Being camera shy is hardly an option with video interviews fast becoming the norm. To help you prepare for your next moment in the spotlight, we’ve got some video interview tips to share. As professional recruiters, we’ve helped hundreds of candidates prepare for their lights, camera, action moment when facing potential employers.

5 Video Interview Tips To Help Candidates Succeed

1. Become A Master Of Technology

Test the technology you’ll be using ahead of time to ensure that you won’t be ‘stood up’ on your job date when it matters most. A stable internet connection, clear audio, and a good quality webcam are key when preparing for your on-camera moment. 

Carry out a technical trial run to ensure that everything is working, and you know which buttons to press when the time comes to interview. Familiarize yourself with the app that you’ll be using and choose a suitable username so that interviewers can easily identify you on the call.   

As a final step to make sure that you’re all set and ready to go, our team will run through the entire interview process with you beforehand to help you prep. This way, you can take the call with your potential employer knowing that you’re equipped to ace the interview and win them over. 

2. Set The Stage

Your background and surroundings will catch the eye of your recruiter, so make sure that it is neat and tidy. The last thing that you want is an unlikely surprise popping up at the moment that matters the most. Find a well-lit location (natural light works best), that is free from distractions and provides you with some quiet space. 

If you are home, let your family or housemates know the exact time when you’ll be interviewing and not to disturb you. Ideally, you’d want to be situated in a room that has a door where you can pop on a note to guard against anyone popping in unexpectedly.

3. Dress The Part

As part of your video interview tips to consider, do some research on the culture of the company that’s interviewing you. While you should always look put-together and presentable, it may not be necessary to wear full formal attire.

Keep in mind that, to appear softer on the eye when behind a screen, steer away from wearing bright colors and patterns that may come across harshly. 

Also, even though the video may only project a head and shoulder view, it’s a better idea to dress as though you’ll be sitting across the room from the interviewers.  Don’t leave room for a possible situation to arise where you’re caught wearing your yoga pants underneath a work shirt just because you’re in the comfort of your home.

4. Win Them Over With Your Body Language and Voice Projection

Maintaining eye contact with your interviewers during your video call is imperative but perhaps a bit trickier when you’re not physically sitting across from them. Be mindful to look directly into the camera, looking away from your own video projection.  Position your face is in the center of the screen, sit in a comfortable upright position, and avoid making any movements that show you’re nervous. 

Check volume controls beforehand so that your voice adequately projects during the call. When answering questions, keep in mind that sometimes the signal may be delayed. Pause before you respond to give the interviewer enough time to finish what they are saying and avoid cutting them off. 

Your body language should convey confidence, and your tone of voice be engaging. Remember to smile and nod as you go along to indicate that you are listening and that you’re interested.

5. End The Call On A High Note

Expressing gratitude at the end of your interview once the formalities are out of the way helps to guard against the call ending in an anti-climax. Without overdoing it, think a bit bigger than just saying a simple ‘thank you’. If you’re interested in the opportunity after hearing more about what’s on offer, make sure to get that point across tactfully. 

There’s also the option of a post-interview email – use your better judgment when deciding whether this is appropriate or not.

Final Thoughts

For a successful interview, log in ahead of time to test your equipment, check your background, and position your screen. Then, make sure your resume is within reach, along with some talking points to jog your memory.  

In the minutes leading up to the interview, calm your thoughts, and place a glass of water within reach. 

Finally, don’t forget to turn off your mobile! Good luck!