The ultimate guide to video interviews

We all want brilliant graduate jobs, but knowing how to present yourself to employers can be challenging - especially on video. Based on our experiences at Inspiring Interns, we have written this guide to help you ace your video interview.

Video interviews are becoming increasingly common – depending on which survey you read, at least 60% of companies are now using video interviews at some stage in their hiring process. There are many books for graduates on how to excel in an interview, but what if all you have is a screen? We think this can actually be to your advantage. This guide will teach you how to excel in your video interview, so that you can land your dream job.

What is a video interview?

There are two different types of video interviews: live and one-way. A live interview is when you and your employer talk in real time, as you would in an in-person interview. The benefit of a live interview is that you can build rapport with the interviewer and gain an immediate sense of the firm’s culture.

A one-way interview is when you are sent the questions in advance and given a timeframe in which to respond with a video recording of yourself answering them. The benefit of a one-way interview is that you have time to think through your answers.

How to prepare

When preparing for a video interview, lighting is essential. You may answer the questions well, but if the interviewer is struggling to make you out, you will leave a bad impression. Using lamps, make sure your face is clear and well lit - open up your webcam and check how you look from the camera’s perspective.

What you sit in front of when you do the video interview is very important. Your background needs to be clean, neat and uncluttered. Remove everything you can, so that there is nothing to distract the interviewer from your answers. If you can find a plain white or cream wall, that is best. How you dress is also important. If you are applying to a law firm, a suit and tie is best.

Rehearsing your answers is essential; there’s a reason actors rehearse scenes and sport professionals train for the big race. On the day, when the spotlight is on you and it’s your turn to shine, you need to be prepared. Think about some of the questions that you might be asked and practise your answers. It is important that you sit in the chair you will be interviewed in, in your interview clothes, with the lighting on, looking directly into the camera while you rehearse. Actors rehearse their lines on set so their mind and body learn how to perform together. You need to rehearse your lines on set so that during the interview you look natural, feel confident and know exactly what you are going to say.

Technology

To conduct a video interview, you will need a webcam, headphones and a microphone – all of good quality. Most laptops come with these, but not all are good. Test the quality of yours with friends (on a Skype call or Google hangout). If the image or sound isn’t good enough, it is worth buying in a webcam or headphones with a microphone.

Ideally, be connected to the router physically rather than using wifi. If you only have access to wifi, make sure that you’re not more than a few metres away from the router to ensure a strong internet connection. We recommend troubleshooting your internet connection so that you can be assured the call won’t disconnect or lag during your interview.

Tips and tricks

When choosing your outfit, avoid wearing anything white. It can come across as distractingly bright. Body language speaks louder than words – if you say you are confident while slouching and shifting your gaze, the interviewer will not believe you. So sit up straight, with your shoulders relaxed and look directly at the webcam (make sure you rehearse this while practising your answers).

Before the interview, remind yourself what you have to feel proud of. Many graduates go into an interview hoping to get the position, while feeling on a lower level than the interviewer. Realize that they are interviewing you because of the potential value you can add to their firm. You should also be interviewing them; ask questions to find out whether it’s a firm you would actually like to work for.

Catherine Moolenschot is the marketing executive at Inspiring Interns. For more information, email her at [email protected] or call 020 7269 6143.