Video interviewing is becoming a growing trend with everyone having access to the technology. A process that was first used by big major companies but now it is becoming a cost efficient method to source & vet job candidates. It has many benefits especially for interviewing for jobs that are either in another country or at a far distance. Although video interviews are much like standard face-to-face interviews, they do offer some challenges that you should consider. Below are some things you need to be aware of that can help!
Movements, Posture & Sound
Showing that you’re calm helps to project shows confidence. That means though you shouldn’t check your personality at the door, but it is best to stay fairly still. Try to avoid overly broad gestures — you're not directing traffic. Ration your gestures, as rapid movements can distort picture at times.
Occasionally glance at the picture-in-picture (the image that shows yourself) feature on the monitor to check your body language. Slouching & other bad-posture sagging make you look even worse on those small screens than they can do in person. You need to project your best image.
Microphones can have an irritating habit of picking up all the noise in the room. Don't shuffle papers, tap pens, tap your feet against desk etc. Even noises from the next room can be picked up especially if they loud e.g. kids screaming, pets. Having a space free of noise distractions is essential as it can be very annoying for the interviewer and can show lack of respect.
Speaking & Expressions
The first thing you do is to introduce yourself in a warm welcoming manner….’Hello, I’m (Your Name). Nice to meet you. Make sure you speak normally, but not too fast. Nervous people sometimes don't stop for air, and their best lines are left unheard or not understood properly.
One thing you should be aware of is a sound delay. A couple of seconds will lapse between the interviewer's statement or question and when you hear them. Like you would in a face to face interview, wait until you know they have finished and have a quick pause before you answer. Rushing a response out or speaking over the interviewer will not be received well.
Always look directly at the camera when speaking to the interviewer. You can look around occasionally, but avoid rolling your eyes all over the room as though you can hardly wait to make your getaway or you looking at something more interesting. Those actions will be received in a negative manner & count against you. You’re best imagining that the interviewer is sitting across the table from you.
The three most important things to remember in a video interview are smile, smile, & smile. Impressions count so be friendly & welcoming and show you interested in the interview as you really want the job.
The Virtual Handshake
It’s always up to the interviewer to indicate when the interview is over. When you’re attending a face to face interviewer, you would stand and shake the hand of the interviewer. However this obviously can’t be done during a video interview. Once you are informed that it’s the end of the interview process, it’s best to give a statement to show you understand the interview is over. You can say something such as the following example:-
‘Thank you for your time & interviewing me. I really appreciate the opportunity & look forward to hearing from you’
Never sign off first as it may show you are eager and never speak or move until you are 100% sure the video call has ended. There has been incidents when some candidates have made comments which they didn’t realise were heard by the interviewer and it was something negative and it counted against them.
Movements, Posture & Sound
Showing that you’re calm helps to project shows confidence. That means though you shouldn’t check your personality at the door, but it is best to stay fairly still. Try to avoid overly broad gestures — you're not directing traffic. Ration your gestures, as rapid movements can distort picture at times.
Occasionally glance at the picture-in-picture (the image that shows yourself) feature on the monitor to check your body language. Slouching & other bad-posture sagging make you look even worse on those small screens than they can do in person. You need to project your best image.
Microphones can have an irritating habit of picking up all the noise in the room. Don't shuffle papers, tap pens, tap your feet against desk etc. Even noises from the next room can be picked up especially if they loud e.g. kids screaming, pets. Having a space free of noise distractions is essential as it can be very annoying for the interviewer and can show lack of respect.
Speaking & Expressions
The first thing you do is to introduce yourself in a warm welcoming manner….’Hello, I’m (Your Name). Nice to meet you. Make sure you speak normally, but not too fast. Nervous people sometimes don't stop for air, and their best lines are left unheard or not understood properly.
One thing you should be aware of is a sound delay. A couple of seconds will lapse between the interviewer's statement or question and when you hear them. Like you would in a face to face interview, wait until you know they have finished and have a quick pause before you answer. Rushing a response out or speaking over the interviewer will not be received well.
Always look directly at the camera when speaking to the interviewer. You can look around occasionally, but avoid rolling your eyes all over the room as though you can hardly wait to make your getaway or you looking at something more interesting. Those actions will be received in a negative manner & count against you. You’re best imagining that the interviewer is sitting across the table from you.
The three most important things to remember in a video interview are smile, smile, & smile. Impressions count so be friendly & welcoming and show you interested in the interview as you really want the job.
The Virtual Handshake
It’s always up to the interviewer to indicate when the interview is over. When you’re attending a face to face interviewer, you would stand and shake the hand of the interviewer. However this obviously can’t be done during a video interview. Once you are informed that it’s the end of the interview process, it’s best to give a statement to show you understand the interview is over. You can say something such as the following example:-
‘Thank you for your time & interviewing me. I really appreciate the opportunity & look forward to hearing from you’
Never sign off first as it may show you are eager and never speak or move until you are 100% sure the video call has ended. There has been incidents when some candidates have made comments which they didn’t realise were heard by the interviewer and it was something negative and it counted against them.