Millions of people use videoconferencing tools every month.
It’s not surprising, especially after COVID-19, that this type of service has become so widely used for recruitment processes.
Video calls enable companies to interview candidates from all over the world.
Nowadays, this is the first step in a recruitment process, so it’s very important that you get this phase right.
How do you prepare for your interview?
Video interviews require the same preparation as face-to-face or telephone interviews, if not more.
With the added pressure of technology, the risk of something going wrong increases.
That’s why it’s important to anticipate as much as possible to ensure that your interview goes off without a hitch.
These tips will ensure that you’re always on your guard in the event of a technical problem, and will in fact demonstrate your ability to cope with any unforeseen event.
1. Establish an appropriate environment
First of all, think about where you’re going to do your video interview.
Your studio? Where are you staying? Your kitchen? Once you’ve chosen the best room, think about what the interviewer will see through the camera behind you.
Make sure the background is as tidy as possible, and even better if it’s free of posters, photos or anything else that might distract the interviewer’s attention.
Make sure the lighting is adequate.
Once you’ve set up your interview room, make sure no one enters during the call.
Let your family or roommates know the time of the interview, and close the door to avoid any noise.
2. Search for all the tools in the program you are going to use.
All video calling programs have a variety of features that can be useful during a job interview.
For example, during an interview, you may need to share your screen or various documents with your interviewer.
Before your interview, take a look at the application’s help page to familiarize yourself with all the tools it offers.
3. Make a test call the day before the interview.
The day before the interview, it’s always a good idea to make a test call.
Arrange a test call with a family member or friend, to make sure the camera and microphone are working properly and that you know how to use these technologies.
4. Practice aloud and record it
You may feel weird doing this.
But recording yourself saying out loud some of the answers you have in mind for the interview is a good way of checking any points you need to correct before the interview proper, such as where you look, if your body language is wrong, or if you speak too softly or too fast.
This also gives you another opportunity to check that the tool is working properly and confirm that the lighting is correct.
It’s no good if you realize all this when it’s too late and you’re in the middle of the interview.
This will give the impression that you’re unprofessional.
5. Make sure your account is professional
The first thing your caller will see is your profile photo on the video calling application, along with your username.
Make sure both convey a professional image. Consider creating a specific account for job interviews, separate from your personal account.
You can even create a username linked to your professional domain.
6. Prepare a few questions and notes
Before the interview, print out your CV and prepare a few questions to ask at the end.
Develop several points to open the conversation; this will limit the risk of ending up looking down and simply reading your CV, without making eye contact with the interviewer.
7. Log in a little before the agreed time.
You shouldn’t show up for a face-to-face interview seconds before it starts, and the same goes for a video interview.
Be sure to switch on the program and prepare everything at least 10 minutes before the start of the interview.
This will allow you to be ready and waiting when the interviewer arrives.
The last thing you want is for them to have to wait, at the risk of looking like a disorganized time waster.
8. Dress appropriately
Even if you’re interviewing in the comfort of your own home, you need to dress appropriately, as you would for a face-to-face interview.
When in doubt, it’s always best to dress as professionally as you feel.
Think also about what people will see of you in the frame of the screen.
For example, if you decide to wear tracksuit bottoms with a suit shirt, you’ll regret it if you have to get up at some point.
9. Make sure your status is “online”.
You may have noticed in the video calling tools that a green dot appears when your user is online, indicating that you are available to be contacted.
However, you can also manually set your status to “Away” or “Do not disturb” at any time.
This is useful if you don’t want to be interrupted by other people during the call. We also recommend closing any other programs or tabs open on your computer, and disconnecting your cell phone so you don’t receive any notifications.
10. Body language is crucial, even in front of the camera.
A person’s first impression is formed in the first seven seconds.
As a result, your body language plays a very important role in video calls.
The examiner’s opinion of you will largely be defined by the moment he or she first sees you through the application. During the call, be sure to look directly at the webcam, not the screen. This will help you maintain eye contact as if the interview were face-to-face.
By maintaining eye contact, you’ll show the other person that you’re paying attention, and the conversation will flow much more naturally.
Remember to stand up straight and smile to show your confidence and interest in the selection process.
Conclusion
After the interview, send a brief e-mail to the company in question thanking them for the interview and letting them know you were very interested in finding out more about the position.
End the e-mail by saying you look forward to hearing from them, and reaffirm your interest in the position.
Now that technology is increasingly present in the recruitment process, video interviews are becoming more and more common.
If you’re looking for a job, it’s almost certain that at some point you’ll have to take a video interview.
If you follow these tips and take the time to prepare for the interview, it will undoubtedly be a success.
By the Allo Jobs Inc. team
Over 85% of SMEs admit to having difficulty hiring qualified staff. Faced with this reality of the job market, Allo Jobs offers you recruitment solutions tailored to your needs.
Entrust us with your mission: Info@allojobs.ca 514-360-0807 www.allojobs.ca
