As more professionals shift to remote work, it's crucial to enhance your skills for virtual interviews. Setting the stage for a successful video interview involves more than just finding a quiet spot and checking your microphone.
Our guide goes beyond the basics, providing nine practical tips to help you impress potential employers.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to virtual interviews, our advice has something for everyone.
What is the Video Interview?
Video interviews are now standard for remote candidate assessments. Mastering these virtual interactions is crucial to excelling in a competitive job market.
9 Tips to Consider for Video Interview
- Preparation
- Technical Glitches
- Dress for Success
- Showcase Your Personality
- Digital Handshake
- looking at Notes
- Follow-Up Etiquette
#1- Preparation For Video Interview
(i) Know the Company
Research the company's values, culture, and recent achievements.
(ii) Understand the Role
Familiarize yourself with the job description; be ready to align your skills with the requirements.
#2- Technical Glitches
Technical glitches in video interviews, such as internet connectivity issues, platform compatibility problems, and audio or video quality issues.
They can disrupt the smooth communication between participants. Conducting pre-interview technology checks and having contingency plans can help mitigate these challenges.
#3- Dress for Success
(i) Dress Professionally
Choose attire suitable for an in-person interview to create a positive impression.
(ii) Mind Your Background
Opt for a clean, clutter free background. A neutral setting or a virtual background can maintain a professional appearance.
#4- Showcase Your Personality
(i) Be Yourself
Let your personality shine through, as authenticity can set you apart from other candidates.
(ii) Use Examples
Support your answers with specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
#5- Looking at Notes
It's generally better to rely on what you know and prepare for, rather than constantly checking notes. However, there are situations where it's okay to keep notes with you.
(i) Achievement Highlights
If you have specific accomplishments or metrics you want to share, having them written down helps you remember to mention them.
(ii) Job Description and Requirements
Having a copy of the job description and key requirements helps you tailor your responses to what the interviewer is looking for.
#6- Digital Handshake
In a video interview, creating a digital handshake is vital for establishing a connection, similar to the informal moments in face-to-face meetings.
To compensate for the absence of physical presence, look directly into the camera after the initial greeting, offering a small affirmative head nod to express enthusiasm.
A genuine smile conveys warmth and openness, forming a virtual connection that replaces traditional in-person gestures.
This emphasizes the significance of forging a strong initial connection, especially in a virtual environment.
#7- Follow-Up Etiquette
(i) Express Gratitude
Send a thank you email promptly after the interview to show your appreciation for the opportunity.
(ii) Reiterate Interest
Reinforce your interest in the position and highlight why you believe you are a strong fit.
Video Interview Service Live
There are many popular tools for online video interviews. Some of the most commonly used platforms are:
- Zoom
- Google meet
- GoToMeeting
- Spark Hire
General Questions That Are Often Asked
- Tell me about yourself?
- What interests you about this position and our company?
- Can you share a challenging work situation and how it was handled?
- Why did you leave your previous job?
Conclusion
A successful video interview not only demonstrates your qualifications but also your adaptability and ability to excel in a virtual work environment.
