How to prepare for a video job interview
Video or online interviews are a very popular method of interviewing with many benefits for the candidate and the business. For the candidate there is no need to travel so you won’t get stuck in traffic or have to pay for parking. For the business there’s no need to offer travel expenses or book rooms. It’s a method that can reduce the costs and speed up the hiring process.
Job seekers and hiring leaders are likely already aware that there are subtle differences between each style and format of traditional interviews be it formal or informal and by telephone or using a panel or simply a 1:1 face-to-face interview. Likewise there are some fundamental differences to be considered when preparing for an online interview.
We should also address that there are two main types of video interview:
Live video: The candidate is often at home when they are interviewed on Teams, Zoom or other applications, whereas the interviewer is often in an office environment. Formats are usually quite formal, although both parties need to factor for surprises (unexpected pets and/or children may well appear on screen!) Recruiters interviewing across countries or continents will often offer this type of interview at the initial stages, simply because of its efficiency for saving time and cost for all parties.
Recorded video: This is usually via a software link sent to the candidate with no one actually conducting the interview. The questions are text on the screen. Typically, you’ll see the question on the screen with a time limit for consideration and response eg: 30 seconds to prepare your answer and 60 seconds to record your answer. Some recorded video interviews may ask you to record a short clip and send it in and if you’re working through a recruitment agency they should give you a brief to prepare your video clip.
How do you prepare for an online interview?
The first point and one of the most important points is to prepare and practice. The same advice applies for an online interview as for any other interview in terms of punctuality, dressing appropriately, and having strong examples to share that evidence your abilities and for the job.
Whatever format or style of interview you are still being assessed against three things:
Competencies: spanning behavioural and technical abilities alongside experience, knowledge, and skills.
Commitment: motivational fit = passion, drive, enthusiasm and interest.
Chemistry: company and/or team cultural fit = aligning with the values and operating principles of a business. The likelihood that you’ll be a positive and productive team member and align to ‘this is how we do things here’ element.
Less structured interviews may spend more time in one aspect than another. For example, an informal interview might focus on the chemistry. The hiring manager will check if the person fits with the team, department and company before formally interviewing on skills and experience.
Test the equipment
Always test your computer and software a few days before the interview. Most software providers send out regular (sometimes daily) updates and it’s sensible to keep yours up to date. This is not just for the new and updated features; it’s to protect you against bugs and viruses.
Set the scene
Check your background is suitable and not too cluttered. You want the focus to be on you and you don’t want the interviewer to be distracted. If you are a private person, you may not want family photos in the background .It’s also worth checking the lighting which isn’t about being vain - if you have the main light (eg: a window) behind you, you’ll end up being a silhouette and the interviewer won’t be able to see you properly. Or you might wind up with an unflattering tinge of color (like the person we interviewed who looked green!) Also ensure the angle of the camera is positioned so your face is in the middle of the screen. You don’t want to look as if you are peeping over the top of your computer and the interviewer really doesn’t want to be looking up your nose!
Let others know
Most of us have seen the live interview on BBC with Professor Robert Kelly. While explaining South Korean politics, he was interrupted by his children who then had to be unwillingly extracted from the room by their mother. Interviewers will be used to events and incidents happening during the interview process – that’s recruitment for you! The interruption will be more distracting for you, rather than the interviewer. And, it may affect your performance for the reminder of the interview.So, let other people in the house know you have an important interview.
Quick checklist:
Check that your username is appropriate (if not set up another account).
Test the technology at least the day before.
Check the background and lighting.
Let other people in the house know about your interview.
Prepare some specific examples to share – Check out this blog on the S.T.A.R process.
Practice using the online software for the interview, in advance (nothing worse than not knowing how to fix the volume or end the call)
Review the job description and research the company.
Prepare answers to common questions.
About the Author
Leanne Morris is well known as a both an outspoken advocate and critic of the HR profession. With long standing networks across 94 countries in all specialist areas of the function, and a multi- continent work history, she is a sought after subject matter expert on international HR hiring trends and HR hiring best practice.