Video Interviews

Video Interviews

We're all used to Zoom, MS Teams calls now. However if it's for an interview, you do need to be more alert than when taking part in a webinar or class.

A good video interview is as effective as an in-person interview and used extensively now to help candidates avoid having to travel long distances.

Whether you are being interviewed by video, over the phone or in person, all general rules of a job interview apply. 

Research the company, read the job description thoroughly, know your CV inside out and have a few answers for common interview questions prepared. 

Preparation: 

Download the video conferencing tool app if you don't already have it. The app may be more reliable than a browser version.

Username - Make sure your user name or ’handle’ is professional e.g.  joebloggs or joe-engineer. Do NOT have a username like beerlover2000 or Casanova_galway.

Environment - Clean up the space around your computer. Make the background space a white or clean wall. Remove all distractions in the area including pets and telephones. Close all windows so outside noise like cars and dogs barking are not audible in the room. Tell everyone in your house that you are doing an interview and to not distract you. Close all software programs so the alerts do not distract the employer or you during the interview.

Clothes - It is suggested that you dress professionally, as it will get you in to interviewing mindset and will help you feel more professional. Avoid wearing patterns, stripes or floral as some employers may find them distracting and it can interfere with the video signal. 

Testing - Run a couple of tests to ensure everything is working properly. Test the microphone by speaking into it and listening to your voice through the speakers. Adjust the speakers so you can hear your voice. If you are using headphones, plug them into the computer outlet for headphones and test the microphone once again.

Camera - It is also worth noting that just because your laptop has a built-in video camera and microphone does not mean that the quality is up to par. Instead, test out the video and audio capabilities on your computer and decide whether you need to buy a headset with a microphone or an attachable video camera.

Conduct a mock interview – video call a friend or use Big Interview (see above).

During the Interview

Set up - Adjust the web camera so you are in the middle of the screen. Do not zoom in so the employer can only see your face or zoom out so the employer can see everything in the room. 

Look into the camera – During video interviews, it's typical to look at the images on the screen. Looking at the camera when answering gives the impression of looking at the interviewer.

Lighting – Check to be sure you have enough lighting that doesn’t create shadows or throw too harsh a look into your screen.

Slow it down – It can be easier to talk over people in a video interview so wait for the interviewer to stop speaking before you answer. This also gives you a few seconds to think about what you want to say before you speak.

Be enthusiastic – Video interviews tend to dampen one’s personality so make an effort to smile and act like your pleasant self as much as possible.