9 Top Video Interview Tips To Land You The Job

Among the many changes the pandemic has brought, remote-style interviews are looking like a change set to stay, at least for the time being. While there are many differences between interviewing in person and remotely, these interviews don’t have to be a cause of stress. With practice, knowing your process and preparation, you can show off your skills and personality as easily as you would in a face-to-face interview. Your interviewer is still looking for someone they can see themselves working with and who is passionate and knowledgeable about the role they’re applying to—be ready to show them why that’s you.

Tip 1: Have Your Technology Ready

Before your interview (and not 5 minutes before!) take some time to test out the technology you’ll be using to make sure everything is working as it should be. Download any software you’ll need to use (e.g. Zoom, MS Teams etc.) Even if you have the software downloaded from previous uses, click into it to make sure it doesn’t need to be updated.
Ensure your username and profile picture and appropriate and professional, an easy mistake to avoid and one that many have been caught out on!
Check your camera, microphone and internet connection are all working and do a test run with a friend or family member if possible.
Charge up your laptop and make sure you have a good, flat, stable surface to place it on. Keep the charger with you just in case. Avoid using your phone for interviews.
Top Tip – turn off any filters that might make you look like a cat or any unprofessional backgrounds!

Tip 2: Eliminate Distractions

Make sure the location you chose is free from children, family members, pets etc. Keep your background free from any mess or clutter. Set up in front of the most neutral background you can. Turn your phone on silent (and take it off vibrate!) and ensure all your notifications are snoozed. Be mindful of any notifications that might pop up on your laptop also and turn off any programmes that might interfere with your camera or microphone.

Tip 3: On Time = Early

You never know what disasters might strike, so it always pays to be early to your interviews, both face-to-face and virtual! Log in 5 or 10 minutes early so you can be calm when the interviewer arrives. Feel free to print out your CV and have it beside you (but take care not to stare at it and read off your answers!) You can also have the job description and any points you wanted to cover written down with you.

Tip 4: Dress For Success

Even though you’ll only be seen from the waist up, dressing professionally can help you feel more professional in a formal interview setting (so get out of those pjs!) You never know if you might need to stand up, so dress appropriately from head to toe. Make sure your outfit also looks okay on camera before your interview.

Tip 5: Body Language

With video interviews, it can definitely a case of making yourself pay attention when the interviewer is speaking. Don’t let yourself get distracted and keep your eyes on the screen. Maintain eye contact instead of looking at your photo or camera view. Keep a good posture and let your body language flow how it would in an in-person interview. Be confident and show them your best qualities.

Tip 6: Speak Clearly

Before your interview, check your microphone and speakers levels to ensure your interviewer isn’t straining to hear you on the day. Keep in mind that internet speeds can slow down on video calls so ensure to take pauses when you’re finished speaking to avoid talking over your interviewer. Let them finish their questions and take a breath before answers to make sure you don’t have your first words cut off. Actively listen throughout the interview to be sure you don’t miss any questions or insights.

Tip 7: Practice Makes Perfect

If you’re not used to being interviewed remotely (or not used to video chatting at all!) it might be a little strange at first. Practicing beforehand is always a great idea. Set up a mock interview with a friend, this also gives you a chance to test all your software and hardware for any hiccups before the day. Mind where you’re looking, what distracts you and how you speak. Take note of how fast you talk (which we tend to do when we’re nervous,) anything that trips you up and the pitch of your voice. Be sure to speak clearly and at a reasonable place. Don’t let your interview be the first time you’re speaking your CV or experiences out loud. Just because you’re interviewing remotely doesn’t mean you can’t show off your passion, so make sure your voice and posture reflect your excitement at the job opportunity and showing off your skills.

Tip 8: Keep Note

Feel free to have a copy of your CV in front of you for reassurance, along with any questions or topics you wanted to cover. Be careful not to read straight from the page as you don’t want your interviewer thinking you don’t know your stuff!

Tip 9: Show Your Appreciation

The same way you would in a face-to-face interview, at the end thank the interviewer for the opportunity and follow up with a thank-you email. You can also ask them if there’s anything else they’d like you to clarify. If you’ve been working with a recruiter for the role, let them know how it went.