In today’s increasingly virtual world, everything from picking your partner to your groceries can be done online.
Why should getting selected for your next job be any different?
While interviewing online can seem pretty straightforward, there are a few subtle nuances that can set you apart as a stellar candidate. With many companies still working remotely due to the coronavirus, you can guarantee that even more interviews will take place online. Take a look at our comprehensive roundup of best tips and advice to have a successful video job interview.
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Why Are Video Job Interviews Used?
Due to their efficiency (and effectiveness), video interviews have become commonplace. They can save on costs, including a hiring manager’s travel budget, and most importantly, time. First-round interviews can be quickly scheduled based on availability, speeding up the hiring process overall for both the company and candidates.
Preparing for The Video Job Interview
Like any interview, the best way to have a successful video job interview is to prepare. In addition to researching your prospective employer and interviewer, it’s also essential to set up your technology and a backup plan for any events that are out of your control.
How to Practice for Your Video Job Interview
- Have your resume, job application, notes, and company website on-hand. Remember, you are in total control of your environment, and being able to pivot and respond to questions quickly is a video interview perk. Make sure you also have your interviewer’s email address and phone number handy in case of any emergency disconnections.
- Practice, practice, practice! You’ve heard it before, but let us repeat. Make sure that you do your homework, research your company, and prepare for commonly asked questions!
- Set up your tech. Make sure your laptop (or webcam), lighting, headphones and any other hardware you are using is working, charged, plugged in, and ready to go. Test a video call with a friend one to two days before, and make sure everything is in tip-top shape. We’ve listed a few favorite go-to tools we use for video interviews below.
- Know if your video interview is live or recorded. While many companies set a typical appointment date and time to “meet” with you virtually and ask interview questions, many companies are going the way of pre-recorded interviews. The setup is the same, but it is important to know if you are able to engage with your interviewer, or if you will need to practice polished, concise responses that will record well to be watched at a later date.
Career Contessa Tech Faves
Setting Up The Location of Your Video Job Interview
Have you ever watched an online interview on YouTube (or our Work in Progress videos)? These, and the most-watched videos, all have one thing in common: a great location. In addition to setting up your sound, lighting, and technology, you are also creating an inviting, yet professional environment for your mini-interview-production.
Look for a desk or solid table that will hold your computer or camera screen without jostling or disruption. Close windows and doors, turn off your fans/AC/heater, put away pets, and request that anyone who shares your space not interrupt your upcoming video job interview. Try to find a space near natural or bright lighting, with a soothing and simple background, such as a blank wall, a simple potted plant, or a non-distracting piece of art. The name of the game here is to keep things looking cool, calm, and collected.
The pro tip for lighting? Try to have the window or light in front of you. If you're sitting in front of a bright window, there will be a shadow over your face. Here's what an ideal set-up looks like:
What to Wear For a Video Interview
Another element of making sure you’re ready for your video job interview is to prep your wardrobe. Even though you're not meeting in person, looking professional and put-together matters.
Despite the memes floating around out there, always make sure you’re put together on top and on the bottom. As always, consider the formality of your future employer as well as your industry. We’ve got tips on how to figure out what to wear. Shopping online? Download Rakuten into your browser to earn a little cash back while you’re investing in your wardrobe.
How to Prepare Your Wardrobe for Your Video Job Interview
- Make sure you’re dressed head to toe. It will also help boost your confidence!
- Avoid wearing bright, flashy colors. This can be distracting during the video interview—you want the interviewer to focus on you.
- Don’t blend in with your surroundings. Same as above—select colors that are flattering but set you apart from your surroundings.
- Make sure your outfit is neatly pressed, if needed. You don’t want to come across as disheveled when the interviewer has a limited impression.
- Consider your hair and makeup. If you regularly wear makeup, now may be the time to go ahead and get dolled up. Video cameras can distort your appearance and wash you out on screen. You want to look fresh and professional, but don’t overdo it.
Career Contessa Wardrobe Faves
- SheIn Women's Puff Sleeve Casual Solid Top Pullover Keyhole Back Blouse
- Universal Standard - Minton Wool Suiting Jogger
- The Roxanne Blazer
During The Video Job Interview
After all of your interview prep, it’s time to show off what you can do! Incorporate your experience and knowledge with some of our best interview tips.
Best Practices for Acing Your Video Job Interview
Remember, you’ve got this. Take a deep breath and try the following to ace your video job interview:
- Look into the camera. Don’t forget to smile and make eye contact when appropriate!
- Watch your energy. Much like your appearance, the distance created with video technology can dull your shine. Be sure to speak with enthusiasm, clarity, and confidence.
- Sit up straight. In addition to being great for your lumbar system, sitting up straight demonstrates attentiveness and interest. Sit up straight and use poised body language.
- Turn off your phone. We mean really. Put the potential of an interview interruption out of your mind and put your phone on silent, then press that “off” button for the next half-hour to hour.
- Remember to pause. With the delay in video feedback, there can often be a gap in online job interview responses and questions. Before answering any question, be sure to briefly pause and make sure you are not interrupting your interviewer. This also helps you appear more poised in your response.
What You Can Expect from Employers
With the exception of your interview taking place remotely, you can pretty much expect a straight-forward interview process from your prospective employer. Often, the meeting host will provide a brief orientation of the technology (how to interrupt, ask questions, share links if needed, etc.), as well as an outline of the interview process. Make sure to answer questions as provided, and if you feel comfortable, share screens and links where appropriate (and if requested by your interviewer). Make sure to use the technology to your full advantage!
What to Do If Things Go Wrong
Unfortunately, inevitable situations can sometimes occur during a video job interview. Whether you’re interrupted by your doorbell, a fire alarm goes off, or your internet goes completely out, remember to stay calm and follow up professionally. Your next steps:
- Take a deep breath. This situation is out of your control.
- Quickly evaluate if you can save the meeting. Is the situation ongoing, or was it merely an interruption? If the latter, make a brief apology, then turn off your video connection and microphone. Address the situation as briefly as possible and resume.
- You’ve lost the interviewer. For whatever reason, you were disconnected from the video meeting. Immediately call your interviewer (if possible and safe to do so), or send a quick email with new connection details. In most cases, you will be able to pick up where you left off. If not, now is the time to reschedule your interview meeting.
Ending The Video Job Interview
You did it! You reached the video job interview finish line. Before you wrap up, make sure you follow up with as much confidence and detail as possible—it’s another way to show off how prepared and perfect you are for this job.
Ask The Employer About Next Steps
Again, just like an in-person interview, be sure to ask your employer about the next steps. If your video job interview was a first-round impression, see if you will be speaking to more staff online or in-person. Get an understanding of the hiring manager’s process and timeline, including when you can expect to hear from them regarding the next steps. Don’t be shy about following up if you don’t hear from the interviewer by their indicated time, but also remember to be patient.
Sending a Post-Interview Thank You Note
Last but not least, express your gratitude. Shortly after your video interview, be sure to send a thank-you note to the hiring manager or your interviewer. These days, an email thank you is perfectly acceptable. We’ve got some great templates for email thank-yous, as well as written thank-you notes, which are a nice touch (especially if you’ve made it to the final round)!
Ready to take on your video job interview? Take on our end-all-be-all checklist for other ways to prep for your interview, in-person or online.
