HOW TO PREPARE FOR A VIDEO INTERVIEW

Video interviews are an important part of the hiring process and are becoming more popular and they're definitely here to stay. Understanding the requirements of a video interview will help you feel more at ease and succeed during the process. In this article, we'll go over what a video interview is, how to prepare for one, and how to handle any potential issues that may arise.

With the rising quality and dependability of low-cost video conferencing software (such as Skype and FaceTime) and hardware (such as microphones, headsets, and webcams), video interviews have become a popular method of evaluating candidates.

- They are less expensive and faster. Simply put, it is much easier to schedule a hundred video interviews than it is to schedule the same number of in-person interviews. They are easier to schedule, less expensive to run, and the entire process is much faster.

- They work well. A five-minute video interview is worth 200 written responses.

 

They're more equal and fair, both geographically and financially. Any candidate with a computer and an internet connection - or even just access to a local library - can conduct a video interview. This allows companies to broaden their search and gives all candidates an equal opportunity.

- A virtual interview broadens an employer's talent pool, just as it does your job search. Traveling a long distance to attend a first-stage interview in person can be inconvenient, especially if your chances of advancement are uncertain.

- They are an excellent baseline test of candidates' technological abilities. If a candidate can easily set up a decent video interview, they at least understand how to work with technology.

- When compared to methods such as phone interviews or lengthy aptitude tests, it is an effective way of narrowing down candidates for in-person interviews.

- Unlike a phone interview, a virtual interview allows you to fully present yourself. Positive body language and a confident demeanour can help you advance to the next stage.

Choose a Suitable Location

It's important to choose a quiet and appropriate environment for your video interview. If you want an interviewer to focus on you, go somewhere with few interruptions. Select a wall with a neutral background and, ideally, no photographs or artwork behind you. Make sure you have adequate lighting, either from natural light or from a nearby light source. Set up your camera so the upper third of your body is clearly visible to the interviewer.

It is critical that you have a stable internet connection at your location. Whether you're concerned about your home's internet speed, ask if your local public library has a private room that you may reserve. Even if they have better internet, coffee shops and other communal locations should be avoided.

How to present yourself

Wear smart clothes that look professional. Go for something plain that does not look distracting on camera. Try not to wear a lot of jewelry. Avoid anything that could distract you and be noisy when you move. You want to make sure that you're dressed appropriately for you if video interviews, it doesn't have to be the traditional suit, but make sure you're wearing something smart and also make sure there's no distractions in the background

Research the company culture before your interview, so you have a good idea of what's appropriate. Position the camera so that you are looking up slightly and centred on the screen. While it's likely that the interviewer will only see your upper half, it's still a good idea to wear professional trousers or a skirt in case you need to stand up for any reason.

You should do some practice runs. Record yourself and watch the recording back. Make sure you:

• be clear when you speak
• do not talk too fast
• pause at the end of a question so that you don’t talk over the interviewer (there is a slight delay online)
• smile and look interested
• sit up straight and have good body language
• keep up good eye contact – look at your camera rather than at the screen

Arrive Early and Review your Setup

You want to give a really good first impression to your next potential employer and it’s a sign of professionalism for you to arrive on your video interviews approximately five minutes before they start. This gives you time to review and ensure all your technology is working before the interview, make sure you have a strong internet connect and to make sure that you've got the right link. Ensure you check the camera and audio on your computer or phone and if you're going to wear headphones throughout the interview, ensure sure they're compatible with the software.

Check to make sure your computer’s camera, microphone and internet connection are working. Do a trial run with a friend or family member, if possible, so you have ample time to adjust if your equipment or software isn’t working properly.

Be sure to clean up the profile you’re going to use or create a new professional account.

You don’t want to get off to a bad start with a screen name like ‘LITTLEMISSXXX’ and a profile picture showing you drunk and passed out.

Expect to field some common interview questions like:

Expect to field some common interview questions, including:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want to work here?
• Why are you leaving your current job?
• What are your weaknesses?
• What's your expected salary?

Use Video Interviews to your Advantage

 You've got a lot of great resources that you can have open while she sat at home. During your interviews, you can have the company website, you can have your resume open in front of you. You can have the interviewers LinkedIn profile, actually using all the things to your advantage should make a great first impression and make sure you got there in the smash video interviews.

Prepare questions to ask them

You will usually be asked if you have anything you’d like them to address if your application is taken to the next stage or if you have any questions, so don’t forget to think of a few questions for them too. Asking thoughtful or insightful questions could set you apart from other candidates. Not sure what to ask? Have a look at the top ten questions you should ask the interviewer.

To Conclude

It's imperative that you are able to check all the things that you can control within the interview; however, we do understand that some things do go wrong with doing video interviews. That is part of doing them remotely, but control of the controllable.