A proper technical setup, a quiet environment, professional attire, and correct lighting are the key steps to prepare yourself to succeed in a video interview.
Recruiters rely on specific metrics and candidate behaviours to evaluate the candidates. We have a few expert video interview tips to help you get ready for the interview.
However, before we get to the tips, let’s give you a brief understanding of what a video interview is.
Key Takeaways: How to Prepare for a Video Interview
- Find a quiet space with proper lighting and a stable internet connection
- Practise common questions and maintain positive body language
- Know about the interview platform before appearing for it
- Research the company and your role properly
- Manage your time well in pre recorded interviews
- Speak with clarity, dress professionally, and look at the camera
What Is a Video Interview: Types Explained
A video interview is a job interview conducted using video conferencing technology instead of in person. This type of interview is common in the early to mid-stages of hiring. The recruiter can record and watch the interview again to evaluate the candidate properly. There are three main types of video interviews:
A. Live Interview
Live interviews are similar to face-to-face interviews. In this case, you will directly talk to the interviewer or face a panel of interviewers in real time using any video conferencing app. The recruiters are able to recreate the traditional interview format without asking the candidate to travel to their office.
B. Pre-recorded Interviews
In this case, you will not be talking to a real person and will be presented with pre-recorded or written questions on screen. You need to record your answer on video and submit it. Employers watch those videos to understand your skills and knowledge before moving to the next step.
C. AI-driven Video Interviews
This is also where you will not interact with any real individuals. But in AI-driven video interviews, your answers will be analysed by AI. It will score them and pass the result to the recruiter to inform their decision.
That will give you an idea about the different types and prepare you accordingly. To help you with the preparation, let’s take you through the best video interview tips, as promised.
Video Interview Preparation Tips from Recruiting Experts
You need to be prepared for any type of video interview that comes your way. We understand the stress and anxiety candidates deal with before appearing for an interview. Therefore, we have a few virtual video interview tips that will help you deal with such situations and stay confident throughout the process:
A. Choose Your Location
The recruiters inform you about the date and time of the interview well in advance. You must not waste any time finding the place where you will attend the interview. The reason is that technical issues are the most common complaints when it comes to video interviews.
Therefore, to ensure there’s no ‘connection lost’ during the interview, you must find a place where the connection is strong. Further, you need to check the lighting. These interviews rely on how well you are seen by the recruiter. Avoid places where you might get a shadow.
B. Get Familiar with the Platform
Companies generally inform candidates about the platform that will be used for the interview. Don’t sit and wait for the day to come to explore the software. Once you get to know about it, take a tour of the software, explore the different built-in tools, understand how to mute or unmute yourself, and how to join/leave calls.
You need to make sure your username seems professional. For pre-recorded interviews, learn how to start/stop a recording and how to discard a recording if the platform allows you to re-record a response. You can talk to experts from professional career services if you face a problem understanding the platform. They can help you prepare for the interview.
C. Practise Answering Interview Questions
You must practise answering common interview questions and record yourself. It is necessary to review yourself and how you come across on the screen. There are a few things you need to check: your tone and body language.
You might find yourself to be perfect every time you do that. Therefore, to ensure you get it right, ask a third person to review it. This will help you understand the areas you need to improve and work on them accordingly.
D. Know the Employer Well
For an interview to go well, you need to know the employer properly. You must jot down important information about the employer to review before the interview. You can also keep the notes handy and check them during the interview for a quick reference, if needed. However, you must not attend the interview with your eyes glued to the paper.
The importance of eye contact is paramount in live video interviews. Maintaining eye contact is one of the most important live video interview tips; it helps demonstrate that you are focused on the conversation.
E. Use the Right Device
While the device you use is up to you, we suggest using a computer or laptop for the interview. Using these devices makes the interview look more professional and also lets your interviewer see you properly.
Additionally, you will not have to worry about holding a phone in one hand during the entire interview. You can place your laptop on a table and attend the interview without any disturbances.
All these would help you set yourself up for the live interview. However, when it comes to pre-recorded interviews, there are a few more tips that can help you stay prepared.
Pre Recorded Video Interview Tips
Since these interviews do not have actual interviewers, you need to prepare yourself accordingly. Here are a few pre-recorded video interview tips to help you prepare well:
- Write your answers while practising – You will not get any follow-up questions in this type of interview. Therefore, you need to ensure that the answer you give has all the points relevant to the question that is asked. The best way to understand that is by writing the answers while practising. It will help you check if you are on the right track or not.
- Time yourself when you practise – This is very important in this type of interview. No one wants to be cut off mid-sentence. Therefore, to ensure that doesn’t happen to you, you must time yourself when you practise. It will help you understand if you need to shorten or lengthen your answer. One of the best ways to understand this is by creating a video CV.
- Pay attention to the instructions – Go through the instructions to complete your interview carefully. Before you start, check if you are able to re-record your response, and if you can, check how many retakes you can get. Also, check the deadline set by the employer, prepare, and complete the interview on time.
What Are the Questions that Are Generally Asked in Video Interviews?
It is difficult to point out the exact questions you will come across in interviews. That is at the discretion of the employers, and they can ask you questions on any topic. However, we can outline the types of questions you might come across in an interview:
- Competency-based questions
- Strengths-based questions
- Values-based questions
You can also face a combination of these types of questions. The questions depend on the skills and knowledge you display on your CV. It is wise to use executive CV writing services to ensure the document is tailored to the job you are applying for.
Why Do Employers Use Video Interviews?
There are numerous reasons employers use video interviews in their hiring process. Here’s a look at a few of them:
A. Faster Screenings
Live video interviews save time and make screenings faster compared to in-person interviews. It makes it easier for the employer to pick the top candidates. This is a reason candidates often use CV editing services to ensure their CVs pass the screening tests.
B. Flexible Scheduling
Online video interview platforms allow flexibility in scheduling, thus helping accommodate both employers and candidates from different time zones or busy schedules.
C. Efficient Evaluation
The assessment and distribution of applicant responses to other team members are faster through video platforms. It allows effective evaluation and comparison of candidates.
D. Access to Nonverbal Cues
Video interviews help employers assess a candidate’s tone, confidence, and body language. These are impossible to understand by going through traditional CVs.
E. Easy Interview of Large Talent Pool
A video call lets companies interview a larger talent pool, and that includes candidates who are unable to attend in-person interviews.
F. Low Hiring Costs
Video interviews help reduce hiring costs like travel, accommodation, and long rounds of physical interviews, thus making the recruitment process budget-friendly.
G. Assessing Tech Friendliness
Pre recorded video interviews let employers understand how comfortable you are in front of the camera and with digital tools and technology. Since this is a skill needed in modern workplaces, it is crucial to display your understanding and knowledge of these skills.
Research shows that 69% of HR managers have video interviews embedded in their hiring process.
Who Uses Video Interviews for Hiring?
Employers across different industries use on-demand video interviews to hire faster. As these are remote-friendly, it makes the entire process much easier. The following are a few industries that use video interviews:
- Consulting and professional services
- Banking and financial services
- Technology and e-commerce
- Consumer goods
- Retail
So, if you are applying to companies from any of the above industries, make sure you know how to prepare for a video interview before pressing the ‘send’ button. Further, use cover letter writing services to ensure your application looks professional and makes a good first impression.
A Few Sample Questions and Answers for Video Interviews
Endnote:
Video interviews will continue to be one of the most important ways of assessing and screening candidates. You need to be prepared for the questions that might be asked and make sure everything else, like the internet connection and good natural lighting, is on point.
Additionally, you must remember that you need to speak clearly, whether it’s a Zoom call or a Google Meet call. Follow all the online interview tips shared in the article to ensure you are well prepared for the interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you look at notes during a video interview?
Yes, you can look at notes for reference during a video interview. However, do not fix your eyes on the notes during the entire interview. Interviewers prefer eye contact, and not maintaining it might lead to rejection.
Can I use a mobile phone for the interview?
Yes, you can use your mobile phone for the interview. Most platforms allow any device for the interview. However, it is recommended that you check the employer’s instructions, since a few pre recorded tools work best on a desktop.
How to dress for a video interview?
It is highly recommended that you dress formally to attend a video interview. Wear clothing that contrasts with your background.
How does a video interview work?
The video interview process works differently for each type. These interviews are conducted through a webcam or phone camera. For live interviews, you will get an email link to join the meeting. For pre recorded interviews, you get a login link to log in to the platform and attend the interview.
How to answer video interview questions?
You need to structure your answer using the STAR method. Additionally, one of the important video interview body language tips includes looking directly into the camera lens. Also, you must speak clearly and practise well before appearing for the interview. Look for practice questions and work on them. That will help you feel prepared.
What to expect in a video interview?
You can either expect a live call with the hiring manager or an on-demand, pre recorded interview. Follow the top tips for a successful video interview to ace it and move to the next stage. You will be tested on communication skills, technical readiness, time management, and the ability to present yourself professionally on camera.
How do I prepare for a video interview?
You need to treat the video interview as an in-person interview. Test your equipment, establish a clean, quiet environment, set your camera at eye level, dress professionally, and practise speaking to prepare for the interview.
How do I introduce myself in a video interview?
In a video interview, keep your introduction under 60 seconds and focus on the present, the past, and the future.
How can I make a good impression during a video interview?
A good impression during a video interview depends on a lot of things. Your technical setup and your understanding of the video platform play a crucial role. Further, you must dress professionally and look at the camera lens instead of the screen to ensure you make a good impression.
What is the 10-second rule in an interview?
For candidates, the 10-second rule in interviews is about making a good first impression in the first 10 seconds of a meeting. Your posture, greetings, and eye contact set the tone. Additionally, stating the main point while answering questions in the first 10 seconds is a part of the rule.
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