Types of Video Interviews
Video interviews can vary and may involve a live video conversation with the hiring manager or recruiter, or you may be invited to participate in an on-demand interview. In the case of an on-demand interview, you will record your responses to a series of interview-related questions to be reviewed by the hiring manager later.
Tips for a Successful Video Job Interview
The key to a successful video interview is practicing beforehand, so you can avoid technical issues and feel confident in the process. You should remember that a video interview carries the same weight as an in-person interview, so make sure you are fully prepared to conduct the interview remotely. Review the following tips to ensure you excel in this type of interview.
What to Expect
What should you expect during the virtual interview? The video platform will vary by company, but a report from ResumeGo indicates that most companies typically use: Zoom: 43%, Skype: 12%, Google Meet/Hangouts: 19%, Microsoft Teams: 7%, Cisco WebEx: 5%, and Others: 14%. Zoom ranks highest as the most commonly used platform in another report. A report from Zenefits notes that Zoom is the most used platform in interviews (72%), followed by Skype (43%). Surveyed companies reported that most interviews lasted less than an hour: less than 30 minutes: 36%, between 30 minutes and an hour: 48%, more than an hour: 16%. If you have multiple interviews in one day, be sure to leave enough time between them so you can prepare for the next interview.
Advance Planning
Prepare for the interview in advance. In most cases, things will go smoothly, but it will be less stressful if you practice beforehand. Conduct a trial run two days before the interview. Check your camera and any headset or microphone as if you were conducting the actual interview. If possible, use the same video technology you will use during the actual interview. This way, you won’t run into last-minute installation issues or password problems before the interview. The camera should be at eye level (not above or below it). Poor camera positioning can result in unflattering double chins or strange shadows. Make sure your audio equipment is functioning properly. Regardless of the location, ensure you send any materials (resume, portfolio, etc.) that the hiring manager needs in advance.
Check Your Background
During the trial run, pay attention to the background that appears in the video. Does it look cluttered or distracting? Plan your background to be tidy. A plain wall is best, or a neat office setup. You might be able to choose an online background to use, depending on the video platform you are using.
What to Wear
ResumeGo’s report indicates that most employers prefer candidates to wear business casual attire, but many have no preference. It doesn’t matter: 44%, Casual work attire: 52%, Formal/Professional attire: 4%. The camera angle should show part of you from the waist up because your face is the real focal point. However, if there’s any chance you’ll need to stand, make sure your pants or skirt are professional. You don’t want to be the person who is noted for inappropriate interview attire.
During the Video Interview
Make sure your table and surroundings are clean and organized. You don’t want to distract the interviewer. If you are conducting the interview from home, make sure you are in a quiet place without barking dogs, children, music, or other noises. Also, turn off your phone and any alerts on your computer to avoid distractions from emails or instant messages during the interview. The microphone will pick up any noise in the room, so do not click your pen or shuffle papers. Ensure you maintain eye contact, remembering that this means looking at the camera (not at your image in the thumbnail). Use the same good body posture you would use in an in-person interview. Avoid making too many hand gestures; even with a good internet connection, there may be a delay, and your hand movements may stutter on screen.
Process
Video Interview
The company selects candidates for video interviews. The interview is arranged. The company will provide instructions on how the interview will proceed. There will usually be 10-15 job-related questions that the company is hiring for. Except for not meeting the interviewer in person, the interview process will be the same as if you were conducting it in person. The goal of the interview (screening candidates for employment) is the same. You will be asked the same type of interview questions. You should also be prepared to ask questions.
What Employers Are Looking For
What do employers want to see when reviewing video clips from job candidates? Answers to the questions asked, not the questions you wish were asked. Employers and hiring managers want to know your ability to perform the required job, so they ask specific questions. Video is a faster way for them to screen applicants than traditional applications, so don’t give them a reason not to consider your interview. Show creativity in your answers, and tie in experiences that illustrate how you can perform the required job. If you are recording interview answers in advance and applying to be a chef, for example, record your answers in the kitchen while preparing the dish. Make sure you are organized, polite, and practiced in your answers, so you are the best representation of yourself. Videos are a great way to stand out among other applicants who only have paper applications or an online resume. The best videos are rewatched multiple times. Have a resume and job application ready. The video can open the door for you, but standard materials are still used at some point in the process. Make sure that your experiences and strengths match what you are saying in the video.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/tips-for-a-successful-video-job-interview-2061348
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