Technology advances over the last four years have meant that we have all adapted to new ways of working that include working from home, flexible and hybrid working options. As a result, one of the main things that has changed significantly, is how companies are interviewing for jobs. The rise of the video interview has begun. Weather it is via Teams, Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or WhatsApp, organisations have adapted their recruitment strategies to accommodate new ways of working.
The question you need to think about is how to prepare for a video interview as there is still a few things to consider before you open your laptop and dial into the call.
Here are our top tips on how to prepare and give yourself the best chance of being offered that dream job from a video interview.
Preparation
You should still prepare thoroughly for this interview, thinking about the key skills and achievements that you want to get across as well as thoroughly researching to company, their values and mission. You should also prepare questions you would like to ask the interviewer at the end of the call. The benefit of the video interview is that you can have all of your notes around you so that you don’t forget anything. So use this to your advantage and make sure that you have covered everything you need in advance and are prepared for the interview.
Environment
Make sure that you are are somewhere nice and quiet, where you will not be interrupted during the video interview. Be aware of your surroundings and clear anything away that may be in view of the camera as it may not give the best first impression; you do not want your clothes drying in the background or wallpaper peeling off the walls.
Internet Connection
Check your internet connection in advance, make sure its stable and think about where is the best place for you to sit during the interview in your home. You do not want a bad connection to disrupt the video interview or for it to affect your ability to hear and answer the questions.
What to wear
Although you are sat in front of your computer, you will still be seen by the interviewer, so make sure you are dressed ready for the interview as if it was in person. Think about your clothes, hair, makeup or facial hair. You want to be as smart as possible to give the best first impression. If you can, position yourself and the cameral so that they can see you from the waist up or as much of your upper body as possible. Try not to sit too close to the camera so all they see is your head.
Body Language
Having the right body language in any interview is important so make sure that you are sat up straight and not slouching in a chair. If you are sat further back from the camera, then they can see your hand and arm movements which will also give them more non verbal feedback. If you tend to speak and wave your hands around, then you want them to be able to see this.
Maintain eye contact by looking at the camera, if you can set the view to see both of you then you will also be able to monitor yourself, but make sure that you are not looking else where on the screen as they want to see you maintaining eye contact.
Avoid Distractions
Whilst you are conducting the video interview, make sure that all programmes have been closed on your laptop and Apps on your phone. Do everything you can to keep your attention on the interviewer at all times. If you are based at home and you have family around, ask them not to disturb you during the call and place all pets in another room. You do not want anything to happen that will mean your eye is taken away from the camera and that can mean you lose track of the questions and your answers.
If you follow these tips for your next video interview, then they should help you to the next step in your career.
If you would like to see what jobs KD Recruitment have available that you could be perfect for then please click here