19 Feb Top Tips for a Video Interview

Applying for a new job is stressful at the best of times. The coronavirus pandemic and lockdown 3.0 certainly haven’t made things any easier. While the pandemic has brought many aspects of recruitment to a halt, some aspects of the job-hunting process have had to adapt to the ‘new normal’. Namely remote working and video platform interviews. In our third lockdown we are all very aware of the zoom call struggle when it comes to bad connections and someone who doesn’t realise their mic is on mute!

Here are some of Kiwi Recruitment’s top tips to ensure you have a successful video interview:

Dress to Impress

The urge to be less formal because you’re in your own home is understandable. However, your outfit for a video interview should be just as formal as what you would wear for an in-person interview. 

You also want to make sure your outfit looks good on camera. Try it on in front of the same platform you’ll be using for the interview. The cut of your top might look appropriate in person but may look different in the angle of your computer camera. 

Test Your Tech

Take the time to familiarise yourself with the program, go through the settings and make sure you know the basics—especially how to mute and unmute your microphone! You can even have a friend video chat with you prior to your video interview to ensure everything is working as it should.

Light, Camera, Action

Set up in a quiet area in front of a neutral background, without a lot of distracting clutter. Make sure the space is well lit (natural light is best). Or if you’re using a phone, prop it up rather than holding it in your hand.

Just like you wouldn’t sit three inches from your interviewer, you don’t want to sit an uncomfortable distance from your computer. Make sure you’re set up in your frame with a bit of empty space on the screen above your head and check that your shoulders and upper chest are visible.

While actual eye contact isn’t possible in a video interview, you’ll want to get as close as possible. Place the video window as close to the camera as possible—centered is best. That way it’ll look like you’re naturally looking at the camera. Ensuring you connect with your interviewer.

Pay Attention to How You Sound, Too

People are usually concerned with how they look in a video interview and often forget to think about how they sound. Take note of how fast you speak and the tone of your voice. Internet connection can be unstable and often cut out. Be sure to speak clearly. Is there anything that makes it harder to hear or understand you. 

On many common video interview platforms, only one mic can be used at once. While two people can speak simultaneously in the same room or over the phone, on a video call, your “yes, definitely!” can mute the other person’s microphone momentarily, breaking up the flow of conversation and possibly cause you to miss key information. 

Instead of saying anything, nod or smile when you’d usually speak. That way your interviewer still gets the feedback they need without your mic accidentally overriding theirs.

Minimise Interruptions

Do whatever you can to cut down on the chances of being interrupted. You don’t want to be caught off guard by an ongoing construction project! Make sure you turn off or silence any device that might make noise and disrupt your video interview.

If there’s a high chance of you being interrupted by something outside of your control, mentioning it at the start can prepare your interviewer and show them you’re proactive.

Don’t be afraid to say if you can’t hear or see your interviewer. It’ll just demonstrate that you’re willing to speak up and be straightforward about issues. It’s about being as professional as you can given the circumstance. 

“Show Up” a Few Minutes Early

You wouldn’t walk into the building where a 3 PM interview was being held at exactly 3 PM so you shouldn’t cut it so close for a video interview either. Prepare your computer by closing all extra windows and tabs. That way, when you click to join the call and the interview starts, you’re already ready to go.

Kiwi Recruitment are always on hand to provide any assistance 

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