Mastering the art of video interviews: Do’s and Don’ts
In today’s digital age, video interviews have become an integral part of the hiring process. They offer convenience and efficiency for both employers and candidates. However, navigating the world of video interviews requires a specific set of skills and etiquette to make a lasting impression. In this blog, we will explore the essential do’s and don’ts of video interviews. From ensuring your technical setup is flawless to presenting yourself professionally on camera, we’ll cover all the crucial aspects to help you shine in your next virtual interview. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the world of video interviews, read on to boost your chances of success.
The growing popularity of video interviews is a result of technological advancements and changing work dynamics. With the rise of remote work and globalization, companies increasingly rely on video interviews to streamline their hiring processes. Video interviews save time and resources, allowing for broader candidate reach and quicker decision-making.
They also provide a glimpse into a candidate’s tech-savvy, which can be a valuable skill in today’s digital age. Additionally, video interviews enhance inclusivity by accommodating candidates with geographical constraints or disabled candidates. As video conferencing tools become more user-friendly, the trend towards virtual interviews is likely to continue, reshaping the way we connect and evaluate talent.
The Do’s of Video Interviews
1. Ensure a stable internet connection
Limited internet, Wi-Fi connection, or an unstable network can make your video interview experience challenging. To combat this, always make sure that your internet connection is working smoothly and that you have enough data left for your interview. In addition, check your internet speed and measure the bandwidth before your video interview. It may also be a good idea to disconnect any other devices that might be using your wifi or internet connection.
2. Test your equipment (camera, microphone, headphones)
The next important tip for video interviews is to check and test all your hardware devices that are usually required for a video interview. Cross-check your camera, microphone, and speakers of your laptop or computer system before the interview.
It is also advised to use a laptop or computer with a separate webcam for better experience and video quality. Most of the in-built cameras in laptops and computers have poor image quality. If possible, avoid doing video interviews with a cell phone or mobile device, as it can be unreliable, as well as unprofessional unless you have a phone stand.
Try to wear headphones with a microphone while you are in a video interview, as it will give you clear audio and a better listening experience.
3. Choose a well-lit and quiet location
Choosing a well-lit and quiet location is another way to shine during your video interview. Don’t try to conduct your interview in a loud and noisy place with poor lighting- background noise can be frustrating for those conducting and participating in the interview. Make sure that the room you are sitting in is neat in terms of its appearance so that your background is not distracting. If for some reason you are unable to find a background that isn’t distracting, some video interview software will allow you to blur your background, protecting the privacy of anyone who might wander behind your webcam, and keeping your call undisturbed.
Lighting can make your face clearer and more engaging. Make sure that you are conducting a video interview in a quiet place with a proper light set-up and device.
4. Dress professionally from head to toe
It is important to note that your video interview is the first impression that you will make with the interviewer and other people participating in the interview. Even if you are in for a video interview, your attire and appearance should be even. Professional attire is usually the best for video interviews. When in doubt, go for a business suit over a business casual.
5. Be Calm
During a video interview, maintaining calm, collected behavior is essential for success. Keep your body posture straight and sit politely, while taking deep breaths, maintain steady eye contact, and speak slowly and clearly. Not only will you appear more professional; those deep breaths will help keep you calm to answer questions as well.
Maintaining calm during the video interview will boost confidence, help to deal with nervousness, and make a positive impression on your interviewer(s), ultimately increasing your chances to ace the interview.
6. Research and Preparation
It is always good to be well-prepared in advance. So, before your video interview, make sure that you do thorough research about the company’s mission, vision, goals, objectives, and its culture. It’s a good idea to carefully go through the job description and prepare for the video interview questions from Google. You can also seek help from Glassdoor and find out about interview questions asked by the company.
You can also prepare your notes for do’s and don’ts while doing a video interview. On the day of the interview, you can go through your notes before your interview.
However, you should avoid reading from your notes while the interview is on. This might give off the implication that you are copying, cheating, or not prepared for the interview.
7. Maintain good eye contact
Maintaining good eye contact in video interviews is another important thing to do. During a video interview, making eye contact will give a clear indication that you are an honest, confident person who is fully involved in the interview process. Try to establish eye contact early on from the beginning of the interview.
8. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
Your video interview will be focused on a conversation aimed at assessing your personality, skills, qualifications, and whether you are the right candidate for the job or not. So, communicating effectively during your interview is a crucial step and will allow you to represent yourself in the best possible manner. While communicating in video interviews, try to maintain professional speech and avoid talking about things that are irrelevant to the interview, unless asked, such as ice-breaker questions.
Maintain a steady flow and work on your tonality to showcase the best version of yourself. Don’t rush yourself, but don’t go too slow while communicating.
The Don’ts of Video Interviews
1. Don’t rely on unfamiliar technology at the last minute
Technical issues and glitches are the most common problems that candidates go through while conducting a virtual interview. Generally speaking, microphone issues, speakers not working correctly, problems with video interviewing software, and insufficient internet bandwidth are some common issues that one might encounter while video interviewing.
The best way to deal with these problems while doing a video interview is to make sure your microphone, speaker, and internet are working, up to date, and in sound condition. You should also avoid using new technology or software for video intervention at the last minute- try to use software you’re familiar with.
2. Avoid using distracting virtual backgrounds
Many companies do not allow the use of virtual backgrounds during interviews. Because of the volatility of virtual background software, your webcam image may become distorted. This might cause distractions for your interviewer. If you must use a virtual background, then use a green screen to avoid technical glitches and unnecessary body cuts.
Here are some tips to follow while doing video interviews without virtual backgrounds.
- Use a professional webcam
- Verify that your background is orderly and visible
- Get a proper lighting setup
- Avoid sitting directly under the light
3. Don’t read on your computer screen
In a video interview, it might be possible that you have prepared some notes and answers to the questions. That’s fine, but make sure you do not read them through your computer screen by opening multiple tabs. Interviewers may assume you are getting answers from someone on an instant messaging app, damaging your chances of being hired.
Instead, prepare and practice for your interview beforehand and revise them 1-2 hours prior to the actual interview time. In this way, you can sound natural and you might not need to read your screen.
4. Don’t schedule interviews in a noisy or high-traffic area
This is only sometimes feasible, but you should always try to be in a quiet place at the time of your video interview. Avoid public locations and noisy environments. Look for a separate room with proper lighting set up and less distractions. This will ensure smooth conduct of the interview and you might also make a great first impression.
5. Don’t Avoid forgetting to thank the interviewer for their time
Make sure that you don’t forget to say Thank You to the interviewer after your interview is done. Saying Thank You can increase your chances of getting selected for the role in which the interview is being conducted. It can also show your interviewer that you are grateful for the opportunity and help you to stand apart from other candidates.
6. Don’t speak over the interviewer
In a live video interview try not to speak over the interviewer. Instead, be a little more patient and don’t show the need to speak throughout the interview process. Let the interviewer and others speak first and then speak at the right time after a moment of silence. The silence indicates that the interviewer has finished speaking and now you can contribute to the conversation happening.
7. Don’t be a multi-tasker
During the video interview, it might be possible that you might do multi-tasking such as attending a call, typing something on your computer, or talking with someone else nearby you.
This is a major turn-off and might disturb the entire decorum of the interview. Instead, you focus on paying attention to what the interviewer is speaking about by looking at the screen. You should also be actively listening to what they are saying and then give your response after observing a moment’s silence.
Even if you need something during the interview process, ask the permission of the interviewer and then proceed with it. Additionally, keep only one tab open when conducting a video interview on a laptop or computer. This will reduce the amount of description generated and improve system performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the dos and don’ts of a video interview is important for a successful outcome. Following this guide post and the best practices mentioned in it, such as dressing professionally, testing technology beforehand, and maintaining eye contact, while avoiding distractions and over-talking, will ensure you present your best self and make a lasting positive impression.
Also read: How to ace your next job interview
