As video interviews are starting to become more of the norm, with adaptions having to be made through the Covid 19 pandemic and the evaluation of technology within companies, we thought that we’d focus one of our blogs on the ‘Do’s & Don’ts’.
Some are unsure of the etiquettes involved with Video Interviews as they become more widely used. Should it be given the same respect as an In Person Interview or is it more casual?
We’ve compiled a small list, stemming from our experiences, that people may find useful.
Do’s
- Schedule the interview for a time that you will have access to a quiet space
- When you are on a video call with a potential employer, you don’t want to be distracted by any noises around, also you want the person interviewing you to be able to hear everything you have to say clearly.
This should mean that you’re in a room, on your own, away from anyone else in the building, with no radio / TV on in the background. - Practise interview questions ahead of time
- Research the company that you’re interviewing with and prepare your interview answers to reflect with roles that the company would undertake. This links to what you would do for an in-person interview.
- Download the relevant programs for the interview and test ahead of time
- As most video interviews are on Zoom or Microsoft Teams, you will need to download the relevant applications on the device that you will be using. Do this in plenty of time before the interview.
- Make sure that the programmes work before going into the interview, if you can, do a trial call to see how it works beforehand.
- Make sure the equipment that you will be using is working and fully charged
- Whichever device you are using needs to be fully charged to ensure that you have no issues mid call. Double check to see if any updates are needed the night before, in case the device restarts at an inappropriate time.
- Send a follow up email after the interview
- Once the video call is over, send an email to your contact within the company or to the agency you have been liaising with. Advise that you are grateful for the opportunity and look forward to hearing from them. This will show a good impression of yourself and prove that you are pushing for the role outside of the interview.
- Have a sensible, plain background behind you
- You will be judged not only on the view of you but what it looks like around you, having a tv on or a messy background, it will show lack of preparation.
If you have your back to a window, then this will back light you, putting you in darkness and the interviewers will struggle to see you, so try to sit facing a window. - Try to find a blank wall as best you can, with nothing distracting or inappropriate behind you.
- The view of you on the camera should at least be from your head down to your chest
- The video view of yourself should be from your mid chest upwards and have a couple of inches above your head. By having this view, it will give a clearer image of your face.
- Have drink / notepad available
- For any interview it would be sensible to have a drink, a pad of paper and something to write with. It may not necessarily be used, but it always better to be prepared in case you need to take notes, or you become thirsty. As you are usually offered a drink at most interviews, this luxury will be unavailable on video calls.
Do Not’s
- Dress casually
- Although you’re not going into the company offices, you will still need to dress as though you would.
- Being in a more formal dress, rather than sitting in your comfortable clothes, will put you into a more professional mindset for the interview as well.
- Rely on notes
- If you have researched the company and prepared for your interview by taking notes, either on a phone or notebook, try not to rely on looking at them too much during the interview. It will look like you are distracted and not paying attention. If you do need to rely on notes, try to make it obvious that you are looking at notes, rather than looking for an answer online.
- Forget to ask questions at the end
- Always have a couple of questions prepared, whether it be something about the role that they haven’t answered in the interview or a question about the company, i.e., what the environment is like in the company / department you’re interviewing for.
- Have pets / young children in the room (if possible)
- If you have any young children or pets, it would be better to see if you can find someone to watch them or have them in a separate room to the interview to avoid any distractions or disturbances
- If it necessary for you to have them in the room with you, explain at the beginning of the interview what your situation is and they will be more understanding for being fore warned.
If you have a video interview, you need to treat it the same you would for an In Person interview.
Companies are using video interviews more now as a way to make first interviews more economical, making it easier to book in the people who are required in the interview.
It is understood that some are struggling with not having the right equipment available for a video interview, but so long as this is discussed well in advance alternative options will be made available.
Below is a link to our Interview Prep, should anyone need help or advice! And as always – Good Luck!
