How to ace a video interview

How to ace a video interview

With remote working becoming the norm, many companies are hiring by doing video interviews. This may be a new experience for you, so how can you make sure you make a good impression when you’re talking to a camera instead of a person? Here are our top tips for acing a video interview.

1. Get tech savvy:

Get familiar with the various video conferencing apps available. The most popular are Zoom, Skype, Google hangouts and Microsoft Teams. You will want to know how to accept a meeting invite, how to join a call, how to check that the audio and camera are working and generally be comfortable enough that you can use the apps with confidence. It then becomes one less thing to worry about for your interview. Also, if you are successful it’s likely you’ll be using these online apps for checking in with your work team on a regular basis. Knowing the systems gives employers the confidence that you will be able to operate efficiently when working remotely.

2. Do your homework:

In the same way as you would prepare for an in-person interview, do your research on the company and role on offer. Prepare questions that you’d like to ask, and prepare answers for questions commonly asked in interviews. Then practice these questions and answers by recording yourself on your phone. This not only helps you rehearse what you want to say, but you it also means you’re less likely to get distracted by seeing yourself on camera for the first time during the interview. Test the system and your internet connection 30 minutes before the interview time to make sure everything in working properly, and if not, you have enough time to troubleshoot.

3. Look the part:

You may be interviewing in your living room, but it’s still a job interview, so dress smartly. Also check the space you plan to have the interview. You don’t want to have mess or personal items on display in the background. Be careful of mirrors that may reflect areas you don’t want in the camera shot. Ideally you want a quiet space, free from distractions. A blank or plain wall behind you is the first choice for location.

4. Be ahead of the game:

Log into the interview 5 minutes early, have your preparation notes handy as well as a glass of water. Employers like employees that are punctual and have a proactive approach to work, so this helps to make a good impression.

5. Enjoy the process:

You may be nervous for the interview, and there may be a lot riding on it, but making a conscious effort to enjoy the process will help you to relax. This will also give you a level of confidence which is very valuable during an interview.

Acing video interviewing can be your first step to succeeding at remote working. It’s really simple if you take the time to understand it and prepare for the process. As all of our interviews are currently being conducted by video, we trust that you will find this information helpful. If you need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Bagnall Hopkins Team.