With more hiring managers and recruiters turning to video interviews as the first step in the hiring process, it’s time to step up your Zoom interview game. Correctly preparing for an interview is a key step to getting your dream job and ultimately future-proofing your career. Learn the best ways to conduct yourself before, during, and after a video interview so that you can get the job you’ve been dreaming of and give your career a boost. Try these video interview tips!
Understand the Platform
To prepare for your video interview, get a feel for the platform that the interviewer will use. Resumego surveyed 277 recruiters regarding their favorite platforms.
Here are their favorites:
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43% Zoom
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19% Google Meet
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14% Other (including Indeed interview software, etc.)
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12% Skype
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7% Microsoft Teams
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5% WebEx
If a platform that the recruiter is using is unfamiliar to you, download it as soon as you receive the interview request. Spend time ensuring that your computer meets the network requirements for the platform so that you’re not scrambling to set it up on the day of the interview.
Set Your Space
Your space is a reflection of you during your interview. Try these key tips to keep your space a positive and not a detractor during your video interview.
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Set up an area in your home where you can have a quiet, uninterrupted space.
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If you have animals, ensure that their needs are taken care of prior to your interview.
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Ask family members to give you privacy during your interview time.
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If you don’t have a space in your home that works, try a co-working space in your area.
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If you have a headphone with a microphone, use it so that your interviewer can clearly hear you with minimal background noise.
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Set up your computer or camera in an area with good natural light. If you don’t have natural light, invest in a ring light. An inexpensive ring light will illuminate your face and make you appear brighter on camera, especially if your interview is in the evening when natural light is lacking.
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Minimize your distractions both on and off-screen. Choose a space with a clean, neutral background and keep your cell phone silenced during the interview.
Prep Before the Interview
Before your interview, prepare just as you would for an in-person interview. Do your research on the company, the position, and the person interviewing you when possible. Have a copy of the job description, your job application, and your resume nearby so you can refer to them during the interview. Write down questions that you’d like to ask during the interview, so you don’t forget them. Research the company culture so you have a good understanding of how you’d fit into the company, and discuss this during the interview. Wear professional clothing, and dress your entire body even if only your top half is seen. Write down the interviewer’s name on your notes so that you can refer to it if you’re nervous. Be on time for your interview – a remote interview is no excuse to be late.
Use our assessment and PIC report to understand your career strengths prior to your interview.
During the Interview
Start your interview by looking directly into your camera and smiling, not by looking at the other person on your screen, suggests The Muse. This gives the interviewer a moment to get settled and feels more natural on their end. Sit with your face and shoulders in full view of your video screen. During your interview, answer questions completely as you would during an in-person interview. If you’re taking notes, let the interviewer know that you’re looking down to take notes so that it isn’t awkward. Refer to your PIC report if the interviewer asks you to elaborate on your soft skills or why you’d be a good fit for the job. Most of all, be yourself.
Common Interview Questions
Brush up your answers to these common interview questions.
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Tell me about yourself.
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Why are you interested in this job?
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What do you like about our company?
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Why are you leaving your current job?
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Tell me about your strengths.
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Tell me about your weaknesses.
After the Interview
Indeed recommends sending a follow-up email to your interviewer to thank them for their time within 24 hours of your interview. Robert Half found that 80% of HR managers appreciated a post-interview thank you, and 94% agreed that email was an appropriate method of delivery.
How do you know if your interview went well? The Balance Careers lists signs of a positive interview as:
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You were asked for a second interview during the first interview.
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You discussed salary requirements during the interview.
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Your interview ran longer than 30 minutes.
If your video interview didn’t go as planned, don’t fret. This may not be the job for you. Our PIC report can help you find the right career fit so you can find the perfect job.
