In last week’s blog entry, we listed video interviews as one of 2018’s recruitment trends. If you’re in the majority, you dread video interviews (like how the average millennial dreads voice calls and prefers text messages). But video interviews aren’t an obstacle, they’re an opportunity.
By supplementing your application, you can showcase your personality and soft skills, and present a strong employer-employee fit to separate yourself from the majority and give yourself a better chance to join the minority – that exclusive shortlist of candidates who receive an invitation to meet in person.
Here are some things to consider before you complete your video interview:
Notify everyone in your house that you need a few minutes of quiet. Turn off your phone. Lock your bird in its cage. Tell your mom to vacuum tomorrow. You need silence.
The light source should shine toward you.
Anything behind you shouldn’t distract the viewer. Solid-coloured walls and bookshelves are good, televisions turned on are bad. Roommates are very bad.
Maintain eye contact and speak assertively.
Have answers for traditional in-person interviews (tell us about yourself…) ready, as well as some brief STAR-method stories memorized. Have a script, but don’t read! You’ll sound like a robot and no one wants to hire a robot (unless that’s the industry). If it’ll make you feel comfortable, practice with a friend through Skype.
Ensure the battery level is sufficient, and your webcam and microphone work. Reset the router in advance if you’re worried the internet could disconnect.
Position yourself so the screen focuses on your smile and shoulders. Yes, your smile. Again, no one wants to hire a robot.
Dress how you normally would for an in-person interview – professionally.
Watch some examples of video interviews online.
Consult Career Edge’s FAQ on video interviews.
Remember – always be yourself. It’s important to remain true to yourself to find your best employer-employee fit. In the future, you may receive many attractive job offers requiring video interviews, so this is a learning opportunity. The more obstacles you hurdle, the more opportunities you’ll receive.