A video job interview is an integral part of the hiring process, especially for companies based in another country. It is considered an ideal conference interview when you are doing a long-distance job search. According to career coach Andrean Turner, the best way to do video interviews is to stay confident and show your true self.
Take a look at the following tips for a successful video conference interview:
- Prep yourself
Do not underestimate the value of interview happening in Google Meet or Skype just because it is not happening in person. Even though you are not travelling to give your interview, you can still prepare yourself by researching in detail about the company and the role you are applying for. Go through the job descriptions and the skills they are looking for from candidates. Look for common interview questions and practice answering them. Prepare some question that you ask your interviewer at the end of the interview session. The interviewer is looking for someone who is knowledgeable and passionate about the job role. Show them how you fit the job role.
- Test your devices
Technical glitch is a big disturbance during video interviews. It is best to minimise technical difficulties by ensuring your setup is ready, the internet is stable, and you have all the hardware you may need to use during your interview. Test it by video chatting with someone to ensure you are perfectly visible and audible. Get to know all the features and settings of the program. Learn at least the basics, like how to mute and unmute your microphone.
Few things you need to check:
- Is your keyboard working properly?
- Is your webcam working properly?
- Is the microphone good enough?
- Prepare for optimal eye contact
Will you feel connected if someone makes a conversation by looking away from you and looking over your shoulder? Maintaining eye contact with the interviewer shows you are engaged and listening to what you are saying.
Find a comfortable distance between you and the screen that lets you see straight ahead instead of looking down at the camera.
- Practice how you sound as well
People often are so engrossed in how they look during a video interview that they forget how they actually sound. When practicing, observe speed of your speaking, where you are stumbling, how you pause, and how you use the pitch and tone of your voice. Ask the person with whom you are practicing if they can hear you clearly and understand you.
Make sure to speak as clearly as possible, maintain a reasonable pace and also keep it natural. You should sound excited as you discuss things you feel passionate about.
- Maintain a good posture
Just because you are at home does not mean you canslump down your shoulder. It will only make you look less engaged. Instead, you should pull your chair away from the table and consider seating on the edge of the seat. Plant your feet firmly on the ground and place your hands on the table. This will help you use your body without blocking the camera. Sitting up straights also communicate your excitement on the job and gives you more energy.
- Signal when your answers are complete
It is helpful for the other person if you indicate in any way that you have reached the end of your answer. You can use a visual cue like nodding and simply concluding your answer strongly. It can be really awkward for both of you if there is a long silence.
- Log in a few minutes early
Make sure to prepare ahead for your interview in advance by closing all extra windows and tabs. If there is any portfolio you wish to show via screen, it must be ready to access. Just like an in-person interview, staying courteous and showing up at least 10 minutes early is important. Also, arriving early to your online interview gives you a few extra minutes to log into the device if you have issues.
Do a few breathing exercises if needed to calm down your nerves and be fully ready to dazzle your interviewer.
- Do not cut between their sentences
It is considered rude to cut a conversation with the interviewer in between. Let the interviewer finish what he/she is saying, and then you can continue what you meant to say. Also, avoid jumping in with your response too soon, as it can mute other’s person’s microphone. Also, it is not always apparent if the other person is finished speaking or just having a pause in between their conversation due to an internet lag.
- Treat it like a conversation
Treating it like a conversation can help you connect with the interviewer. So during your interview, try to build your rapport. Talk like you converse with  someone whom you know very well, but keep it professional. Do not just treat it like a question and answer. When you receive a response to your answers, feel free to comment on it (in case you have anything more to say). You can also add your questions along the way whenever you find it appropriate instead of just waiting until the end. The interviewer should look at you as a person to whom they could talk on an everyday basis.
- Thank the interviewer Â
Just like in a regular interviewer, make sure to thank the interviewer as you begin your session for giving their time. It should be your last words also before signing off the video call. I will most likely end my interviews with “Thank you for your time. Have a great day.”
- Set the environment right
The room where you plan to attend the video conference should have a neutral, well-lit background. Pick a quiet place so that there is no interference in between your conversation and you are perfectly audible. Ensure it has the professional setting required in a video conference interview.
WRAPPING UP,
The more you practice, the better you will get with your video conference interviewing. It is normal to be nervous, so take a moment to breathe and focus. Trust your skills and achievements since they have helped you make it to this, and now it’s your turn to showcase what makes you a perfect candidate to work for the company or what really separates you from other candidates.
AUTHOR BIO: Â Kate Wilson is an HR manager at one of the top institutions in the UK. She is also a part of MyAssignmenthelp website .where she specialises in offering programming assignment help solutions to students.