Like many other industries, recruiters turned to video job interviews when the Covid-19 pandemic struck. Now, video calls with potential candidates are part of a recruiter’s day-to-day routine. Virtual intake calls and interviews on platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype allow for a quick face-to-face connection. Job seekers get to meet with companies from the comfort of their own spaces, and the companies get to vet individuals quickly.
While video job interviews are a different process, there are still some key steps to follow when preparing yourself.
Step 1: Test Your Devices and Internet Connection
Before your scheduled call, make sure that the video chat software is installed and up to date. Test your camera, microphone, and speakers to make sure that everything is working together. And don’t forget to make sure that your internet connection is stable and ready to go! When you have a smooth and interruption-free video call, the recruiter or hiring manager will see that you are a polished professional.
Step 2: Select an Appropriate Background Area
Like an in-person interview, you should make every effort to be professional. For a video call, your background plays a large part in setting the stage. Make sure the area is clean and clutter free with no distractions—for you or the interviewer. Avoid sitting in front of a messy room, distracting wallpaper or art, or items like alcohol or religious symbols.
Step 3: Dress Professionally
Virtual or not, you still need to dress to impress! Even though you’re at home, you must appear as formal as you would in person. Read more about appropriate interview attire
Step 4: Pay Attention to Your Body Language
During your call, maintain good eye contact with the interviewer by looking into the camera and not at the screen itself. Sit up straight and show confidence through your body language. Don’t fidget or make distracting movements that could divert the interviewer’s attention.
Step 5: Practice Your Responses
Practice your answers to typical questions before your video job interview. These include questions about your past work experience, your skills, and how you’ve handled different situations. You can record yourself to watch for mistakes and evaluate your speech (see step 6 below).
Step 6: Keep Your Tone and Pace Consistent
Speak clearly and at a steady pace for each response. Recruiters and hiring managers are often taking notes during the interview, so you want to ensure they don’t miss any key details. Use a warm and friendly tone to establish rapport, and remember that it’s fine to take brief pauses when necessary.
Step 7: Have Your Documents Ready
It’s a good idea to have a printed copy of your resume and cover letter available during your interview. The recruiter or hiring manager will likely ask you questions about them, and this will help you reference specifics.
Step 8: Ask Thoughtful Questions
During your interview prep, develop a list of questions about the organization and position you’re interviewing for. Ask about the company, the team, and the role to learn more and evaluate the fit for your career. This also shows the interviewer that you have a genuine interest in the position.
Step 9: Follow Up
Always send a thank you email to the interviewer after your call. (If there were multiple people on the call, email each one individually.) Express your appreciation for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
If you follow these steps, you will confidently navigate your video job interview and make a positive impression!