Video Interview Tips to Help You Smash Your Virtual Interview
- March 14, 2022
11 video interview tips to help you smash your virtual interview
With flexible and remote working options on the rise, video interviews are becoming an increasingly popular way for employers to assess how suitable candidates are for the role. While the fundamentals of virtual interviews are basically the same as in-person, there are some additional things you need to consider. Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your video interview and impress your potential employer.
1. Prepare as you would for a normal interview
As with any kind of interview, preparation is key. Practice your answers ahead of time and do your research to make sure you’re ready for any question they throw your way.
2. Dress formally to impress your potential employer
When getting ready to have your video from the comfort of your home, it might be tempting to wear your comfy clothes. However, just as you would with an in-person interview, make sure you’re dressed in appropriate clothing that is also formal. Not only will wearing something smart impress your interviewer, but it will also make you feel more confident, helping to calm those pesky interview nerves.
3. Choose a quiet location to avoid interruptions
Unexpected interruptions sometimes happen. If they do, your interviewer will most likely be very understanding. However, it's important to try to minimalism the risk of possible distractions so that you can focus your attention on the interview and it will also help to convey your professionalism. Make sure to find an appropriate place that is quiet and closed off from other parts of your home.
4. Charge and test your tech
Make sure that well-ahead of time you fully charge your device that you plan to have your interview from. We’d even recommend that you keep your device on charge during your interview to avoid the possibility of your battery running out. Also make sure to test your device, to check everything is working beforehand.
5. Prepare some notes to act as prompts
One of the perks of video interviews is that you can have notes to hand throughout. We’d recommend keeping your notes as brief as possible so that you have useful prompts and avoid reading your notes word-for-word during the interview, as this will sound unnatural.
6. Turn up to the interview a few minutes early
Being late is never a good way to make a first impression, especially for video interviews where the excuse of traffic is eliminated. In order to prevent showing up to the call late, log on early and wait for the interviewer to join.
7. When the call starts, introduce yourself
Video calls can be somewhat awkward when virtually meeting people for the first time. Your potential employer will likely lead the call and introduce themselves first, but it’s good to make sure you have your intro prepared. Start with pleasantries such as “my name is…” and “it’s nice to meet you” as this is a great way to break the ice.
8. Try to maintain eye contact & good posture
Just like with any type of interview, eye contact is always a must, but it’s even more vital for a video interview. Maintaining good eye contact conveys your sincerity and confidence. If making eye contact doesn’t come very easy to you, try not to overthink it! Make sure to take natural breaks, to avoid staring. Give yourself some time to practice with a friend or in a mirror to prepare you for the real event.
9. Make sure you seem engaged with positive body language
Body language is another non-verbal form of communication we use to convey our internal feelings. It’s important to be aware of your body language in a video interview to ensure you seem engaged, confident, and approachable. Be conscious of how you’re sitting. Make sure you’re not slouched. Sit with your back straight and your shoulders back. But avoid looking stiff and robotic.
10. Take your time to answer questions
Interviews can be really nerve-wracking. When your mind is overwhelmed with nerves it can be incredibly difficult to think straight, which can cause you to stutter or rush through your answers. Take your time. If the interviewer asks you a question that throws you off guard, stop and take a moment. You can always say something like, “I just need to think about that”, or you can ask them to repeat/rephrase the question to give you more time to respond. It’s better to take your time in order to give your best answer.
11. End the video interview on a polite and positive note
The last few moments of the video interview are your final chance to make a lasting impression. So, once the interviewer has acknowledged that the call is wrapping up, make sure to thank them for their time and let them know that you looking forward to hearing from them soon.
Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to smash your interview. Need more advice? Speak to our recruitment team today and we’ll help you prepare.