In an era of technological advancement, recruiters now use new and varied methods that diversify the simple job interview. As well as the usual face-to-face interview, a hiring manager may use newer methods like a phone or a video interview. 

Not only does this allow the interviewer to screen more candidates, but it also saves both time and money. The recruiter also has the advantage of being able to re-watch the interview if need be.

A video interview may be similar to a traditional discussion in that it occurs between a candidate and a recruiter(s), where the latter is asked questions. Or it may be a pre-recorded interview, whereby a candidate is given a set of questions to which they should respond in front of a camera in an allotted time. 

Although it may seem straightforward, a video interview requires just as much preparation as a traditional one; here are some tips that will help you ace that interview and move on to the next stage of the process.  

Do you know how a group interview is conducted?

The best Personal development tutors available
Tom
5
5 (31 reviews)
Tom
£75
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Richard
5
5 (34 reviews)
Richard
£100
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Lee
5
5 (20 reviews)
Lee
£125
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Mariam
5
5 (30 reviews)
Mariam
£37
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Veronica
5
5 (19 reviews)
Veronica
£65
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Allison
4.9
4.9 (26 reviews)
Allison
£45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Omar
5
5 (34 reviews)
Omar
£100
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Liam
5
5 (23 reviews)
Liam
£35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Tom
5
5 (31 reviews)
Tom
£75
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Richard
5
5 (34 reviews)
Richard
£100
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Lee
5
5 (20 reviews)
Lee
£125
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Mariam
5
5 (30 reviews)
Mariam
£37
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Veronica
5
5 (19 reviews)
Veronica
£65
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Allison
4.9
4.9 (26 reviews)
Allison
£45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Omar
5
5 (34 reviews)
Omar
£100
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Liam
5
5 (23 reviews)
Liam
£35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Let's go

1. Tech Prep: Ensuring Smooth Technical Performance

Test all the technological equipment you need the day before to ensure no distractions. 

This includes testing your internet connection, webcam, audio and display. Have everything plugged in and fully charged. This will allow you to avoid glitches and time delays and ensure the interviewer can hear and see you. And vice versa!

If the interview runs smoothly, you can focus more clearly on your responses and less on whether you heard the question correctly.

A man is talking to a woman on video on a laptop in front of him.
Can I take notes for an interview, open interview, recorded interview, background for a discussion, what to wear for a video interview, and Natwest video interview questions? Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash

Ensure you can connect to the interview platform and log in. As with a regular interview, being on time is essential, so you would arrive early to the reception, be ready and log in early here, too.

If you have problems accessing the correct platform, you can call beforehand and fix it. It also means you are all prepped and ready to go once the interviewer logs in.

Should any technical problems occur, as they sometimes inevitably do. Do not be afraid to speak up and let the recruiter know, as it may affect your interview. 

This is how to handle a group interview.

2. Ideal Setup: Right Environment

 Let everyone in the house know that you are being interviewed. This reduces the background noise and stops people from flitting in and out of the screen; the interviewer can then focus all their attention on you and what you are saying. 

Try to use a bright, natural light near a window; if this is not possible, use a lamp to ensure you can be seen clearly.

Choose a clean, professional space, like a blank wall or a desk, as your background. The less clutter around you, the more the interviewer can focus on you!

The best Personal development tutors available
Tom
5
5 (31 reviews)
Tom
£75
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Richard
5
5 (34 reviews)
Richard
£100
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Lee
5
5 (20 reviews)
Lee
£125
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Mariam
5
5 (30 reviews)
Mariam
£37
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Veronica
5
5 (19 reviews)
Veronica
£65
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Allison
4.9
4.9 (26 reviews)
Allison
£45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Omar
5
5 (34 reviews)
Omar
£100
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Liam
5
5 (23 reviews)
Liam
£35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Tom
5
5 (31 reviews)
Tom
£75
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Richard
5
5 (34 reviews)
Richard
£100
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Lee
5
5 (20 reviews)
Lee
£125
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Mariam
5
5 (30 reviews)
Mariam
£37
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Veronica
5
5 (19 reviews)
Veronica
£65
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Allison
4.9
4.9 (26 reviews)
Allison
£45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Omar
5
5 (34 reviews)
Omar
£100
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Liam
5
5 (23 reviews)
Liam
£35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Let's go

3. Dress Pro: Virtual Attire

Although you may be in your bedroom, you are in a professional environment once the interview starts, so you should act the part. Dress professionally, how you would typically dress in the workplace. (At least from the waist up!). 

Avoid too many bold prints and colours that may distract from what you are saying.

A laptop, notebook, pen and coffee cup are placed on a table. Ready to be used.
How long are interviews, what to wear for a video interview, how to pass an interview, interview screening questions, why have I applied for this job, practice video interview, can you bring notes to an interview, how to sit at an interview, watch the interview, recorded interviews, Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash

Are you preparing for a telephone interview? Here's what you should take into consideration.

4. Confident Presence: Body Language

If video interviews are new to you, you may be unsure how to act in front of the camera. Look at your body language in a mirror, take heed of how you are sitting, do you seem closed off? Nervous? Uncomfortable?

Practice makes perfect, so take the time to practise using positive body language and speaking clearly. Sit with your hands relaxed, try not to fiddle with any notes, make friendly eye contact and don't forget to smile.  

Take the time to record yourself before the interview. Look at everything, from how you sound and appear on camera to the lighting and background. Make adjustments as needed.

5. Deep Research: Company Insights

As with any interview, research the job and company thoroughly; ultimately, this is the most essential part of the interview. Remind yourself of your critical skills and experiences, and think of positive examples of utilising these.

Know your value, talk about what you can bring to the role and the company and how you will achieve this.

Are you having a video interview via Skype? Read this article!

A man sitting on a bench using a laptop.
How to prep for an interview, revue interview, what to wear on a video interview, tips for online discussions, how long a debate is, teams interview, online interview tips, pre-screen interview, on video, remote interview meaning. Unsplash+ In collaboration with Jordan González

Please review some of our other articles for more information on interview techniques, questions and answers.

If you proceed to the next stage, a video/phone interview is usually followed by a one-to-one discussion. Therefore, after the interview, don't forget to follow up and make notes on people's names and what was said. For a more thorough explanation, click here to see what you can do after an interview to improve your chances of getting the job. 

Don't forget: One of the advantages of a video interview is that you can use notes out-of-shot of the camera. To avoid fiddling with bits of paper, write keywords on Post-it notes in extensive, clear writing. You can then use these to jog your memory or remind yourself of important key points. Such as SMILE! Volunteered in hospitals, managed IT projects, etc. 

This is what not to do when having a group interview...

Post by Maryam Tashfeen.

Maryam Tashfeen was raised in North East England and is a fourth-year medical student at Medical University Pleven and a former student at the University of Bradford. She has previously held work-experience roles in several countries, including England, Bulgaria and Jordan. She works in the retail sector alongside her studies and volunteers for several great charities. Through her journey as a student and her experience in the working world, she can provide you with great insight into all things relating to student life, jobs and careers.

Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!

5.00 (1 rating(s))
Loading...

Emma

I am passionate about traveling and currently live and work in Paris. I like to spend my time reading, gardening, running, learning languages, and exploring new places.