With video interviews becoming a popular method of interviewing, and looks like it is here to stay. Hiring managers and recruiters are finding this interview method more convenient and saving them time and money. It is a good idea to take your video interviewing skills to the next level. A little preparation can go a long way.
Let’s look at some valuable ways to ensure you have a successful on-camera interview:-
1. Do your research. Be sure to do your homework beforehand and get to know and understand about the company you are being interviewed by. You will be more knowledgeable and won’t get stuck when they ask you some tricky questions about their organisation. This will more than likely impress your interviewer and definitely give you an added advantage.
2. Use a good quality set-up. Be sure to set yourself up in a room with good lighting and keep your backdrop neutral. How you are perceived by your interviewer will have a big impact on your success. The set-up of your camera and microphone quality is also very important - sit close to the camera and try, if possible, to only have a head and shoulder view, and check behind you that there is nothing distracting or messy in view of the shot. If your microphone is of poor quality, the communication flow may be broken and frustrating for both. These factors may affect the way your interviewer will see and interact with you, remember you want to come across comfortable, confident and articulate.
3. First Impressions: Smile, build good rapport, wear smart interview clothes, sit up, be in the waiting room 5 minutes early, be professional and friendly, make sure that you won’t be disturbed, have good eye contact and have a flowing conversation. Remember, although you are on camera, your interviewer can still read your body language, so make sure you are engaged and not staring off into space or at other distractions on your screen. It would be a good idea to turn off all distractions and notifications. Remember to be enthusiastic about the company you are interviewing for.
If you have spent time preparing all of the above, you will be a lot more confident and ready for your interview. This will be noticed and well received in your interview, giving you a better chance at coming out on top!
All that is left to do now–is to ace that video interview and to close them. Ask what’s the next step as you’re interested in the role.