How to Prepare for a Video Job Interview?

Getting your first interview call can sometimes prove to a lengthy daunting exercise, especially when you have to process your application online and wait to hear from the recruiter. Yes, the Internet has been much of a game changer in how employee recruitment works, including how hiring managers conduct job interviews today by harnessing technology to the fullest, thus saving on time and costs.

Considering this alternative opening up new ways of interviewing candidates, here’s a challenge for HR managers who are always caught in a dilemma on how to make video interviews work for their business, to find the right talent and conduct smooth interviews?

With the advancements in technology, conducting virtual video interviews is becoming increasingly popular among employers. Embracing video and web-based technologies for screening candidates and understanding their backgrounds is an alternative to traditional in-person meetings. Conducting video job interviews allows employers to broaden the talent scope to seek for candidates across the globe.

A manager in Singapore can connect easily with a potential candidate in Indonesia, without having to go through the hassle of bringing the applicants to the country. As first impression matters, through this method employers can perform initial screening of candidate’s communication and performance competencies. If they clear the rounds, then managers can invite them for the next face-to-face interview.

However, the problem is quite typical here. Not everyone is ready for a video job interview. While many people are perfectly comfortable with the idea of talking in front of a webcam, there are others who are totally webcam-phobic. The latter being, webcam-shy usually can come across as being overly-nervous, stiff, and awkward when facing their computer screen.

Knowledge about job requirements in itself is not enough, when it comes to video job interviews. If you belong to the second type of candidates who are not camera-friendly then here’s some guidance on how to ace in a video job interview:

Prepare your devices

While this might sound quite obvious, but you have to make sure that you have everything you need for a video job interview. Although you might use your laptop all the time, before the interview you have to ensure that all the functions you need are running smoothly.

Turn on the computer at least 15 minutes before the scheduled interview, such that you can check once again that all is well. This will include testing your webcam properties, turn on the audio recorder, charging the battery, as well as checking stability of the Internet connection. If you are required to use a certain video call software, make sure that you have installed, tested and tried it out before the day.

Set the scene

You want the interviewers to keep their eyes only on you, not your surroundings. To help you get their full attention, you have to set proper scene for a video job interview.

Make sure that the lighting is good so it will not cast undesirable black shadow of your face. As for the room, make sure that it is quiet enough to do a conversation. If needed, you can put on a ‘do not disturb’ or some notes about the interview on your door to prevent any disturbance.

People get distracted easily. So ensure that nothing bizarre fills your background. Conservative white and plain background is the best option for it. You want the interviewer to assess your qualification, not wondering who the funky singer on your wall is.

Don the right attire

While it is true that most video job interviews do not require you to show your full image, do not risk your employment opportunity by wearing casual bottoms. Wear something dense and professional from head to toe, not only for the waist-up. You don’t want the interviewer to accidentally sneak peek your worn-out pajamas, right?

Avoid wearing clothes with busy prints, as it does not look good on screen. Instead, pick something plain in light colours. If you want, you can choose colours that you think you look good in. Not only the attire, but you also need to pay close attention to your hair and face as well. Make sure that you have the look they seek of their next hire.

Maintain eye contact

Most common mistake candidates do in a video job interview is that they tend to look out of the screen. You should stop doing so when attending a video interview. Eye contact is not only applicable during face-to-face interviews, but also in a video job interview setting as well. Just pretend that the webcam is the interviewer sitting in front you. Hence, looking at it is like looking directly at the interviewer.

Stay calm all the time

We all make mistakes and it's human to err. Do not get disturbed by small errors that you might make along the interview. When you realise that you are not communicating the message right, admit your mistake, pause and re-state the answer calmly.

Be honest. If you think you cannot find a proper answer to particular question, just say so. Rather than rambling about something else, interviewers will appreciate your honesty. Focus on your answer, express the points clearly and confidently. This will make the interviewer understand and rethink if you are the perfect hire for the job role demands.

Start practicing

As the old adage goes, “Practice is the key to perfection.” To be prepared to tackle and address tough questions during the video job interview, take advantage of various interview practice hacks available on the Internet. Make sure to do your research about the company and everything related to the job you are applying for.

Video job interview is an effective medium to demonstrate your proficiencies, skillsets to the hiring managers. While this can be done even at your home, bear in mind that a video job interview is no different from usual face-to-face interview. So stay confident and calm.

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