Mastering Video Interview: Techniques That Help You Stand Out
Video interviews are happening often because hiring managers are doing more interviews online. So, knowing how to prepare for one is very important. Good preparation can help you feel confident and increase your chances of being successful.
Preparing for Your Next Video Interview?
Here are 11 interview tips to help you do well:
1. Treat It as a Normal Job Interview
You might feel like your interview is just a friendly chat with the hiring manager, but sometimes, this could be your only chance to impress them before they decide. So, treat it seriously, like you would an in-person interview. Make sure you have enough time blocked out in your schedule and dress and act professionally.
2. Prepare Your Information
Just like you would for an in-person interview, you need to have information prepared to answer the hiring manager’s questions. You will not be sitting across from someone going over your resume item by item. Keep your resume, work history, and references handy during your interview so you can answer any questions they might have.
Also, do some research on the company. Learn about what they stand for, what they make or do, and any recent updates about them. Be ready to show how your skills and experience fit with what the company is looking for.
3. Find a Quiet and Private Location
Since you won’t be meeting the hiring manager in an office, you need to find a good spot for your interview. It’s best to be indoors where it’s quiet and private, with as few distractions as possible. Check your audio settings and try to reduce any background noise. Pick a spot with a neat, tidy background without too much stuff around. Stay away from backgrounds that are busy or too personal—they might take attention away from you.
If your surroundings aren’t great, you can use virtual backgrounds, but make sure they look professional and don’t stand out too much. You want the hiring manager to pay attention to you and what you can do, not what’s happening around you.
4. Test Your Tech
Before your interview, make sure all your equipment is working well. Check that your computer, webcam, internet connection, and microphone are all good to go. Try doing a practice run with a friend or family member to fix any problems. Also, get to know the video chat tool you’ll be using, like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, beforehand. Knowing how it works will stop any last-minute stress.
5. Dress Appropriately
Even if you might be interviewing from the comfort of your home, dressing professionally is still essential. Choose clothes that match the company’s style and the job you want. Dressing right shows you’re serious about the job and helps you get in the right mindset for the interview.
6. Speak Clearly
You want to present yourself as professionally as possible, even in a phone interview or over a Zoom meeting. Part of that is speaking slowly, clearly, and loud enough for the hiring manager to hear you over video. Also, be patient if your hiring manager asks you to repeat something; they may not have been able to hear you.
7. Mind Your Body Language
When preparing for a video interview, one question that often comes to mind is, “Should you look at the camera or screen during a Zoom interview?”
The simple answer is YES. However, it’s usually best to look at the camera instead of the screen. This will make it seem like you’re making eye contact with the interviewer, which is key for building a good connection and trust.
Looking at the camera might feel weird, especially if you’re used to looking at the screen during video calls. To make it feel more natural, try to have the camera at eye level or a bit higher. You might need to prop up your laptop or camera to do this. You could also put a small note or picture near the camera to help keep your focus there.
There are times, though, when it’s better to look at the screen, like when you’re listening to someone talk, or you need to look at something on your screen. The main thing is to balance looking at the camera and the screen based on what’s happening in the interview.
Using a teleprompter or a confidence monitor can help you keep eye contact with the camera while still seeing the faces and reactions of others. This is helpful if you’re giving a presentation or leading a discussion.
Also, show you’re listening by nodding and giving small verbal responses like “yes” or “uh-huh.” Your gestures and facial expressions can show your confidence and enthusiasm, so think about how you appear on camera.
8. Practice Ahead of Time
To get better at speaking clearly and feeling confident, practice answering typical interview questions out loud. Use your webcam to record yourself so you can see how you sound and look. Ask a friend or family member to do pretend interviews with you and give you helpful advice. The more you practice, the more ready and relaxed you’ll be when it’s time for the real interview.
9. Prepare to Showcase Your Skills
Since virtual interviews limit face-to-face interaction, find other ways to show what you can do. Prepare a portfolio or presentation that shows off your projects, successes, and experiences. Use the screen-sharing option to guide the interviewer through your work and show what you’re capable of.
10. Be Ready for Technical Challenges
Even if you’re super prepared, sometimes tech problems happen during interviews. Have a backup plan ready, like a phone number to call or another video chat option. It could also be helpful to have an extra headset in case you need it. If things go wrong, stay calm and talk to the interviewer about fixing it.
11. Follow Up with Gratitude
After the interview, send a thank-you email that shows you’re grateful for the chance to interview. In the email, express your interest in the job again and recap the main points you talked about. Use this opportunity to remind them of your skills and how excited you are about the role. This will leave a good impression on the interviewer.
Usual Questions to Expect in an Interview
Getting ready for a video interview also involves prepping yourself for the standard set of interview questions. This will help boost your confidence even more.
Can you tell me more about yourself?
This request often starts interviews to ease into a conversation. Your response should give a brief overview of your work history, concentrating on your education, past roles, and skills that match the job.
Why are you interested in this role?
Interviewers ask this question to measure how excited you are about the job and to check if you’ve researched the company. Your answer should show you know what the job involves and how it fits with your career plans.
It’s also a chance to show you understand the company’s culture, goals, and recent successes, proving you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
What are your greatest strengths?
This question helps identify if your skills match what the job requires. Pick strengths that match the job well when you answer. Also, be prepared to give examples of how you’ve used these strengths before in other jobs.
What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
This question can be tough, but it’s a chance to show honesty and self-awareness. Pick a genuine weakness, but not one that isn’t critical to the job. Explain how you are actively working to improve this area. This approach shows you are committed to personal and professional growth
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Employers ask this question to understand your career goals and see if they match the company’s opportunities for growth. Your answer should show ambition but also be realistic, demonstrating a desire to advance within the company rather than leaving for a better opportunity as soon as it comes along.
Do you have any questions for us?
This question often comes at the end, giving you a chance to ask about the company’s culture, what they expect from employees, and what happens next in the hiring process. It shows you’re interested and involved, proving you’re proactive and considering joining their team seriously.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN IDEAL CAREER OPPORTUNITY?
Hughes Resources is here to help you find a job that matches your skills and dreams while also giving you opportunities to grow and feel fulfilled. Our team is focused on linking candidates like you with great employers in the industrial, clerical, and professional fields.
Visit our career page to apply for any job of your choice, or contact our support team for better assistance in finding the perfect role for you!
