6 Steps to Acing a Video Interview.
Does the idea of a video interview get your insides squirming? To the contrary, there’s no need to get worked up about a video interview. With a little bit of preparation and a read of our steps, you’ll ace the art of video interviewing.
Video interviewing stems from the convenience, efficiency and cost-effective nature of the medium for a first meeting with job applicants. It allows more flexibility with scheduling availabilities and unlike phone interviews.
There are two types of video interviews: pre-recorded video interviewing and interactive video interviewing.
Pre-recorded interviewing can be done anywhere, at any time. All you need is a reliable recording device and a well-lit location with suitable surroundings. You may have the opportunity to effectively plan your responses as well as review them before you submit! Conversely, with interactive interviewing, you have the benefits of displaying your talents face-to-face without the travel time. However, it is important to remember that you are still being formally interviewed and to prepare accordingly.
Today, video interviewing has become more commonplace particularly when there is a high volume of candidates who fit the job criteria and it’s not feasible to interview them all. This is your chance to shine and get yourself to the next step in the recruitment process.
“This is an opportunity to show your interviewer your personality and character before you are considered for further interviews,” said Titan Recruitment’s Office Manager, Ana Galovic who manages and facilitates video interviews. She added, “Interviewers have set criteria for all interviewees, and bypassing the process would just leave you disadvantaged. You would be eliminating yourself by proving to be a non-compliant candidate.”
If you’re an active job seeker and you haven’t yet been video interviewed, there’s a good chance you will so take a look at our video interviewing preparation checklist to help navigate the playing field:
1. Ensure you have the right software or plugin
If your interviewer dictates the software to be used, test the platform with their instructions. If none are provided, visit the service provider’s website to familiarise yourself with the product. Ana says, “Always run tests to understand the functions, so you are confident with what you’re doing during your interview, should something go wrong.”
2. Pick your location
Your bedroom might be a safe space for you, however, your potential employer does not need to be privy to your personal space (and how it might be kept). If you do not have a home office or a conducive common area, consider booking a space in a serviced office or private working space for your interview and check their facilities well ahead of time.
If you choose to use a space at home, set up your laptop or desktop camera to see what your surroundings would look like to your interviewer – be sure to create a backdrop that’s conducive to the task at hand.
“To avoid any surprises during your interview, inform anyone you are living with that you have an interview scheduled. Imagine unwitting cohabitants walking into the room, or disgruntled pets vying for your attention. While it might be entertaining in hindsight, it could interrupt your flow and having to regroup your thoughts during an interview is never ideal,” said Ana.
3. Check your internet connection
You can test your internet speed and check which of your devices might be slowing your connection down. ZDNet has a good guide on how to check up and fix your internet connection. If you frequently experience a poor connection, check with your internet service provider.
4. Make sure your power source is secure
Sometimes we overlook the simplest things. Especially if you are using a portable device, check your cables to ensure they’re in working condition and that they remain connected when you set up your laptop for your interview.
If you are using a mobile phone or tablet, connect your device to a power source before your interview. Familiarise yourself with your device so that you understand its limitations and can plan accordingly.
“If you have earphones or headphone use them for your interview. This will cut out any ambient sounds so you can hear your interviewers clearly. Speak through your earphone’s microphone, it will make your speech clearer for your interviewers,” said Ana.
5. Set up your space and bring your documents for reference
On the day of your interview, set up your interview space to ensure you have access to everything you might need. Keep your resume, cover letter, job notes and copies of your qualifications on hand in case you might need to refer to them during your interview. A glass of water might also be handy in case the nerves creep up.
7. Login well ahead of time to prepare for your interview
Take this time to run through your connectivity checks (i.e. internet connection, log into your software and power connections). “With all the technical aspects checked and out of the way, you will now have the time to compose yourself, and you are prepared for your interview!” said Ana
While video interviews can be daunting, the most important thing to remember is to be yourself.
“Both you and your interviewer are investing time and effort into finding the best fit – for you and the company. It is in your best interest to put your best foot forward treating the video interview seriously, and secure a position that is suited for you,” said Ana
Together with this video interview checklist, you can also focus on the other aspects of your interview preparation such as how to prepare for interview success or questions you should ask during your interview.
Good luck, we’re sure you’ll ace it!
If you’re an engineering or technology job seeker looking for a new opportunity, get in touch with our team, who can also help your job search.
