With the rise in work-from-home arrangements, video interviews have become more and more common. More than 60% of job recruiters use video platforms to interview job-seekers remotely and 81% of job recruiters claim that this process will remain in practice for years to come. Preparing for a video interview yourself? Follow these five tips to help you ace the interview.
It can be stressful preparing for a video interview when you don’t have the advantage of face-to-face interaction. Knowing what to wear is the first step in impressing the interviewer and showcasing your excitement about the role. Just like an in-person interview, you want to arrive looking professional; clean-shaven, with groomed hair and a business suit or dress. Be sure to steam or iron out any wrinkles – they can still be seen on camera! Keep in mind, this is the employer’s first impression of you and their first glimpse of your judgment skills. Even when you are interviewing from your own home, dressing in the right attire for an interview shows that you are serious about the job and shows respect towards the interviewer. The better dressed you are, the more confidence you have. Ultimately, when you look your best, you perform your best.
Before a video interview, you should take time to ensure your technology is running well and that you have a strong connection. You should ensure you’ve downloaded Zoom or Teams and create a free account days in advance to prepare for the interview. Conduct a test call with a friend or family member to make sure your camera and microphone are working well. You should also ensure you have the interviewer’s phone number so that you can contact them quickly in case any major technical issues arise. On the day of the interview, log in 5-10 minutes beforehand so that you can troubleshoot any issues before the interview start time.
Just like an in-person interview, body language is an important factor to be aware of in a video interview. In a recent VIP podcast, Nick Capozzi shared the importance of using body language to build rapport in a video interview. When it comes to body language, be sure to look directly at the camera as opposed to your screen. This will show that you are engaged and actively listening to the interviewer. Capozzi also shared that standing during a video interview will calm your nerves and bring out exciting body language, which will reduce your nervous energy. Keep in mind, energy reflects off of an individual far more in person than on video, so being extra energetic can be beneficial.
When preparing for the interview, select a space that has natural lighting and minimal background noise. Overhead lighting can create harsh shadows that make you look tired, but natural, eye-level light sources (like a window, for example), highlight you in the most flattering way. You should also select an environment that is tidy and not visually distracting to ensure the interviewer focuses on the conversation. These important details can shape the way you are perceived by the interviewer.
Prepare for a video interview the same way you would prepare for an in-person interview. Do some thorough research on the role, company, and the person doing the interviewing. Whether you have a common interest or a shared connection that you found on the interviewer’s LinkedIn profile, a brief conversation about your shared interests can set you apart from other candidates.
Next, make sure you have answers prepared for common interview questions, especially for that industry. Preparing for these types of questions can prevent missteps and help you deliver a concise answer. Be sure to also prepare questions for your interviewer to learn more about the role and showcase your interest in the open position.
It is important to follow up with a thank-you note following your interview. Whether it is an email or a handwritten note, this can increase your chance of landing the job significantly. In fact, 68% of hiring managers and recruiters say that it impacts the decision-making process significantly. Sending a thank-you note shows you have respect for your interviewer, will allow you to reiterate points you made in your interview, and will demonstrate your written communication skills. Recent data even shows that recruiters care more about cover letters and thank you notes than employment gaps.
Video interviews offer a convenient solution for hiring managers and candidates alike, making it easier than ever to connect to discuss employment opportunities. Despite the convenience and ease of interviewing, candidates should take extra precautions to ensure they present themselves well and prepare for technology hiccups should they arise. Follow us on LinkedIn for more job search and career advice.