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Video interviews

Video interviews are gaining popularity in the recruitment field. If you are
camera shy, it’s time to work on your confidence, as many prospective employers
now use digital methods including video interviews to screen potential
candidates. It saves time, allows you to host interviews with multiple panel
members who may be in different locations, enables the ability to record and has
the advantage of reaching candidates in far-off areas. Platforms used include
Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

HELPFUL TIPS

Video interviews therefore require a good deal of preparation.
Take note of the following:

1 Choose the right setting. Find a quiet, private, and well-lit place to do the
interview. Avoid busy spaces where you can’t control the background noise.
Make sure the room that you choose has no clutter in your background.
You don’t want anything to distract from your face. Having a professional
communication stance, will separate you from the other hundreds of
applicants. Lighting is also important – ensure there is no shadow over you so
that the interviewers can see you clearly. Avoid sitting in a swivel chair —
it’s hard to resist the urge to twist back and forth, which can make you
look nervous.

Tip: Do a test run on the day of the interview to be sure everything is right.
2 Move your pets to another part of your home during your interview. However,
given pets’ unpredictability, for example your dog barking suddenly, inform
the interviewer at the start of the meeting. Then should the barking erupt, it
will provide a little comic relief rather than discomfort.
3 Test your technology. Avoid the stress of joining a video interview and realising
then that your connection does not work. Log in 30 minutes before to ensure
that you are not required to download any software. Some interviews may
involve recording and uploading your answers using a computer with a
webcam or a smartphone. If you’re not familiar with Zoom, Skype or
BlueJeans, you can go to YouTube and get some tips. Check your audio and
make sure that your device is fully charged. You will need a good and
stable Wi-Fi connection. As a backup plan, exchange cellphone numbers and
email addresses ahead of time so that you have an alternative method of
communicating should technology fail.

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