Video interviews are becoming more common in the remote work era, but they also pose some unique challenges for candidates who want to make a great impression. How can you show your team motivation skills, your professionalism, and your personality through a screen? Here are some tips to help you ace your video interview and stand out from the crowd.
Before the interview, make sure you have a quiet, well-lit, and tidy space to conduct the video call. Test your equipment, internet connection, and audio quality beforehand, and have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. Dress appropriately for the role and the company culture, and avoid wearing anything too distracting or flashy. You want the interviewer to focus on your face and your words, not your background or your outfit.
Be sure to do your research on the employer ahead of time! Log into Handshake and check out their profile, read reviews from peers who’ve worked or interned there, and scope out recent news coverage of the organization for developments. The better equipped you are to ask thoughtful questions, the smoother your conversation will go throughout the interview. Also use this time to review your resume and the job description, and consider how your past experience might help you exceed in the role. Having this information fresh in your mind will help you feel more confident during the video call.
One of the best ways to show your team motivation skills is to demonstrate that you have done your homework and that you are genuinely interested in the company and the role. Research the mission, vision, values, and goals of the organization, and how your skills and experience align with them. Review the job description and prepare some relevant examples of how you have contributed to team success in the past. Also, have some questions ready to ask the interviewer about the team culture, expectations, and challenges.
To have a great interview, you'll want to do your homework. Understand the job description inside and out, know the history of the company, and familiarize yourself with what they do and their larger mission. By doing your research, you’ll show that you're serious about the opportunity. In a virtual world, it’s easy to click the “end call” button and throw your resume into another pile at a different organization but the more you do that, the more you slide out of the running. Instead, focus on the opportunity at hand. When you reference specific facts about the company you're interviewing with and ask specific questions, you'll stand out from the competition. Be sure to prepare one to three questions to ask at the end of the interview.
Video interviews can be awkward and nerve-wracking, so it helps to practice your answers and your body language beforehand. You can use a mock interview service, a friend, or a recording device to rehearse some common questions and get feedback on your performance. Pay attention to your tone, your pace, your eye contact, and your gestures. You want to sound confident, enthusiastic, and clear, not rushed, bored, or vague. You also want to smile, nod, and use positive body language to convey your team motivation and your rapport with the interviewer.
Just like in a face-to-face interview, you want to make a good first impression by being punctual, polite, and professional. Log in to the video platform a few minutes before the scheduled time, and wait patiently for the interviewer to join. Greet them warmly and thank them for their time. Use their name and title, and address them with respect. Avoid any interruptions, distractions, or background noises during the interview. If you need to take notes, ask for permission and explain why. At the end of the interview, express your appreciation and your interest in the role, and ask about the next steps.
One of the easiest ways to start things off on the right foot: show up on time! While you don’t need to log on 15-minutes early like you would when arriving for an in-office interview, definitely enter the video chat promptly at the set start time. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, make sure that you’ve got the correct software loaded (if necessary), and consider a test call with a trusted friend to work out any kinks in your connection.
One of the best ways to make a lasting impression after a video interview is to follow up with a thank you note. Within 24 hours of the interview, send a brief and personalized email to the interviewer, thanking them for the opportunity and highlighting your main qualifications and your team motivation. You can also mention something specific that you discussed or learned during the interview, and restate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. This will show your professionalism, your communication skills, and your attention to detail.
This may seem antiquated but it's still a nice touch. If you're unsure about your interviewer's contact information, reach out to the recruiter. They recruited you and are on your side. Remember, it's their goal to get you hired.
Finally, keep in touch and be patient while you wait for the hiring decision. You can send a friendly reminder or a status update after a week or two, depending on the timeline that the interviewer gave you. You can also use this opportunity to share any relevant news, achievements, or updates that might boost your candidacy. However, don't be too pushy or desperate, as this might annoy or discourage the interviewer. Remember that video interviews are a two-way street, and that you are also evaluating the company and the team. Be confident, courteous, and curious, and you will make a great impression during a video interview.
It's a misconception that the virtual interview is more informal than an in-person interview. The virtual format is undoubtedly more human and the same things are at stake—like that dream job you applied for—but the setting is just different. This movement to remote and hybrid environments has instilled a greater work-life balance for many. By adhering to the core principles of virtual etiquette, you'll find success and achieve your goals.