Our Top 10 Video Job Interview Tips
Have a virtual interview coming up? Read our guide in which our consultants share their top ten video job interview tips and tricks.
Table of Contents
Introduction
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the popularity of video interviews has exploded as organisations sought to redesign their hiring processes to safely comply with social distancing measures. Data from StandOut CV and JD-Library shows that between 2020 to 2021, the amount of video interviews being conducted has increased by a staggering 67%. Convenient, cost-effective, and ideal for hiring remotely, it now seems that video job interviews are here to stay. In fact, one survey has revealed that 60% of employers intend to keep using video interviews after lockdown restrictions lift.
Given that video interviews don’t appear to be going anywhere soon, it is in the best interest of job seekers to learn how to master this format. Read on to discover Berkley’s top ten video job interview tips for job seekers in 2021.
In June 2020, Berkley ran a LinkedIn poll asking our followers about their job interview preferences.
The Two Types of Video Job Interview
Live Two-Way Interview
This is the most common type of virtual interview. In this type of interview, both parties access a meeting link at a pre-agreed time and conduct the interview in real-time over a video conferencing platform such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google or Skype.
An Asynchronous Interview
Asynchronous video interviews are another tool that an increasing number of organisations are using to vet candidates. For an asynchronous video, the applicant logs onto a link and is guided through a structured interview process. Their answers are recorded so that the employer can review the video at their convenience.
Our Top 10 Video Job Interview Tips
1. Choose A Space
Before your interview, find and prepare a quiet place where you are unlikely to be disturbed. The right space will ensure a distraction-free interview in which, you, not your environment is the star of the show. Make sure your space has the necessary equipment, a strong internet connection and appropriate décor.
2. Get Your Lighting Right
One of our top video job interview tips is to set up your lighting correctly to ensure that you will be clearly visible throughout the call. When it comes to video calls, the best option is to have natural light positioned in front of you. To do this, place your desk near a window. You can also introduce more light by placing a desk lamp behind your camera. Do not sit directly in front of a window as this will cause you to be backlit and make it difficult for the interviewer to see you.
3. Minimise Disruptions
During the interview, the last thing you need is for someone to walk in on you. To prevent this, let everyone in your home know the time of your interview and where you will be taking the call. You may also want to hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign up on your door.
Parents of young children will want to take special care to lay out the importance of not being disturbed. To be safe, consider preparing an engaging activity or arranging for your children to be out of the house during the time of the call.
For pet owners, the best option is to pet-proof access to your meeting room. Dog-owners may want to consider taking their pup out for a walk beforehand to tire them out (plus, the exercise will also help you feel calmer before the interview). Many cats enjoy plonking themselves down on a nice, warm keyboard and demanding scratches, and of course, this always happens at the worst times. To prevent this, move their bed, food and toys to another room and block off access to the room for the duration of the call.
4. Keep Your Screen at Eye-level
43.1% of employers say that candidates who look directly into the camera make a positive impression. Academic research from Tampere University in Finland found that eye contact during video calls triggers the same kind of psychophysiological responses as eye contact during face-to-face communication.
The best way to ensure eye contact throughout the interview is to elevate your laptop so that the camera is at eye level. A low-tech solution is to prop it up on a few books or a cardboard box. Alternatively, you can invest in an adjustable laptop stand. This will help you sustain eye contact while also promoting better posture, which in turn projects greater confidence.
5. Set Up A Plain Background
When preparing for your interview, don’t forget to prep your space as well. Test your camera to check what parts of the room will be visible behind you. Make sure your backdrop is clean, tidy and clutter-free. You may want to strategically re-arrange any items behind you to give a more professional appearance e.g. perhaps you have professional tools that would look good in the background.
6. Test the Software Beforehand
Another great video job interview tip is to thoroughly test your software before the call. If you are unfamiliar with the video conferencing platform that you will be using for the call, then we highly recommend downloading it in advance and arranging a brief practice session with a friend. During the test session, check the following:
- Make sure that you know how to open a meeting
- Check how to connect your audio and video hardware
- Locate the mute button and the screen share button
- Learn how to add a background filter
7. Dress to Impress
You may be tempted into thinking that a video interview is a more casual affair than a face-to-face meeting, however, data from ResumeGo shows that 52% of employers prefer that job candidates wear business casual. Not only does professional attire make a positive impression on the interviewer, but it can also help you to get into interview mode.
Given that you will be appearing on camera, there are a few extra considerations you should bear in mind. Try to stick to simple pieces in solid colours and avoid busy patterns that may distract the eye. If you intend to use a background filter, make sure that your clothes contrast with the background as this will stop you from blending in. Also, don’t neglect your bottom half – just because it’s out of sight doesn’t mean it should be out of mind! You never know if you may be required to stand up at some point during the interview.
8. Switch Off
Switching off all desktop and mobile notifications will help you to focus during the interview.
How to Turn Off Notifications on a Mac Computer:
- On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Notifications.
- In Notifications preferences, select an app on the left, then deselect the Allow Notifications option for the app.
How to Turn Off Notifications on Windows 10:
- Open the Settings > System (the first option in the top left) > Notifications & Actions
- To stop all alerts, toggle Notifications to off under the line “Get notifications from apps . . .”.
9. Choose A Professional User Name & Profile Picture
If you have used the video conferencing platform before for personal use, then you will need to double-check that your pre-existing username and profile picture are professional. An unprofessional username can make a poor impression and seriously lower your chances of getting the job. As a rule, your username should not be suggestive, flirty, silly or funny. We find it’s best to keep it simple and stick with your first name and surname.
10. Body Language
The famous anthropologist Ray Birdwhistell, claimed that more than 65% of communication is done nonverbally. As such, you need to pay attention to your body language during your video job interview. Ideally, you want your body language to convey engagement, confidence, professionalism and friendliness. Here are some body language tips for video job interviews:
- Sit up straight to indicate alertness and engagement. Consider propping yourself up with a small pillow if need be.
- Lean in as the interviewer is speaking to express interest.
- Nod as your interviewer is speaking to show that you’re actively listening to what they’re saying.
- Firmly plant your feet on the floor to help you feel more ‘grounded’.
- Keep your hands on the desk to help you resist the urge to fidget.
- Smile while you’re speaking. This will make you sound friendlier and lend your voice a more upbeat tone.
Troubleshooting Video Interview Problems: Our Top Tips
If Your Video Or Audio Stops Working
Before the video call, get the phone number of the interview. If you are beset by technical issues during the call, you can leave them a message on the software’s chat function and offer to continue the interview over the phone.
If A Loud Noise Disrupts The Conversation
If a loud noise (e.g. sirens, traffic, lawnmowers, construction, etc.) interrupts the interview, apologise for the interruption and pause for a few moments until the noise dies down. If it is a particularly ear-piercing noise, then you may want to mute the microphone altogether.
If Someone Enters The Room Unexpectedly
If family members, housemates, or pets walk in on your interview, apologise to the interviewer, ask for a few moments, switch off your microphone and camera, and deal with the interruption. Once you are certain that the room is secure, you can rejoin the interview again.
Following Up On Your Video Job Interview
After your interview, take some time to craft a follow-up email. Thank the interviewer for their time in the email body, express how much you enjoyed the call, and offer to follow up on any questions they may have. For more tips on how to write a post-interview thank-you note, read our dedicated guide “How to Write A Job Interview Follow-Up Email”.