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Tips for succeeding in a video job interview

VIDEO interviews had been increasingly used in recruitment before the coronavirus pandemic but lockdowns and social distancing measures made it the sole way for employers to judge the suitability of new hires.

The trend is expected to continue well beyond 2020, as it can help hirers save time, particularly when vetting a large number of applicants, as well as help jobseekers better showcase themselves.

Digital video interviewing company Alcami Interactive founder and chief executive Jane Bianchini ( pictured) says video technology can be used whether hiring truck drivers or fingerprint forensic specialists.

“It’s not just for the high volume roles … it can be for those roles where only 15-20 people apply,” she says.

There are two types of video interviews: one involves recording yourself answering predetermined questions and submitting the recording to the hirer; the other is a live experience talking to the hirer/s and answering questions off the cuff.

The former enables jobseekers to prepare their answers to questions, and complete their interview at a time that suits them. It also enables hirers to be more efficient as they are not chasing applicants in phone calls, and allows a larger group of people to review the candidate.

Bianchini believes video interview technology will evolve over time and may become the standard first stage to any hiring process. She says its technology already can minimise cultural, gender and appearance bias by hiding the candidate’s face and disguising their name and voice.

Jobseekers still are required to prepare for a video interview as for one in-person, however, there are actions they should take to ensure the process does not create extra stress.

The Career Consultancy director Catherine Cunningham says there are six key ways in which jobseekers need to prepare for a video interview.

PRACTISE

Practise saying your responses.

“You won’t end up sounding overrehearsed during the actual interview,” she says.

“The questions will not be exactly the same as those you prepared for and you will naturally adjust your answers.”

KNOW WHERE TO LOOK

Try to act naturally and do not be afraid to use hand gestures when talking, as you would in a real conversation. Look at the camera lens, not the screen, to maintain eye contact with the person on the call.

“Be careful that you maintain this eye contact throughout the interview,” Cunningham says.

CHOOSE A BACKGROUND

Consider what you want a prospective employer to think – or learn – about you during the interview to decide the video setting.

Ensure your face and shoulders are in full view and take up most of the screen, like an inverted triangle.

Also be wary of background noise.

SET UP THE TECH

Ensure the equipment to be used is set up ahead of time.

Close unnecessary software programs that may affect the internet connection, as live video interviews often use more bandwidth, or may make interrupting sounds, such as email.

LIGHT THE ROOM

“You need to get the right amount of light in a room so the employer is able to see your face,” Cunningham says.

“Bad overhead lighting casts dark shadows, making you look quite grim.”

PREPARE YOURSELF

Dress professionally from head to toe, avoiding patterns and wearing solid colours.

“Don’t ignore the bottom half of your body – it just adds to your anxiety if you have to remember not to stand up during the interview,” she says.