Tips For Succeeding During Your Video Interview

The popularity of video interviews is skyrocketing, especially since COVID-19 began shaking up the nation, interest in video interviews soared. Now video conferencing job interviews are an increasingly common part of the hiring process. This is because it tends to be more convenient for remote positions or initial screening interviews. Since this type of interview is a bit different than a traditional in-person interview, and even a bit different than the telephone interview, so it's important that you consider a few factors of this format.

Some interviews will be live, meaning that you might join a video conference from a link that the employer shares with you, or you might receive a call via ZOOM, Skype, GoToMeeting, Join.Me, or another video conference provider. Once connected, you’ll be able to see and speak with an interviewer(s) on the other end.

There are times when an employer may use pre-recorded video interviews. In this format, the employer will give you instructions on how to join the interview. Instead of being connected with a person, you’ll be prompted to answer interview questions that have been pre-recorded or appear in writing on the screen. You’ll record your answer to each question and the employer will review the recording later. There is often a time limit for your answers, and you may be given more than one chance to record each answer.

The pre-recorded format can feel unnatural to some people. Try to imagine that you are having a live conversation. Your preparation for the interview will be especially useful in this setting—be sure you have your answers at the ready.

Etiquette for Confirming an Interview Appointment:

You formatted your resume wonderfully, and navigated and completed the companies application process, and just got an invitation to interview! The next steps are critical.

The way you interact with recruiters and hiring managers is just as important as your skills and qualifications when you're looking for a job. The manner in which you handle verbal and written communication is likely to be an integral part of the job, so demonstrate proper etiquette in all your communications with the company, especially in the early stages of the selection process. Take the opportunity to make a good impression by being professional and considerate when you reply to interview invitation availability.

Sending a Timely Response:

Congratulations! You scored that interview. What should you do next? It's a good idea to accept and confirm the interview with an email, even if you have spoken with the hiring manager or human resources representative on the phone.

That way, you can be certain that you have all the details correct, you know where you're going or connecting to, when you should be there, and who you will be meeting with (and you will have a record of your appointment).

The sooner you can get back to the company, the better. As soon as you get a call or email about scheduling an interview, reply to interview invitation availability immediately, confirm time, place, manner, who will be on the call. 

"I really appreciate you calling to set up an interview for the graphic design position. I want to confirm that I can be available for the interview on Wednesday at 2:oo p.m Eastern. I appreciate the opportunity, and I look forward to meeting with Edie Wilson then."

Proofread the Message. Even though this is a simple confirmation of an interview, carefully proofread the message before you click send. 

Don’t Forget to Confirm the Time Zone:

If you’re interviewing for a company in another area, don’t forget to confirm whether any agreed-upon meeting times are in your time zone or theirs. Otherwise, you might end up ridiculously early or late, or mistakenly believe they ghosted you.

 Set up:

For either format, you will need to find a quiet location with a good internet connection and a computer or laptop with a webcam.

Specifically, you’ll need:

• An internet connection with good bandwidth speed, so the audio and video aren’t choppy.
• A laptop or desktop computer with a webcam; a tablet or smartphone may also be an option.
• Headphones with a built-in microphone or headphones and a separate microphone are ideal for the best audio.
• If you are on battery and not plugged in, charge your laptop, tablet, or smartphone fully before the call!
• Make sure your computer is updated so nothing updates or reboots while on the call.
• Make sure all other apps, programs, websites, or windows on your computer are closed to make sure your call runs the best, and nothing creates a ‘pop-up’ or slows the internet connection. This can also prevent video or audio from suddenly playing in the background.
• You may be asked to enter a name, or if you already have an account, make sure that you have a professional username and check your settings.

Background:

If you use Zoom and use a ‘virtual background’ make sure it is professional! Otherwise, position your webcam so that you have a neutral background that’s free from distractions; an area that is tidy and free of clutter. This shows that you are organized and pay attention to detail.

It is best to be certain that if there is a bright light source, such as a window, it is not behind you, but rather in front of you, otherwise you will appear washed out by the light. If you have an extra lamp, place it in front of you to make certain the lighting is focused on you. Test your lighting to be sure to make the best impression.

Be Online Early:

With most video interviews, you’ll be able to connect to the web conference before it officially begins.

Ideally, you want to be in the virtual room before the hiring manager, so log in about five before the start. That way, they aren’t waiting for you.

Silence:

Choose an area that is quiet and free of distractions. This way your interviewer can direct their full attention to what you have to say.       

Pick a private and well-lit place where you won’t be interrupted by other people, pets or noises. If you live with other people, let them know when and where you are interviewing. Right before your interview starts, remind them to give you space and keep a quiet volume until you are done. It is best that those you live with remain in a separate room than you, so you can stay focused.

Limit other noises by closing windows and turning off your music. Turn off notifications - Silence everything, phone, computer, radio, tv, etc.. Avoid making the call at coffee shops and other communal spaces.

Wear professional attire:

For your video interview, you should dress professionally—the same way you would for an in-person interview. This means you should wear your nicest business attire. Things like dress pants, blazers, formal shirts, formal dresses, and modest skirts can all be great options. Even if the interviewer cannot see your legs, still wear nice bottoms to feel fully prepared and professional (and you never know when you might need to stand up!).

Also, how you dress impacts your mood.

Look into the camera while speaking:

During an in-person interview, maintaining eye contact with your interviewer is a sign of confidence and respect. Video chat makes this a bit different, because if you were to look them in the eye on your screen, it may not look like that on their end. Instead, look into the camera as you are speaking. This creates the illusion that you are looking at them rather than yourself or the screen. Create a sense of eye contact by shifting your gaze between the screen and the camera regularly. That way, you’re making the connection, without staring them down accidentally.

Maintain your focus:

While your interviewer is speaking, keep your focus on the screen. Like you would in an in-person interview, show them that you are paying attention to what they have to say through active listening. You can do this by affirming what they say, nodding as they speak, and asking questions based on what they say.

Pause Before Speaking:

In some cases, video interviews have delays. It takes a moment after a person speaks for that to transmit to the other participant. To make sure you don’t accidentally talk over the hiring manager, wait for a second or two after they ask a question before you respond. That way, you can make sure they are finished before you begin speaking!

Slow Down When You Speak:

While many speakers, microphones, and headsets offer stellar sound quality, you can never predict exactly how you’ll come through. When you talk during your video interview, slow down. Make sure you enunciate your words, as well.

Video interview body language:

One benefit of using video chat rather than a phone call is that you get to see each other's body language. During your interview, sit up tall with your hands in your lap and your feet on the floor. While you speak, you may use your hands as well if that's natural for you. As your interviewer speaks, use nonverbal cues such as nodding and smiling to show that you are listening. Eye contact is very important during an in-person interview, and you want to convey that same level of connection during a video interview.

Throughout the interview, keep your mood upbeat and convey optimism with your body language. One way to achieve this is to have good posture. Sit in your chair with your back straight and your shoulders open. Feet can be planted on the floor and arms can rest in your lap or on the desk.

Avoid fidgeting or letting your gaze drift away from the Camera.

Watch your gestures! During a live interview, being a little bit animated is fine. However, during a video interview, it can be a bit distracting. Remember, the interviewer only sees what’s in the frame, so your arm movement can take up essentially the entire screen. It makes them seem larger than they are, so tone it down, just to be safe.

Ask your interviewer questions:

As you learn more about the role, take a mental note of what questions you want to ask at the end of your interview. You can also prepare questions you have prior to the interview, so you definitely have something to ask. Make sure to listen throughout your interview so you only ask questions about topics the interviewer hasn't covered yet. Appropriate questions could be about the company's culture, this role's responsibilities, or what the interviewer enjoys most about the company.

Practice and tech set up:

To get used to the technology and the body language of a video interview, it’s useful to do some practice video calls with friends or family members, and have them ask you some practice interview questions. Make a Skype or Zoom call with them and ask them to give you candid feedback about your appearance and eye contact.

Try having them ask you some common interview questions such as:

1. Tell me about a time you needed to use teamwork to solve a problem.
2. Describe a situation where you made an important decision that you knew would prove unpopular with certain people.
3. What motivates you at work?
4. Describe a time when you needed to develop an unconventional approach to solve an existing problem.
5. Which achievements are you particularly proud of?
6. You are facing significant resistance from a prospective client over costs. How would you win them over?
7. Tell me why you want to work here?
8. What is your biggest weakness?
9. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Run through it a few times until things start to feel natural. This practice can make all the difference in your interviews and you’ll find your confidence growing as you become more comfortable in front of the camera.

Final Check List:

Review this checklist as you’re setting up the day of the interview:

• Ensure that you won’t be interrupted, either by locking the door or by alerting others that you can’t be disturbed (a note on the door of the room as well as the door to the outside may be helpful).
• Clear the desk space, except for a notepad and pen/pencil for you to take notes.
• Have a copy of your resume, the job description you are interviewing for, and any other notes ready for you to reference.
• Set out a glass or bottle of water for yourself.
• Dress professionally
• Check that your webcam is working.
• Check that your audio is working.
• Close any windows, tabs, and/or applications on your computer that you’re not using.
• Check your internet connection and make sure you’re not downloading anything in the background.
• Set your phone, radio, tv, etc. to silent.
• Check that the background behind you is neutral and free from clutter.
• Adjust the lights in the room. If things appear dark or dim, you may want to bring in an extra desk lamp to brighten the space.
• Look into the camera, and maintain focus
• Practice active listening, nod, and smile to show you are engaged.

End of Interview:

Before the interview is over, take a moment to thank the interviewer(s) for their time, and for sharing the information about the company and job. Let them know that you remain interested and are confident that you would be successful in the role.

Don't disconnect without letting them know you can do the job and that you want the job!

Make Sure You Disconnect:

Once your interview wraps up, make sure you are fully disconnected from the web conference before you do anything else. Otherwise, an offhanded post-interview remark or gesture might get broadcasted to the interviewer.

Follow Up:

As with any job interview, you should conclude by thanking the interviewer for their time. Send a follow-up thank you email later that day (or the next day if your interview was in the evening). This message may help build a stronger connection with your potential employer and help you progress to the next step.