Video Interviewing: Our Top Tips

If you’ve never done a video interview before, you might find the concept overwhelming. Interviewing via video can feel exposing and you may be worried about the technology and the lack of face-to-face connection, but there are many reasons why video interviewing can work in your favour and we’re here to share our top tips.

Video interviews are becoming increasingly popular with employers, since they can save time and streamline the interview process. If you’ve been offered a video interview, don’t panic! Our quick guide will help you to understand the process and we’ll give you the insider info so that you know what to expect and how to excel at a video interview.

Planning the Logistics of a Video Interview

When you are invited to a video interview, it’s important to be clear about the details. Are you being invited to a video interview at the office of your potential employer, or will you be interviewed remotely? If you are being interviewed in a company location, for instance because your interviewer is based in a different place, you will need to follow the guidance for a face-to-face interview, arriving early and dressing smartly. You will be reliant on technology you may not be familiar with, so take the time to understand how it works and what you need to do.

Being interviewed remotely is more common, and in this case, you will need to find a good location for your video interview, prioritising good internet connection and a quiet space. You will probably want to use a laptop or desktop computer with a good camera, although a tablet or smartphone may be another option.

Check your Tech Equipment

It’s worth taking the time to check your audio equipment, since this will be vital to the interview process. You may have a built-in microphone or an external device, and you should ensure that your system is working well before you begin. You should make sure that you are in a private space where you will not be interrupted. Give some thought to setting up your shot and consider how your screen will look. Choose an outfit that works well on camera and use your surroundings to your advantage, making sure there is nothing in shot that could undermine your professionalism.

Check which platform you will be using and ensure that the software is installed and up to date on your device, so that you do not risk essential updates and error messages when you are trying to access your interview. Many employers use platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet for remote interviews and it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with whichever one you will be using.

Preparing Yourself for a Video Interview

It can be tempting to cut corners when you’re being interviewed via video, but it is still important to put in the preparation, as you would if your interview was face to face. You should ensure that you:

1. Research the company. When you are interviewing for a new company, it helps to know as much as possible about them in advance. You can find out a great deal of information online and can often ask for a visit if you are close to their premises. Finding out their recent news and taking the time to familiarise yourself with their ethos and mission can help you to work out if the company will be a good fit for you and will give you a better idea of what they will be looking for at the interview.

2. Find out as much about the job role as you can. In any interview, it’s important to understand exactly what your new role would be and to relate your answers to this. For instance, if you are interviewing for a role that is closely related to your existing job, you will be able to discuss examples from your current workplace that illustrate why you would be a good candidate for this position. And if you are interviewing for a totally different role, you may need to think outside the box but can still use relevant examples to show that you are the right person for the job.

3. Look at common interview questions. There are several common interview questions that are likely to be asked in one format or another – often, variations on classics such as, ‘tell us about yourself’ or ‘what are your strengths and weaknesses?’. Coming up with answers that can show your personality and your sense of humour will help to demonstrate how well you will fit into the company and the role and can allow you to build a good rapport with your interviewer, even on screen. This can be harder than in a face-to-face situation, so it is even more important to prepare well in order to set yourself up for success.

4. Prepare questions for the interviewer. Making a positive impact on an interviewer is all about building a connection with them and asking the right questions. You should think about preparing some questions that will give you a little more insight into the company or the role, or perhaps the team you will be working with, if appointed. This will help you to build rapport and ensure that you are memorable for all the right reasons when the interview process is over. Elements such as mirroring body language, maintaining eye contact and smiling can be more difficult in a video interview but are still possible and will make a positive impact on your interviewer. A good tip is to ensure that you are looking straight ahead at your camera rather than having to look down at it, and to find a position where the lighting is good.

5. Practice. You should always practice your interview technique and style with a wiling friend or relative before an interview, and this may be even more important with a remote interview, where you will need to practice using the technology and equipment you will be using for your video interview. Ask your friend or relative to be honest with you and give you feedback about how you come across so that you can make the most of the opportunity. Ask particularly about the speed at which you are talking and how this comes across on video! They can also give you feedback about your outfit choice to ensure you look as professional as possible on screen.

6. Be clear. Transparency is vital in a video interview where time lag and technical difficulties can cause problems. Explain to your interviewer what you are doing if you need to take notes, or if you are struggling with your equipment, and use physical cues such as nodding to show that you are listening. If you are interrupted by a technical problem or if someone walks into the room, for instance, explain what has happened, apologise for the disturbance and move on with the interview in a professional manner.

In summary, video interviews can often feel scary but the process of interview is very similar and it is possible to excel in much the same way as a face to face experience. Take your time, practice in advance of your interview and most of all, try to relax and enjoy the experience. Good luck!

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CareerWise is Ireland’s leading specialist recruitment firm, based in Cork, Limerick, Galway, Dublin and Mayo. Our professional team specialises in the Engineering, Supply Chain, Science/Pharma, IT and Accounting industries in Ireland, and we look forward to working with you. Contact us online now or call us on +353 (0) 21 206 1900 to arrange a consultation.

Mike Morissey

(Director) MRGC, MRMC, MCIPD – Cork Office

Mike Morrissey has extensive knowledge of production, quality and engineering, having worked for Dell, Creative Labs and Tyco Safety Products /Sensormatic.

His expansive operational experience is grounded with training as a Six Sigma Black Belt.

As a lead auditor, he is very familiar with compliance and quality standards and has project managed the implementation of the environmental standard ISO14001. He has successfully utilised his project management and team leading skills in implementing numerous cost-saving and process improvement projects.

Since joining CareerWise Recruitment, Mike has graduated with a Diploma in Personnel Management from UCC and is a Chartered member of the CIPD.

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