Mastering The Art of Video Interviews: Dos and Don’ts for Success

Nowadays, we live in a digital-first era, where everything is just a click away. So why should interviews be an exception? There is a significant shift in the hiring landscape where companies adopt a modern touch to the interview process. Video interviews have become increasingly popular. They help proficient job seekers and companies bridge the distance by providing a practical way to connect, gauge candidate skills, and build professional relationships without geographical restrictions.

Video interviews can be as nerve-wracking as in-person interviews. Lucky for you, we have shared the lowdown on the best practices and common pitfalls that you must avoid to ace your next video interview.

Understanding Video Interviews

Video interviews encapsulate a blend of professionalism, preparation and specific skill sets. It allows hiring managers to gauge the technical know-how of a candidate, which becomes an essential skill in today’s digital era. These interviews are dissimilar to in-person interviews as they require an interviewee to be adept in technology, and communication skills. Not only are your qualifications and skills assessed but especially your comfort with the use of technology and remote communication tools.

Since video interviews are here to stay, it's crucial to understand the A to Z of this modern hiring trend and set yourself up for success.

Now onto the dos and don'ts of video interviews….

Dos Of Video Interviews: A Definitive Path to A Strong First Impression

If you have a job interview lined up, here are the sought-after tips to present yourself as a polished candidate and better your chances of selection.

1. Test Your Technology in Advance.

In a video interview setting, it's both you and your technology at the test. One of the first things to check off the list is to test out your equipment which is your computer or laptop. If you are a rookie, then 2-3 days prior, take a virtual course on how the video conferencing tools work to avoid any last-moment frenzy. As soon as you get notified about your video interview, test your webcam, microphone, and internet connection. Also, if you need to install any specific software, then do so well in advance.

Testing out technology may sometimes seem like a cinch’s soup but familiarizing yourself with the interview platform be it Zoom, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams ahead of the call is imperative for a successful interview experience.

Related: How to Nail Your Phone Interview

2. Choose a Quiet, Well-Lit Environment

On the interview day, your surroundings tend to convey a wealth of information on your professionalism and preparedness for the job interview. You should not hold your interview just anywhere. Choosing an interview-friendly location is key to leaving a great impression on the interviewer. Find a private space, with natural light (or a ring light that ensures your face is clearly visible) where you can hold the interview distraction-free. Avoid sitting in front of a window or any bright light source that could cause a silhouette effect. Strategically deciding your location ahead of the actual interview reflects your attention to detail.

3. Dress Appropriately

Just because the interviewer is not going to sit with you in person doesn't mean that you can opt out of professional attire. Dressing properly, while keeping in mind the dress code of the company you're interviewing for, speaks volumes of your sincerity for the job. For a lasting first impression, dress professionally from head to toe (emphasis supplied) as you would for an in-person interview. When in doubt, opt for neutral or solid-coloured clothing that doesn’t clash with your background or appear distracting on camera.

4. Maintain Good Eye Contact

Many job interviewees don’t stress much on the importance of non-verbal skills and communication. The hiring managers carefully assess your body language and behaviour during the interview. So, maintaining good eye contact from the beginning of the interview is just as important. Sit in a manner that your camera is at eye level, don’t turn your eyes high and low, and always look directly into the camera while speaking. No matter how nervous you are, maintaining a good posture, confident body language and smile conveys your fervor and professionalism.

Don’ts of Video Interviews: Steering Clear of Common Errors

1. Don’t Underestimate the Impact of Background Noise

One of the common mistakes that all virtual job interviewees make is that they often take background commotions very lightly. Barking dogs, ringing phones, noisy street vendors and constant hubbub can turn your interview into a damp squib. Also, avoid using distracting virtual backgrounds and always prefer a green screen to showcase the utmost professionalism. Lastly, inform your family members about your interview well in advance to avoid any interruptions.

2. Don’t Read Directly from a Script.

It's not all bad to prepare key interview notes and answers to common questions, but if you get caught reading responses verbatim during the interview then all your efforts may go down the drain. To avoid any mishaps, practice answering common interview questions and don’t lose attention searching for answers on the internet. This way you build rapport and draw a natural conversation with your interviewer.

3. Don’t Multitask During the Interview

Multitasking is a big red flag in any professional setting that can derail your interview. Your interviewer will know if you're busy surfing the internet for answers, checking your phone or looking away frequently. So always give your undivided attention to the interviewer and stay engaged throughout the conversation.

Acing the Follow-Up: Securing Your Position

The interview doesn’t end when the call does. Within 24 hours of your interview, write a personalized thank you e-mail expressing gratitude for the opportunity, reiterate your interest in the role, and highlight key points discussed during the interview. Express gratitude for their time during the interview to augment your selection prospects and capture the interviewer’s attention.

Conclusion

To ensure success and crush your online job interview, it is crucial that you adhere to all the dos and don’ts tips and present yourself with confidence before the day of reckoning.

If you need more information on interview prep, check out our other reading resources. Good luck!

We hope you found our article quite useful!