VIDEO INTERVIEW:
HOW TO MAKE YOUR DIGITAL INTERVIEW A SUCCESS

1. Prepare everything in good time

Technology is a consideration that is mostly unique to video interviews. Make sure you don’t have any embarrassing technical difficulties by installing the necessary programs and software in good time – and that you also know what to do if it goes wrong.

Test your connection and video software plenty of times beforehand by making some practice calls to check sound and picture quality. Your interviewer will likely have a busy schedule and won’t be very impressed if you have to keep re-dialling in. A good recruitment consultant will help you prepare for the interview and advise you on the kind of questions you are likely to be asked, but it’s really up to you to make sure the technology doesn’t falter.

For video interviews dress formally, even if you are doing the interview from your living room; you should dress as you would to go to an employer’s head office. Find a tidy, uncluttered place to do the interview and make sure that you’ve removed all non-pertinent objects from the frame. If a recruiter has arranged the interview for you, you can possibly do the video interview in his office. In this case, of course, you don't need to worry about the last point.

2. Familiarise yourself with the required technology

It is vital to feel comfortable looking into a camera and speaking into a microphone. Looking into the camera is important in order to make eye contact with the interviewer, while speaking clearly into the microphone is helpful for avoiding repetition. Remember also to avoid the temptation of looking at your own image on the screen! What you should do, however, is smile; you can use it to build a bond.

There may be a delay over video calling or network connection and if you get stuck on a question, ask if you can move on and come back to this when you have gathered your thoughts. Silences can be difficult when you aren’t in the same room so try to avoid them.

It is best to practice the video interview with a family member or a friend beforehand. This will help you to identify possible problems that your technology might cause.

3. Keep calm and show self-assurance

During a video interview, it can be difficult to show the usual body language that demonstrates you are listening and shows you are interested and enthusiastic, so be sure to also convey this in what you say, while remaining aware of your movements. Questions from your side also show that you are interested – so, make sure you have some ready.

Remaining professional, staying relaxed and keeping calm will help you to answer the questions accurately. When it comes to video interviews, interruptions of the flow of conversation are not unusual and thus are no cause for concern. Just wait a moment to make sure that your interviewer has asked his question completely. This will avoid confusion and unnecessary misunderstandings during the interview. Clear, concise answers can also help pave the way for a smooth conversation flow. If your interviewer needs more information, he will ask for it.

Confidence is even more of a decisive factor in video interviews than it is during regular face-to-face interviews. Without the encouragement of your self-assured body language, the interviewer might have difficulty getting a read on you. Leave them in no doubt about your belief in your own ability by communicating confidently at all times, here are seven ways to help you do so.

4. One last thought

No matter how well prepared you are: Keep in mind that there are technical aspects you can’t influence. For example, if you use software to make video calls, the conversation may be disturbed or the signal interrupted. In the worst case, the connection is completely lost. If so, you should try to reconnect quickly to continue the call as soon as possible. At the same time, also inform your interviewer that you are currently working on solving the problem.