Video interviews have become a standard part of the recruitment process, but the question remains: do you take them as seriously as traditional face-to-face interviews?
While the convenience and flexibility of virtual interviews are undeniable, they also pose unique challenges that can impact both your perception and preparation. With distractions at home, the potential for technical issues, and the perceived informality of the setting, our clients tell us that some candidates do approach video interviews with less importance. However, the expectations from potential employers remain the same, making it crucial to give video interviews the same level of professionalism and preparation as in-person ones.
As standard practice at Merritt Recruitment, we always offer a check with video interviews to ensure internet speed, microphones and cameras as working. Getting you fully prepped for a video interview involves a mix of traditional steps plus some specifics unique to the virtual environment.
Here are our 8 tips to help you smash your video interviews:
1. Technical Prep & Equipment
Check your camera, microphone, and internet connection by testing them with your Merritt Recruitment Consultant.
Our clients use a range of platforms with Zoom and Teams as the most popular.Make sure you know how to join the call, mute/unmute, and share your screen if needed.If you are including a presentation a practice session is essential to ensure you know how to ‘share screen’ and run the presentation.
Backup Plan: Let your interviewer and Merritt Consultant know you are having problems. If you can have a backup device or hotspot ready.Make sure you join the meeting 5 minutes early in case you need to switch devices or reboot your laptop.
2. Location, lights, camera, action!
Most candidates will use a room at home for their interview, we have seen some unusual sights during our ‘practice session’, these include the insides of cupboards, ‘interesting’ art and drying washing.
Choose a quiet, well-lit area with a neutral background. Try to minimise noise, switch off alarms and turn phones to silent. Ideally sit at a table with good posture, no slumping on the sofa.
Ensure you are well-lit, ideally with natural light from a window or a lamp placed in front of you so your face is clearly visible.
3. Dress Professionally
No smart top half and PJ bottoms please! You should dress as you would for an in-person interview. Even though the interviewer may only see your upper half, dressing fully in professional attire can help you feel more confident and engaged.
Lastly, avoid wearing loud patterns as these can be visually distracting on camera – best to stick to solid colours.
4. Body Language & Eye Contact
Eye Contact: Look directly into the camera, not at the screen. This gives the impression that you're making eye contact with the interviewer.
Posture: Sit up straight and avoid slouching. Leaning slightly forward can convey interest and engagement.
Gestures: Use hand gestures naturally but keep them within the camera frame. Excessive movement can be distracting.
5. Communication Tips
Pause Before Speaking: There may be a slight delay in audio, so pause briefly after the interviewer finishes speaking to avoid talking over them.
Speak Clearly: Articulate your words and consider speaking slightly slower than usual to ensure clarity.
Be Concise: Virtual interviews can feel more tiring, so keep your answers focused and to the point.
6. Preparation & Practice
The following are traditionally more associated with face-to-face interviews, but the prep is just as important if you’re online.
Research the company: Understand their mission, values, and recent news. Prepare questions to ask about the role and company culture.
Practice Common Questions: Prepare and practice answers to common interview questions, particularly focusing on how you can demonstrate your skills and experience virtually.
Top Tip:Practise standard interview questions and record your answers on your mobile phone.
Mock Interview: Conduct a mock interview with a friend or mentor to get comfortable with the format and receive feedback.
7. Engagement & Follow-Up
Engage Actively: Nod, smile, and show enthusiasm to convey your interest. Virtual interviews can sometimes feel less personal, so make an extra effort to connect.
Thank-You Email: After the interview, send a prompt thank-you email reiterating your interest in the position and mentioning something specific from the conversation.
8. Handling Unexpected Issues
Stay Calm: If something unexpected happens (technical glitch, noise interruption), stay calm and address it politely. Apologise if necessary and suggest solutions.
Reschedule: If the issues are too disruptive, it’s better to suggest rescheduling than to continue in a compromised situation.