Tips to Ace your Video Interviews

The COVID-19 pandemic has only reinforced the importance and effectiveness of video interviews. This is one recruitment and hiring change that will definitely stay on long after the pandemic is over as well.

At Recruitment Central, we have been using our pre-recorded video interview software – VidCruiter for more than 6 years now. Feedback from our clients has been very positive, mostly around the increased flexibility with time. Some candidates are a little hesitant at first, they are mostly not sure how to go about doing the video interview.

Here are our expert tips to ace your video interview:

Before the interview

• First and foremost understand whether the interview is pre-recorded or live. In live video interviews, you’re interviewed face to face, without being in the same room. This is similar to Skype or Zoom.
• In pre-recorded interviews, you’re shown one question at a time and record your answers solo. Generally chances are given for recording each response. The recruiter gets a notification once you’ve submitted the interview for reviewing.
• The last thing you need in the middle of your interview is a technical difficulty. Ensure your tech is working – laptop, tablet, earphones are functional and connected to the internet. Double check that your voice is clear and your microphone is working. Video interviews always come with tech instructions – take the time to read them.
• Before the video interview begins, tell people around you that you have an interview and to not interrupt you until it’s over. Yes, this also includes your furry friends.
• Do everything you would for a regular interview. Research the business, review the role and responsibilities and think about how you can verbalise your skills for the role.

During the interview

• Staying focused during video interviews can be a challenge. Disable distracting notifications by turning them off before your interview begins. This includes your email and phone.
• Dress appropriately for the interview. Keeping in mind that it’s a video interview, a semi-formal attire usually works. Dress for the job you want.
• Body language matters. Be it maintaining eye contact by looking directly into the camera, smiling genuinely and including your regular hand gestures or nodding your head to show interest – these are things that will be noticed by the employer. Don’t be extremely fidgety; and at the same time, don’t be overly rigid as well.
• Do not use Google during the interview! Employers will be able to tell when you are distracted. Stay focused and ready to answer questions.
• Keep your CV handy so that you can refer to it if needed during a live video interview. Another thing to keep beside you is a glass of water, as you could be talking for 45-60 minutes.
• Make small talk and don’t be afraid to discuss common interests and steer the conversation. Think about how you can set yourself distinctly from other candidates and use that to your benefit.

The #1 piece of advice we can offer for acing your next video interview is: act like you would in any interview! Video interviews are a great opportunity to showcase your personality and the “soft skills” that aren’t always evident in a text-based resume or CV.

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