Have you made an application and got the news that you are going to be interviewed online? Video interviews have become commonplace for human resources departments and candidates, as recruitment processes have started to be carried out remotely as of 2020. Your interview could be a live video chat with a hiring manager. Unlike this version, you may be asked to record a video in which you answer a series of interview questions for your hiring manager to review later.
The key to success in a video interview is to practice beforehand. A video call is as serious as a face-to-face meeting. That's why you should be sure that you are ready and take precautions against any problems that may occur.
What Awaits You?
During a virtual interview, you need to see what awaits you. For example, the video platform you will get interviewed will vary from company to company. The platforms used according to the researches were reported as;
- Zoom: 43%
- Skype: 12%
- Google Meet / Hangouts: 19%
- Microsoft: 7%
- Cisco WebEx: 5%
- Other: 14%
The companies that were surveyed reported that most interviews took less than an hour. The percentage of interviews that lasted less than 30 minutes was 36%, those lasting between 30 minutes and 1 hour was 48%, and the proportion of online calls that lasted more than 1 hour was 16%.
If you have more than one online interview in a day, make sure you give yourself some time intervals so that you have spare time for the next interview as a result of a meeting that extended.
Paying Attention to Planning
Take your time to prepare ahead of the online interview. Most things will probably go smoothly, but it will be less stressful for you if you practice beforehand. You can take a trial a day or two before the call and check your camera, headset, or microphone as if the conversation will start soon. To avoid any surprises, be sure to use the same equipment and settings you would use during your actual conversation. Of course, you do not want your concentration to be impaired by a technical glitch.
Your camera should be at eye level, not up or down. A poorly positioned camera can cause an unwanted expression or strange shadows. Finally, be sure to submit any material (resume, portfolio, etc.) that your hiring manager has stated before the interview.
Check Your Background
When you are practicing for your interview take a look at the background that appears in the video. Does it look messy or noticeable? Conversations in front of a clean, tidy, and preferably flat wall allow you to keep the focus on yourself. Depending on the video platform you use, you can choose an online background to use in your background. Pay attention to the lighting in the space as well as the background. Do not choose to have light sources behind you, as they will overshadow your face.
What To Wear?
Surveys indicate that most employers (52%) prefer their candidates to wear clothing that is focused on casual work. While the rate of those who state that they do not notice is 44%, the rate of those looking for a formal or professional appearance is around 4%. You can determine this by doing prior research on corporate culture, but we still recommend that you do not take risks.
Your camera angle should point above your waist because your face is the real focal point during the interview. If there is any possibility that you will need to stand up though, make sure your pants or skirt are professional. You would not want to be remembered as a candidate who prefers pajama bottoms as an integral part of his shirt.
During a Meeting
Make sure the table and surroundings are clean and tidy. You don't want to distract the person you are talking to. If you are interviewing at home, make sure you are in a quiet place with no barking dogs, children, music, or other sounds. If you have a relative who is at home at the same time as you, warn them about possible voices that can occur around the house.
Also, be sure to turn off all alerts on your phone and computer to avoid email or message notifications during the call. Make eye contact with the person you are talking to, and remember that this means looking at the camera. It is quite possible to understand that you are looking at your own image. Even though your internet speed is very good, do not ignore the possibility of lag and avoid too much hand movement.
What Are They Looking For?
What do hiring managers want to see when viewing videos or online interviews of candidates? Answer the questions asked, not the questions you have in mind or would like to be asked. Recruitment managers want to know that you can do the job in question, and they ask questions about this.
Be presentable. Make sure you dress appropriately and give correct answers so that you can represent yourself as best as possible. Videos are a great way to differentiate between dozens of submissions. Even the best videos or interviews are transmitted, discussed, and sometimes replayed many times.