With the ever-changing workplace due to Covid we are regularly asked for advice on video interviews. Here are our TOP TEN VIDEO INTERVIEW TIPS:
1) Research!!!
Start by researching the company to display your initiative and interest in pursuing a career with the organisation.
You can look at their website, LinkedIn company page, social media, press articles, employee interviews, case studies and newsletters. Ask yourself do you know the products or services they offer, their target audience, main competitors and who they employ?
Now make notes why your skills, experience or aspirations may align to work for the company based on your research.
2) Job Spec Analysis
Analyse the job spec to match up the areas where your skills align and the areas which you need to learn.
Do not lose confidence if you only match half the ‘required’ skills. In our experience clients rarely end up hiring an exact replica of the job spec (push that imposter syndrome aside).
If you have identified the areas where you need to upskill, you can conduct some research prior to the interview on these tools, technologies, or skills. Also, try to think of instances where you have learnt similar examples in the past, so you can explain these in the interview.
3) Practice standard interview questions
A quick google will bring up general interview questions. Ask a friend of family member to do a mock interview. Even if these are not the exact questions asked it will get you into an interview mind-set. Ask for their feedback on where you could improve. Ideally, ask them to do this on a video call so we can test the next two points:
4) Where should a video interview take place?
A video interview should take place in a quiet place at home or in an office. While you can do a telephone interview in your car this looks unprofessional for a video call (unless you have agreed with the interviewer this is where the call will need to take place).
5) Set up the camera and laptop BEFORE the interview
Download any relevant software the day before the interview. Check this is functional.
Ensure your camera is angled so the interviewer can see the top half of your body and your entire face – it will be easier to read body language and looks more professional.
Check lighting i.e. do not have light/windows behind you.
6) Avoid distractions
Turn off your email and app notifications to avoid distractions. Silence your phone.
Tell your family / housemates that you have an interview, so you are not disturbed.
7) Prepare questions to ask at the end
Not just a tip for video interviews, prepare at least 5 questions to ask relating to the role and company. Have these written down in front of you.
Anyone who has interviewed potential employees will agree that individuals who fail to ask questions are rarely hired. By asking questions you effectively demonstrate your interest.
8) What to wear for a video interview?
The same as you would wear for a face-to-face interview. This is likely to be business attire – unless the company have explicitly told you to dress-down. You are very unlikely to be declined for a role for looking smart. However, we have seen people declined since the pandemic for looking overly casual, especially for client facing roles. Therefore, a shirt, blouse, smart dress, trousers etc.
Avoid wearing pyjamas on the bottom half just in case you need to get up!!
9) 5 key points for during the video interview call
- Sound interested, energetic and enthusiastic
- Be clear and concise in your answers; only answer what is asked
- Never speak in a negative way about a previous employer
- Refer throughout to the research you completed in tip 1
- Always ask questions at the end
10) Tell the hiring manager if you are interested!
An interview is an opportunity for you to present your skills, interests, and abilities to a potential employer. It is also an opportunity for the company to “sell” you on the advantages of working with them. If you like what you have heard and want to be considered for an offer – tell them of your interest.
If working with a recruitment consultant, call them after the interview to confirm your continued interest in the position.
Didn’t get the job?
Finally, if you didn’t get the job, don’t give up. Put it down to experience and bear in mind that this process was a valuable exercise. Assess if there is anything you would change in future interviews.
We hope you found the above useful – we specialise in tech graduate recruitment, however, have tried to make the above useful to all jobseekers regardless of industry. If you are a tech graduate, we have more specific advice available. Please email us at info@redtech-recruit.com to find out more about services.
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