Video Interview Tips for Candidates

1. Be Prepared

• Know the company you are interviewing for, its industry, products, achievements, etc.
• Understand the JD you are applying for.
• Practice for the interview either in front of a mirror or subscribe to mentoring services provided by First IPO and be prepared for some of the common questions you could be asked based on your JD.

2. Be Punctual

Login 5 min ahead of time for your video interviews. Check audio/video clarity, set the appropriate background, and ensure that appropriate lighting arrangements are in place. Download the application if the company uses a video conferencing program you’ve never used.

3. Test Your Tech

If you figured out that your microphone or webcam did not work right before your interview, it would be a letdown. There are three key components for checking while planning for your video interview:

• Audio settings: Do your microphone and speakers work? Be sure this is without any static, you are coming through smooth and loud.
• Settings of the camera: Is it too dark? Too bright? Are any distractions in the background? It is better to sit down with lots of light in front of a solid-colored wall.?This way, the interviewer will focus on you and not the decor behind you. If you would prefer – choose from the solid color background that Video apps offer.
• Check your Internet connection: This is often overlooked. If your home’s Internet connection is crummy, consider going to a local library or any place which is quiet and has a stable Wi-Fi connection where you can attend your interview without any disturbances.
• Make sure your device is fully charged preferably a laptop or plug it into an outlet to avoid a battery outage.

You’ll probably want to familiarize yourself with the interview program being used. A few popular channels are Zoom, BlueJeans, Skype, Teams, and Google Hangouts. Try signing up for a free trial, watching videos of the demo, or doing whatever you have to do to get acquainted with the tool.

4. Have A Backup In Case of Any Glitch

Technology may fail sometimes, regardless of how many times you checked your Internet connection. So, before you begin a video interview, provide the interviewer with a phone number where you can be reached if there are any technical difficulties.

5. Choose The Right Environment

Find a quiet, private, and well-lit place to do the interview, making sure to avoid coffee shops and other public spaces where you can’t control the background noise. And choose a room with a clutter-free backdrop. Lighting is also important. If a window is behind you, it could cast a shadow over your face and make it difficult for the interviewer to see you. Generally, your best strategy is to sit opposite an open window. If you’re doing the interview at night in case you have a full-time job, you can brighten up dim space by adding floor or desk lamps.

Tip: Do a trial run a day before at the same time you would be attending the interview so as to have an idea of how the lighting is going to be and if it could be made better.

6. Look Professional

Although you’re not meeting the interviewer in person for the interview it is still important that you dress appropriately for a video interview. Generally, you’ll want to wear the same professional clothes that you’d wear to an in-person interview at the company. Don’t wear plaid or stripes as they can be distracting on camera.

Read up on your prospective employer’s fashion culture, as some workplaces are obviously more casual than others. A blazer and tie, for example, may not be required if you discover the company’s dress code is jeans and a T-shirt. Dress one notch above what’s expected.

7. Speak Slowly and Clearly

For someone who is a little anxious about speaking, whether at an interview, making a presentation, or just talking to someone, a very common issue is going too fast. Nerves can make you rush through and get it over with. Do not let this?happen.

Communicating slowly & clearly is a skill that would need to practice. Get friends and family – anyone who will listen – to practice interviews and speeches with you. Focus on speaking very clearly and slowly. This will make you come across as more comfortable, confident, and professional.

8. Be A Good Listener

When the interviewer talks, keep your mind from drifting off and concentrate on listening. Pay careful attention to what is said by the interviewer. Often, it’s easy to unintentionally cut someone off because of audio glitches or not paying attention to nonverbal cues while you’re in a video job interview. Listen closely to the interviewer to prevent this from happening, and wait a few seconds before answering to avoid cutting in.

9. Don’t Turn the Interview Into A Debate

In the event that you disagree with the interviewer, be respectful and do not initiate an argument with the interviewer. Agree to disagree and move on.

10. Don’t Forget Your Nonverbals

Good posture can communicate a lot of things about who you are as a person in a video interview. By ensuring that you sit straight up with a good posture, you will show a positive picture. Place your feet on the ground and stop doing something like slouching with your hand or keeping your head up. And always try to keep your hands in your lap to avoid distracting gesturing or fiddling.

Maintaining good eye contact is also crucial during any job interview, but it’s especially important during video interviews. Your camera should be at eye level. It won’t make a good first impression if you are seen as looking down or looking up when speaking.

Don’t forget to nod and smile when it’s appropriate. You don’t want to sit there rigidly, locked into place, without moving.

11. Don’t Rely on Notes -

It’s smart to have a copy of your resume nearby, just as you would during an in-person interview, but don’t be tempted to have a cheat sheet in your lap, such as a list of answers to common interview questions. There are exceptions, though—for example, saying to an interviewer, “I’m looking away for a second so that I can find the data from that project I worked on” is totally fine.

12. Make A Great First Impression

As you all know the first impression is the best impression. One of the best wars to impress the interviewer over video interviews is to have smart answers at the ready. It’s time to focus on what you’re going to say to win over a potential employer.

Put your best foot forward. This interview is all about showcasing your personality knowledge and skills. In case you have a portfolio, or any papers published, etc., be in a position to share them with the interviewer.

There are many factors to take into account throughout the interview process, especially when it is conducted via video chat. We hope that these pointers will enable you to ace your upcoming video interview.