The technological advancements over the years have paved the way for companies to utilize video interviewing in recruitment. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend as remote working became the new normal for some companies.
If you haven’t experienced being interviewed for a job via video call, you will soon. Whether it is your first time, or you want to do better on your next one, you can definitely benefit from the following video interview tips.
Prep your Tech
Do a test run ahead of time. The last thing you want is to have technical difficulties minutes before the interview. Make sure that your microphone, webcam, and sound settings are all working well. Download the necessary apps and plugins — and ensure that your profile in these apps look professional. If you’re using a laptop, it should be fully charged. Make sure to use a stable stand or holder for tablets, and it is best not to use a mobile phone for video interviews.
Dress up
Choose an outfit that you’d wear to an in-person interview. Dress from head to toe even though you will only be seen from the waist up. This will boost your confidence and give you a more professional feel to the interview even if you are just at home. Avoid flashy colors, and fabrics that would not look neatly pressed while sitting down.
Minimize distractions
There are distractions that you can anticipate — dogs barking, traffic, kids, noisy neighbors — so choose a more quiet location to do the video interview. Hang a sign at your front door for package carriers to not ring the doorbell. Declutter your space and your background; and make sure to turn all your devices to silent mode and close apps on your computer that make sounds.
Prepare notes
Have your resume ready at your desk, as well as a description of the job you are applying for. It is also best to prepare the notes you have from your research of the company, or any speaking points you want to hit during the interview. By the end of the interview, the recruiter will most likely ask if you have any questions for them, so better write down some questions you may have in mind. A few good examples would be “What’s a typical day like in the office?” or something more serious and relevant like, “How did the company take care of the employees during the COVID-19 pandemic?”
Be mindful of your voice, eye contact, and body language
You can ensure good “eye contact” during a video interview by looking straight at the camera while speaking, instead of the screen or your photo thumbnail. Avoid moving around, but make sure to show that you are engaged during the interview by nodding and smiling. If you usually get jittery about interviews, it will help to drink herbal tea or do breathing exercises beforehand to calm your nerves. As for your voice, be sure to project and speak clearly. Check the volume to make sure that your voice is neither too loud nor too soft. Also keep in mind that there may be delays in the audio, so to avoid talking over your interviewer, let them finish talking and pause for a couple of seconds before you respond.
Conclusion
Video interviews do not have to be stressful, and keeping in mind the tips above can be a starting point in making yourself at ease in doing them. With the right mindset and preparation, you can definitely ace any video interview you will get into.
ABOUT ASEAMETRICS
ASEAMETRICS is an HR Consulting firm established to provide solutions to help companies solve talent-related business problems. They are an expert at providing technology-based solutions to help companies identify, develop, and manage the human resource for business success, today and in the future.
Integrated into the company’s high-impact services are advanced technologies through HR Avatar (for E-Testing), Udemy (for E-Learning and Competency Development), Arbinger (for E-Learning – Mindset Change), Withiii (E-Organizational Development), ESM (E-Strategy Management), and HopeChat VP (E-Psychological Services).
