Menu
Menu
The past two years have led to the world becoming an increasing online place, with more companies than ever adopting the work from home lifestyle (ourselves included). Not only did COVID change the way we work, but it also changed the way we interview for positions. Even before the pandemic, video interviews have been and continue to be an increasingly common part of the hiring process. For this reason, we’ve put together a quick guide on how to best prepare for it!
Make sure that you choose a quiet, private, well-lit place, free from possible interruptions. It’s also important to remember that video interviews can give a peek into your personal life, so make sure that you position your webcam so that you have a neutral background.
If possible, keep pets and family members in another room during the interview.
Turn off all your phone and computer notifications to avoid any distractions.
If you're using the camera from your phone, try to stand your phone up and let your hands be free.
Make sure you test out your internet connection, webcam and microphone to avoid any potential issues during the interview. Although the majority of video platforms are now available on your phone it’s harder to communicate with your interviewer on a smaller screen and you can be interrupted by app alerts. For this reason, if possible, try to use a laptop or a computer instead.
It’s also a good idea to get to know the video platform you will be using. Majority of platforms these days require multiple account sign-ups, app downloads, or permissions on your device, so make sure you spend some time before the interview to get to know the platform or app in order to avoid any technical issues or delays on the day!
If you are doing a video call via Zoom, Microsoft, WhatsApp etc., download the app beforehand as opening it in the browser is not always the best choice. Also remember to create a professional username if you are new to the app.
Just because you’re meeting your interviewers virtually doesn’t mean you should take the interview any less seriously. It’s important to dress as you would if you were going to the interview in-person. Doing this will not only help you feel more confident, but it will also give a good impression to the person on the other side of the screen.
Remember to look into the camera and not at the person on the screen as you might be looking down without realising. Also take note of your body language, are you swirling your chair, moving your hands too much, etc. This can be determined by doing a test run with family/friends.
Do your research - look up the company you’re interviewing for, read the 'About Us' page and find out as much information as you can about what they do. It is a great idea to use keywords from their values and mission statement when you answer questions or for when you ask some. You should also try to look up who you are interviewing with on LinkedIn, so you know who they are when you first see them.
This is the best way to make you feel at ease. Having answers to potential questions prepared before you go in will save you from thinking on the spot and allow you to show yourself in the best light possible. We have plenty of sample and previously asked questions from employers. We're happy to go through them with you to give you the best chance of acing your interview! Contact us today for a “Sample Interview Q&A” sheet.
At the end of every interview you'll always be hit with the 'Have you any questions for me?' query by interviewer. It's best to aim for at least 1-3 questions. This not only shows that you're interested in the position and the company, but also give you a chance to find out whether the position is exactly right for you! We've come up with a few possible questions in the blog below
Have a pen, notepad and copy of your resume on your desk. One of the benefits of virtual interviews is that you can have resources around you, so consider writing down a few talking points you want to make sure you don’t forget. Stick them behind your laptop screen or camera, and don’t be afraid to have a look now and then.
Going for an interview and especially a video/phone interview can be daunting, no matter how much experience you have and what job you are applying for. Make sure you have some time before your interview to do a couple of practice runs with friends/family or with us here at Clarity Recruitment!
We have a number of highly skilled recruiters who can help with the preparation. Our services include one-to-one career consultations, CV editing and creation, mock interviews, and much more. The best part is... our services are complete free! Ready to start your job search? Get in touch with us today!
