Don’t Forget To Follow Up
The video interview process doesn’t end once you submit your recorded answers be sure to show your courtesy by sending a thank-you email to the interviewer or employer on the day of submission. In the email, you can indicate your interest by asking about the next steps and when you should expect to hear a response.
It helps to show your interest by keeping a constant stream of communication between yourself and the interviewer. You can email them once a week to follow up and reiterate your interest. But keep in mind, anything more frequent might make you appear aggressive and desperate! Following up is important, but not knowing how long to wait after an interview to send a follow up, or checking in too much can easily backfire.
Make sure to follow these tips before your next pre-recorded video interview and success will soon follow.
Hesitant to tackle a pre-recorded video interview? Our TopInterview coaches can help you feel cool, calm, and confident!
Make Your Candidates More Comfortable
When youre sitting across from a hiring manager , theres a lot of pressure to deliver a witty, intelligent response as quickly as possible.
This is nerve-wracking for many job seekers, particularly if the question is challenging. The stress of the situation can lead people to blurt out things they dont mean or stumble, trying to clarify. In some instances, they may fail to deliver a response thats as eloquent as theyd like. It may not even be a true representation of their knowledge or character but there are no take-backs or re-dos in-person.
Video interviews help to eliminate some of these issues. It gives an individual time to consider their response, making sure theyre saying what they mean and offering the best answer to the question posed to them. Having the opportunity to position themselves in their best light in the screening process will give them more confidence to perform their best should they be chosen for an in-person interview later in the hiring process.
Make It A Do Not Disturb Zone
With school out indefinitely and most people working from home, your once-quiet and calm household may feel more like a busy highway these days. Although employers likely understand the unprecedented situation everyone is dealing with, its still best to keep your video interview environment quiet and distraction-free . Close the door if you have one, and remind children and other family members that youll need an hour or so of quiet alone time to complete your interview.
Then, turn off your phone and computer notifications, and get ready to present your best self!
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How To Make A Self
Before you can even worry about the content to include in your introductory video, it is vital that you choose the right way to make the video. While there are very many tools that you could use to create the video, only one guarantees that you will be able to shoot the video the quality you desire and then edit the video to get the best version. This tool is DemoCreator Screen Recorder and the following are some of the features that make it the ideal solution
- It allows you to capture the best quality video and sound from your webcam as the videoâs starting point
- The video can be captured uniquely, using frame rate settings that you can configure to your liking
- You can then use numerous and very easy to use editing tools to edit the video to get it just right
- It is so easy to use, you can do all that in just 3 simple steps.
To use DemoCreator to make a self-introduction video, follow these simple steps
Step 1: Download and Install the Program
Begin by installing the program on to your computer. Download the installer to your computer and then double-click on it to begin the installation process.
When the process is complete, simply click the “New Recording” to set up the parameters.
Step 2: Configure the Settings
Now you can customize the screen region, the audio and webcam input devices, and enable the screen drawing tools.
Step 3: Begin the Recording
Step 4: Edit the Resume Video to Be Perfect
Prepare Answers For Your One Way Video Interview
Before your interview, do your research and speak to the recruiter to get a full understanding of how the process will work. Here are some questions to ask:
- Can you re-record your answers?
- Will you have the questions ahead of time?
- When is the interview due, and how long will you have to record it?
- How much time do you have for each question?
- Will you be able to review your videos before submitting?
Its common for pre-recorded interviews to let you re-record your answers, but you need to go into the experience prepared. If it isnt possible to re-record, make sure you do a few test runs before entering the formal interview experience.
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Signal When Your Answers Are Complete
In the same vein, its helpful for the other person if you signal the end of your answer, especially if its a long one. You can do this through a visual cue like nodding or you can make sure you conclude your answer strongly or ask the interviewer a question. A long silence while your interviewer guesses whether or not youre done can be awkward over video, Eonnet says, whereas in person, its usually clearer that the other person is finished speaking.
Do You Need To Have Advanced Computer Skills To Take Part In A Skype Interview
One of the benefits of using software such as Skype is its ease of use.
Skype has been around for a long time. It has lasted because it is simple enough for individuals to use while still having an array of attractive features for business use.
Although it is easy to use, you must practice before your interview.
You also need to download the latest update onto your laptop or tablet in advance of the interview.
There is nothing more unprofessional than missing your interview time because your device is scheduling last-minute updates.
Similarly, you need to make sure you know your login details. You do not want to be flustered by the time you log in to your interview.
You may also want to test your microphone and volume control.
You may wish to invest in an external microphone or a new webcam to maximize the clarity of the conversation.
The noise cancellation feature in Skype is also worth using as it minimizes any background noises and provides a more professional experience.
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Sticking To The Question
The key to giving a good interview is to be confident, concise and direct. That means you need to stick to the question rather than talking about something unrelated.
A great way to do this is to practice the STAR technique. The STAR technique is a way of structuring your answers so that all the important information is in your answer and nothing superfluous slips in.
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Situation Give the interviewer some context. Explain the project you were working on, who you were working with and what you were working towards.
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Task Then be a little more specific. Describe the specific task you want to highlight to the employer. This is where you explain what you were doing in particular. What were your responsibilities? What were your goals? What problem were you solving?
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Action Here you go through what steps you took to resolve the problem or challenge you were facing. Its key here that you focus on yourself. What actions did you take? Use I and not we as much as you can here. Teamwork is important, of course, but here you state what your role in that team was and what you did to help.
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Result Finally, describe what the results of those actions were. Be as concrete as you can here. What were the outcomes of your actions?
Practice delivering all your answers with the STAR technique so that it becomes second-nature, and feels comfortable and natural to use.
Are You A Good Communicator
The telephone became an interview tool in the early 1990s and employers continue to screen job candidates this way because it cost less and it is less time consuming phone interviews average 30 minutes versus an hour or more for a face-to-face interview.
A telephone interview can be like an open-book test. You may have the answer in front of you , but you need to know the material thoroughly to do well on the test or in this case, in the interview.
Employers hope to catch you unprepared in order to see if you can think on your feet and if you have superior communication skills. To lessen the chances of this happening, once you start sending out resumes and applying to organizations, dont answer your phone if there is a number you dont recognize. Rather, let it go to voicemail and then return the call once you are in a quiet place and able to have a professional conversation. Perhaps the call was just to schedule an interview, but since you dont know, its better to not risk it. The last thing you want is to have to cut a conversation short because youre heading into class or youre in terrible traffic on GA 400! If youre prepared for the call, youll ace the test.
Here are some tips from the National Association of Colleges & Employers on preparing for a successful telephone interview.
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Consider A Virtual Background
If you are not satisfied with the background behind you, consider blurring or customising it. Most video call platforms allow you to select a background effect, while there are also various free virtual background apps. These allow you to present a more professional image to your virtual interview so that the interviewer is focusing all their attention on you, not your background.
What Exactly Are Video Interviews
Video interviews are a way to evaluate candidates remotely. Instead of meeting in person or talking on the phone, recruiters and hiring managers can interview candidates virtually, using video interview software or communication tools .
A video interview is usually preferred at early hiring stages as a method to screen a large number of candidates quickly and effectively. It can also be useful when candidates and interviewers are in different locations and cant meet face to face. Theyre a great solution, too, when you want to reach untapped talent, such as remote candidates or employees who prefer flexible work options.
Employers who wish to conduct video interviews during their hiring process need to have a type of video interview software and basic video interview equipment, your computers built-in microphone, camera and speakers will work fine in this case. Its also useful to choose where to do video interviews a quiet room with no distractions is appropriate in this case. Finally, consider creating a simple how to set up a video interview guide with basic technical instructions and video interview tips that you can share with candidates and/or interviewers.
Move the right people forward, faster
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Focus On The Conversation
On the day of your interview, do one final check of your technology and make sure your battery is charged. Sit down in your chosen location with at least 15 minutes to spare before you start the interview. Have a glass of water at hand, and a notepad and pen. It can be handy to have your resume or other documents there too but its not a good idea to read from notes. Close any programs that could affect your internet connection or distract you and disable pop-up notifications. Put your phone on silent mode if youre not using it.
Now turn your focus to the interview. Even though youll be answering questions through a screen, its important to think of your video interview as a conversation with another person. It can help to:
- Slow down and take your time to answer. It might feel strange to hear gaps in the conversation. But pausing a second longer before you answer will help to ensure you dont speak over of the interviewer if theres a delay in the video. Taking deep breaths can help you to stay calm as well.
- Look at the camera when you can. Unlike a face-to-face conversation it can be hard to know where to look. If you direct your gaze at the camera, rather than the interviewers face on screen, its more likely to appear that youre making eye contact. Try to do this when youre listening.
- Think about your body language like you would normally sit up straight, and nod to show that youre listening and engaged.
Phone Versus Video Job Interview: Which Is Better
You are hiring again and need to start screening applicants to fill your open positions. You have the choice between an in-person interview, a video call, or a phone interview.
So lets discuss the best forum for interviewing applicants the phone screen versus the video screen.
We know phone screens have been the most common way of interviewing besides in-person interviews. Typically, companies start with the phone screen and then lead into an in-person interview at stage 2.
However, over the past five years, video interviews have been emerging as the go-to method for the interview process. The video interview became the de facto choice since COVID-19 has forced many recruiting efforts to go fully digital in lieu of in-person interviews.
So, which is better, the phone or the video interview? Which method is best to assess top talent? Let us take a look.
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Control Fidgeting And Other Nervous Energy
We all have some little nervous tics or twitches or distracting habits its normal. But in a video interview, we really have to make a concerted effort to be aware of them and avoid them as much as possible.
This is why we highly recommend recording yourself multiple times to see what youre doing and to become aware of anything that need toning down.
Some gestures and behaviors that are fine in person can be distracting on video. It could be super-animated hand movements, twirling your hair, touching your face, or tapping your fingers or feet .
Even more commonly, your nervous tic could be a verbal one like saying uh-huh or like over and over again.
Remember, were talking about little habits that you may not even be aware of. As a result, watching yourself on camera could be an eye-opener. You can break these nervous habits with a little preparation.
Final note: Keep your hand off your chin unless you want to look like a bad yearbook photo and for gods sake, dont touch your nose.
Why Have Video Interviews Become So Popular
With the increasing quality and reliability of affordable video conferencing software and hardware , video interviews have become a common method for assessing candidates.
According to the Institute of Student Employers, in 2018 49% of their members used video interviews as part of their recruitment processes. Thats basically a one in two chance that youll need to take one for each job application.
There are plenty of reasons as to why theyve risen in popularity so much:
With that said, there are, of course, downsides to video interviews. They can be time-consuming to watch back and analyse, and that usually has to be done manually . Also, suitable candidates who are unfamiliar with or not suited to video interviews might be scared off.
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Should You Wear A Suit
This is a dilemma many men face when it comes to the video job interview. Some may argue that wearing a suit is an absolute must, while others may feel that it’s an overkill. Truth is, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to video job interviews it all depends on the organization that you’re interviewing with and their work culture.
Your outfit and level of formality should match the industry that you’re planning to get into. If you’re interviewing with a firm where employees wear suits every day, then you should definitely wear one for your virtual interview. On the other hand, if you’re interviewing with startups or other organizations with a more relaxed work environment, you can just go with business casual.
The idea of a video interview might sound scary if it’s your first time, but you can certainly ace it with sufficient preparation beforehand. For more tips on succeeding in your video interview, check out the articles below:
Let The Candidate Set The Scene
No matter how inviting your office design is, its unfamiliar to candidates. There are new visual distractions and a general sense of disorientation. Chances are they wont have their bearings and feel at ease until the interview is well underway.
And that can compromise their performance.
With a video interview, however, candidates can choose where they record their answers. Whether its from the comfort of their den or at their favorite quiet coffee shop, theyll feel like they have home-field advantage. That boost to their confidence will allow them to truly shine to the best of their abilities.
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Remember To Look At Thecamera
Eye contact for a video interview is tricky. If youre looking at the hiring managers eyes on the screen, to them, it seems like youre looking down. Create a sense of eye contact by shifting your gaze between the screen and the camera regularly. That way, youre making the connection, without staring them down accidentally.
