Virtual Interview Guide Candidates

Something intangible gets lost over video versus meeting someone face to face and, we believe it is all the "soft-stuff" that we automatically read when we meet people. In a video interview, you have to work extra hard with your verbal and non-verbal cues. Examples include:

• Body language and how it is read is magnified on video, and facial expressions are the most important. Talking with a smile has never been more critical. You need to make sure that you are both "talking to the camera" and ensure your camera is directly in front of you at eye height. If you plan to use a laptop or notebook, consider raising it.
  
  
• Many interviewers report a lack of eye contact from candidates post video interview. You may be looking at the screen and not the camera, it is essential to compensate for this in the interview.
  
  
• There is a reason News Readers and TV Presenters are more expressive with their facial expressions, voices and hand gestures to convey feelings or emotions on camera and the same is true for video interviews. Nodding your head more noticeably to show active listening, smiling more broadly, making greater use of hand gestures and varying the tone and emphasis of your voice all help.
  
  
• A plain backdrop will ensure that the interviewer's focus is on you and not on the books on your bookshelf. We all experience "Zoom-fatigue" and having a plain backdrop will remove unnecessary distractions. Some people like to use virtual backgrounds, but remember as many people love them as hate them.
  
  
• Interviewers quickly pick-up if you are distracted during the interview. Close everything else on your computer and switch off your phone during the interview.
  
  
• You can't go wrong wearing smart business attire. Plain conservative colours work best and avoid patterns, like ties with stripes, as they don't look right on video. Being smartly dressed from head to toe will help put you in the right frame of mind.

 

The usual interview rules shouldn't be forgotten:

 

• Prepare for the interview by researching the practice or project and be prepared to answer questions such as, 'what do you know about our practice?' 'What do you know about this project?'
  
  
• Take time at the start of the interview to build rapport and warmth.
  
  
• Preparing some well thought out questions is super-important. Asking questions allows you to demonstrate your knowledge of the subject and build credibility. A question framed in the right way can be used to show that you have done your research on a business or project. Many people lose out on opportunities because they fail to ask good questions.
  
  
• At the end of the interview finish on a positive note, thanking the interviewers for their time and re-affirming your interest in the opportunity. You don't want to leave the interviewer in any doubt about how you feel. If you want this job, tell them.
  
  
• Finally, a well-worded post-interview follow-up e-mail is always well received

 

 For more information, please read this additional insight Video interview Guide.