The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we connect and work, at least until the situation is under control. Though working from home is the new normal across the world, this trend is expected to have some repercussions on companies. The way businesses work such as the necessity of having an office, frequent business trips, and in-person meetings are not going to happen anytime soon. One major change is the way companies appoint new employees.
Video interview trend is catching up
Well, if you are shortlisted for an interview during the ongoing pandemic crisis, then keep in mind that it is not going to the usual face-to-face interview. With the pandemic crisis still on, be prepared for a video interview as no one is going to welcome you and shake hands. Both your potential employer and you will be meeting remotely via a video interview.
Types of video interviews
Before you dive into the tips that you should follow during a video interview, here’s some clarity that you should have regarding the same.
In-office or remote interview
Firstly, it could either be an in-office or remote video interview. If it is the in-office video interview, then you will have to visit the office of the potential employer. Probably, the person who will be interviewing you could be based in a different location. And, in this case, you should arrive the office on time and follow your best practices to everyone you encounter. However, the perk is that you will get the right assistance whenever you need from people around.
The other option is the remote video interview, wherein you will be responsible for everything such as a reliable and uninterrupted internet connection, a proper laptop or computer with a webcam, a quiet place, and much more. It is better to avoid coffee shops and communal spaces for the same.
Live or pre-recorded interview sessions
Secondly, remote video interviews can be live or pre-recorded ones. In a live interview, you will join a video conference via a link sent by the potential employer or a call via Google Meet, Skype, Zoom or any other video conferencing platform. If you are using any video conferencing platform, then make sure you set a professional username or create a new account with such a username.
In some cases, the employer might use pre-recorded video interviews. You will be provided with instructions to join the interview and promoted to answer the questions that are pre-recorded or in the text format within a specified time limit. Be it a live or pre-recorded interview, make sure you set you mute your phone and avoid opening windows that will slow down your computer or distract you.
Video interview tips to follow
If you aren’t sure how smooth your video interview could be, then you can follow these tips suggested by experts that could help you have a great experience.
The right attire!
The first impression is the best one. Likewise, you need to wear the right attire and dress up professionally just like you attend an in-office interview even in the video interview. It is always good to carry out a research about your potential employer to have an idea of what will be appropriate.
While you appear for a video interview, make sure you avoid wearing vibrant colors and patterns. Instead, opt for softer hues and solids. If you wear glasses, when make sure the lighting in the room is adjusted accordingly to minimise the glare. Make sure the camera is positioned in such a way that you look up a little. Though the interview will have a look at your upper half, it is important to wear professional bottom wear and proper pair of shoes so that your attire is complete.
Don’t ignore body language
In case of an interview, be it in-person or video, your body language is very important. To maintain the same, you need to maintain proper eye contact. It is common to have an instinct to look directly onto the eyes of your interviewer on the screen but you need to avoid it. Well, your gaze should be fixed at the webcam instead of the screen, especially when answering questions.
Apart from this, maintain a good posture by sitting with your back erect and your shoulders open. Have your feet stern on the floor and rest your hands either on the desk or on your lap. While listening to the interviewer, nod and smile to communicate that you are attentive and use hand gestures only while it is required. Avoid drifting your gaze away and avoid fidgeting.
Try mock video calls
If you aren’t accustomed to the video conferencing platform or the body language you should maintain during a video interview, then you can try some mock video calls with your family and friends. You can ask them to share their feedback on your posture, eye contact, and body language. Make sure it you are used to it and it feels natural.
With practice video calls, you will definitely feel the difference in your interviews. And, you will be able to see a more confident self and will be more comfortable while you attend the actual video interview.
Checklist to prepare
Before the video interview, you need to make sure the following checklist is set up. These include the following.
- Make sure you in not disturbed by anyone else
- Have a notepad and pen ready to jot down points
- Keep a copy of your resume handy
- Make sure your webcam and microphone are working
- Close the other tabs or apps except the useful ones
- Ensure your internet connection is fast and reliable
- Mute your phone
- Have a clear and neutral background
- Ensure there’s proper lighting in the room
Be prepared for the unexpected
Sometimes, unexpected things might happen amidst your video interview resulting in panic. So, always be prepared to face unexpected situations as detailed here.
Make sure to take the phone number of the interview as it will be useful in case of technical issues. If the video or audio fails to work in between, then you can reach out to them to continue the interview via a phone call or reschedule the same.
If there’s any sudden noise in your locality such as a siren, then you can apologise and ask the interviewer to pause the session for a few moments until the noise subsides. Or you can ask the person’s permission to mute the microphone.
In case someone in your home or pets enter the room, then you have to be prepared to apologise, take a few moments, mute your mic and turn off the webcam until you are alone once again.
Take note of the above, and you’ll be sure to nail the interview, and hopefully land the tech job of your dreams. Oh, and be sure to keep and eye on Silicon Canals’ Jobs, for loads of exciting opportunities.
Stock photo from fizkes/Shutterstock
