Since Covid turned the world upside down and many practises became remote, video interviews have become a standard part of the graduate recruitment process. There are benefits; they’re convenient for employers and save you the time and hassle of travelling to a million different locations if you have a few interviews lined up, but they can feel daunting, if you’re not sure how to prepare.
That’s where we step in with our ‘video interview ready’ tips and tricks. Read on, make sure you’ve got all the bases covered, and make it that little bit more likely you pass your next interview with flying colours.
1. Sort your setup
Want to derail your interview before it even starts? How about a last-minute update, or a random laptop shutdown.
Avoid any nasty surprises by testing out your equipment, including the video platform the employer has chosen, well in advance.
Checklist:
o Webcam and microphone
You’re not hosting a hit podcast, you don’t need expensive gear, your laptop’s built-in camera and mic will usually be fine, just make sure to check:
- The picture is clear and bright, no smudges on the lens
- Put the camera at eye level
- Your microphone picks up your voice without distortion or cutting out, make sure it’s set to record constantly rather than be voice activated
- You’re sitting close enough to be heard clearly
o Internet
You don’t want to risk dropping out mid-call. If possible, use a wired connection, just to cover yourself. If you’re on Wi-Fi, make sure you’re in a spot where it doesn’t drop out. If you’ve got housemates, tell them now isn’t the time to start live-streaming their game while downloading every season of Gilmore Girls.
o Software
Employers usually use one of Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet, however they may have their own internal interviewing platform or even an external one created especially for video interviews, like TopScore.
- Make sure you:
- Install any required apps
- Create an account ready (if necessary)
- Sign in early to test your audio and video without being watched
- Familiarise yourself with basic controls (mute, screen share, chat)
o Background
No one wants to see your floordrobe. Trust us, employers are nosying at the background of your video just as much as you’re looking at theirs. Make sure you come across as professional and organised. Tidy up your surroundings, keep it distraction-free, make sure there aren’t any embarrassing posters on the wall.
There’s usually a blur background filter on video apps. Use it if you have to.
o Lighting
If they can’t see you, they can’t interview you. Natural light from in front of you will work best, avoid backlighting from windows behind you. You’re not a supervillain after dramatic effect.
o No distractions
Tell anyone and everyone in your house that you are not to be disturbed. No brews from your mum. No mates thinking it’s funny to barge in on camera shirtless.
Silence your phone, close unnecessary tabs and apps, and keep any pets in another room.
2. Practise like it’s the real thing
Best way to ace an interview? Do loads of them. Get the experience in. Practise your answers and delivery.
Checklist:
o Get a mate to mock interview you
Feel a bit embarrassing? Just do it solo and record yourself, then watch the footage back and see where you can improve. Check things like your pacing, body language, and eye contact. Common interview questions include:
- “Tell me about yourself.” Try to link back to the role in question.
- “Why this role?” And don’t just say ‘I need money’.
- “Describe a time you solved a problem.” Use the STAR method: Situation, task, action, result.
- And everyone’s favourite, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Be honest, but not too honest.
3. Prep makes perfect
Video interviews still test the same things as in-person interviews, you’ll need examples and experience ready.
Checklist:
o Research the company
They’re going to want to know why you want to work for them. It always helps to know, and to link answers back to, where possible:
- Their mission, vision, and values
- Recent news or projects
- What attracts you to them
o Tailor your answers
Have a copy of the job description and notes on the company nearby. Link your skills, uni studies, internships, or extracurriculars back to what they want from their ideal candidate.
o Prepare questions
They’re going to ask you if you have any questions, and saying ‘no’ just… Doesn’t look great. Some good options for questions you can ask them include:
- “What does success look like in this role during the first six months?”
- “How would you describe the team culture?”
- “What development opportunities are available?” or “How will my role develop within the next year?”
Obviously don’t ask any of those if they’ve already been covered during the interview.
Finally, be expecting the unexpected.
You can prep all you like, but sometimes stuff just happens.
If your internet drops out, email or text the employer a quick apology and say you’re resolving the issue as you speak.
If there’s noise interference, acknowledge the issue politely, mute yourself when not speaking, and try your best to get past it.
Employers are human. They understand not everything can be within your control. They’ll be looking at how you handle the situation, not the issue itself.
At the end of the day, a video interview, just like any other interview, is your chance to show employers the real you, and why you’re a great fit for their role.
Good luck, you’ve got this!