join the call and the interview starts, youre already ready to go.
Stay Calm While Recording
It might feel awkward to answer pre-recorded interview questions without the interviewer physically present, but it’s important to maintain a relaxed body language. Enunciate your words clearly as well, as the last thing you want is for your excellent point of view to be lost in your mumbling! Listen to each question, take your time to contemplate the answer, respond in a calm manner, and make sure that you’re addressing the question being asked. Going off track and beating around the bush isn’t going to do you any favors in a video interview especially if there is a time limit on your answer .
Fortunately, some companies allow you to retry your answers. If you’re given this opportunity, try to nail down your main points in the first few sentences. The first sentence of your response should set the tone by reiterating the question and addressing your perspective on it. From there, you can elaborate further based on your research and past experience.
Most importantly, be sure to have fun recording your answers, stay positive, and showcase your personality. Remember, interviewers and decision makers are interested in getting to know you as a person, not just listening to a memorized list of accomplishments.
Read Also: What Questions To Ask In An Administrative Assistant Interview
Get Your Location Ready
Youll need a quiet room with no interruptions. If you live in a shared house you may need to warn others to be quiet.
Find somewhere you can sit in front of a plain background that will not be distracting. Make sure you have good natural light, or use a lamp so that the interviewer can see you well on screen.
If you can, use a computer or laptop rather than a tablet or mobile phone. Position it so the camera is at eye level. Headphones will improve your sound quality.
You could split your screen and have your prompt cards on one half and the interview on the other.
Before you start you should test your microphone and make sure you know how to use the software, like how to:
- start and end the session
- mute your microphone or turn off your camera
