How to prepare for a video interview

When I started my career in recruitment nearly twenty years ago, a video interview was rare. The concept of remote interviewing was not unheard of; I recall my first stage interview for my graduate job, in 2000, being on the phone. However, most jobs needed a face to face contact of some type. However, the popularity of video interviews has been developing over the years, which has led to many people wondering how to prepare for a video interview.

For some, the idea of a video interview is one that fills you with terror; for others, it removes some of the more anxiety-producing aspects of the process. At least you do not have to worry about transport issues or getting lost! There are many reasons why organisations may decide to have videos as part of their process: it can save time and increase the volume of people they can assess in one process.

However, we now are working and living in a time where many people have had to work from home due to the global pandemic and many others will be office-less for the foreseeable future. In a location independent world of work, video is an ideal way to not only stay in contact with colleagues, but to assess who to hire!  Having the ability to have a video interview opens up opportunities for a whole range of organisations; if they are open to this remote recruitment process, the chances are they are also open-minded about working locations too!

There are usually two types of video interview; find out which one you will be having to help you prepare:

1. Live
This would be over one of many video conferencing systems including Zoom or Teams, where you will be interviewed by one or more people! You may also be asked to give a presentation, where you can screen share and answer any questions they may have. This ultimately is an online version of an in-person interview and it likely to be one you are most familiar with.

2. Recorded
As technological evolves automated interviews, especially in the early stages of an interview process, are becoming more common. Questions are usually put up on a screen for you to answer, often within a time frame, which are recorded and then the interview panel review at a later date. This is used to save time as it can be given to the candidate with a deadline, rather than having to schedule in time slots for all participants. From here, the best candidates are usually invited to the next stage where the interviewer is present. They are often a step after a CV assessment but before a fuller interview.

How to prepare for a video interview

Prepare as if you will be in the room!
Now, most of the interview prep is the same as if you were getting ready to attend a face-to-face interview. You can read more on this blog, understand you transferable skills, as well as finding the questions to uncover the company’s culture. If you can, find out who is interviewing you, and look them up on LinkedIn so you know a little more about them.

Get your tech prepped
As part of your interview confirmation, you should have access to the platform that will be used for you interview. Take some time to make sure you are familiar with how it’s used; if you can, do a test run with a friend or family member so you can also test the light, the microphone, the internet connection and the location. If your Wi-Fi isn’t stable maybe consider tethering it to your 4G for a stronger connection.

Look the part
It goes without saying that you need to find a place where it is quiet (or the quietest place you can find) and private, but you also want to find a place where your surrounding aren’t to distracting. Luckily, thanks to the wonders of a PC or laptop camera, you can adjust to find the most pleasant part of a wall! Feel free to leave things out that you feel represent your personality, likes books or photos, but remember that the interviews are focusing on YOU!

In terms of what to wear, go smart; you can’t overdress for interviews (OK, maybe leave the ball dress or tux to one side). Be wary that busy or bold patters, including checks and stripes, can distort a camera due to the interplay with light; so plain is probably best.

Smile and project
Still consider body language when you are talking; as part of your tech prep, you can check the microphone to make sure you are heard clearly. Smile, express yourself and feel free to ask any questions you may ask in a face to face setting,

In my opinion, online and video interviews will be the go-to approach for all recruiting; take this opportunity to get comfortable with the format. But remember, they want to hear and see the skills, experience and values of the person that will help them deliver their service and product. Whilst some of the more standard ways of recruitment many need to be tweaked and changed, now it the time to utilise tech to open up the net when you are looking for roles. With the advance in technology, who knows what may be next; I’d put my money on virtual reality interviews being the next big thing! So now it the perfect time to make sure you know how to prepare for a video interview!

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So, you now know how to prepare for a video interview. Read more career and return to work blogs to really get interview confident!

I’m a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance. Isn’t it time to you had a career to enjoy not endure?