Technology has started to take a central role in recruiting process in big firms; from sourcing to recruiting, organizations have drawn on software systems to make the process more effective and expedient. According to a pool conducted by Indeed, 82% of companies had implemented video interviews during the Pandemic. Moreover, more than 93% also manifested their intention to continue using them in the future. In this blog, we will discuss video Interviews and how to prepare to be successful in this process.
There are two types of video interviews, synchronous (live) and asynchronous (prerecorded). Live interviews are usually conducted through a video conference solution such as Zoom or Teams. In this interview, you could meet a recruiter or manager who will interview you by asking questions, and the candidate will answer them onsite. On the other side, prerecorded interviews are conducted in a particular interview software such as HireVue or Spark Hire. In format, the interviewer will ask you questions that are prerecorded or appear on the screen. Later, you will tape yourself to answer those questions within a constricted time frame.
Prepare the interview
Video interviews can understandably be challenging for job seekers. You might feel self-conscious about how you look or sound on camera or worry about your connection breaking. Take these steps to set yourself up for success:
- Test your technology: Before the interview, consider downloading any plugin or app needed for the interview. Ensure your camera, microphone, and battery are working correctly; and turn on nonessential applications in your computer, so they are no distractions or notifications during the interview. For a live interview, you might also check that your user’s name is professional and visible in the meeting.
- Choose the right setting: Your room must be well-lit; having the light in front or on top of you is the best practice since having the light behind you or on the sides can distract the interviewer or darken the image. Find a private space where you will not be distracted or interrupted, and choose a room with not much clutter in the back.
- Dress to succeed: Dress as you would for an onsite interview. However, you must pay extra attention to the color and patterns easily seen on camera or by your interviewer.
- Mind your body language: Don’t forget to maintain eye contact and use nonverbal cues, such as hand gestures, as you would for an in-person interview. Try not to look down or read answers from a piece of paper. To avoid falling into those behaviors, you can practice looking at yourself in the mirror and answering the question. Most importantly, don’t forget to smile.
- Prepare: Having your resume and some notes can be helpful. But be sure to use them sparingly during the interview since the purpose is to establish a fluid conversation with the interviewer.
You can find more tips about how to succeed in your online interview in this article
Do your research
Your first goal during the video interview is to emphasize your soft skills or personal attributes. Therefore, it is crucial to invest time preparing for the meeting and do deep research into the company. Like you do when preparing for an interview, you must start with the job ad that provides quality data about what the company and role require from you. You can find other helpful tips for research in this article.
Likewise, knowing why you want to work there is something that they will ask you. Some questions that you should prepare to answer are:
- Could you walk me through your resume? Please tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want to work for the company? Why should we hire you? Why do you think you are the appropriate candidate for the job?
- What motivates you? What do you value at the workplace?
- Do you have any questions?
By doing your research, you facilitate being more secure during the interview and successfully advance in the process. At the Amy Scott Amey Career Services Center, you can make an appointment to practice for your following interview by selecting a Mock Interview appointment with one of our career counselors at Handshake.
