Video Interviews -
The New Norm

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  • Video interviews are increasingly common. Since they can be conducted from any location and don't require travel, they save time and money for both candidates and interviewers, making them a more convenient and flexible way to connect.

  • Many of the same preparation required for a traditional in-person interview still applies, however, there are some specific steps you need to consider:

    • Prepare your surroundings:

  • Choose a quiet, tidy space for your interview without interruptions and distractions so you can concentrate and ensure a professional setting. A clean, uncluttered area helps you stay focused and reinforces the formal nature of the interview. Remove any items that could be embarrassing or inappropriate and make sure music, TV or anything else that might divert attention is switched off. Keep in mind that your interviewer may see more than you expect!

    • Test your equipment:

  • Whether you're using your mobile or a desktop computer, it is essential to have already tried and tested your technology before the event. Make sure you have the right software downloaded, your settings have the correct permissions in place and you’ve checked your invitation link works. Having a trail run with a friend or family member also allows you to check your sound is clear and the lighting is free from shadow or glare. If you’re using a mobile, make sure you sit it on a flat stable surface - whatever you do, don’t wander round Starbucks with your phone in your hand!

    • Dress to impress:

  • Ultimately, a video interview should follow the same rules and format as a traditional face-to-face meeting, so it's best to dress as you would if you were attending in person. Wearing professional attire will help set the right tone and keep you from slipping into an overly relaxed, ‘I'm at home’ mindset. You’ll all have heard the stories about people wearing a formal shirt and tie, only to reveal jogging bottoms when they accidentally spill their coffee - once that first impression is made, it's hard to change it so it’s better not to cut corners!

    • It’s not what you say, it’s the way you say it:

  • Although you’re not in the same room, you still need to build a good rapport so think about body language - how you’re sitting, your facial expressions and what you do with your hands. You need to show your enthusiasm, smile and sit up straight. It’s important to make eye contact so try and look at your camera instead of the centre of your screen. Remember, what you see isn’t necessarily what they see.

    • Using notes:

  • Generally, there is more of an acceptance of using notes in a video interview, it’s almost a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’. That being said, they need to be for point of reference only rather than pre-prepared text you read from. There’s nothing wrong with making bullet points about certain facts or thoughts you think will come in handy, just they’re there as a prompt only, don’t use them as a script!

  • Now you’re thinking about preparing, read through our full ‘Interview Preparation Guide’ and ‘Competency Questions - what you need to know’ for more hints and tips.

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