How to Ace Your Video Interview from Home
The 2020 pandemic caused major effects on the professional world. Not only did it shift many people’s career paths but also transformed the hiring process. The traditional interview process has become virtually non-existent, with video interviews serving as the new norm. Below is a list of best practices to follow before, during and after your video interview to ensure you get the job!
How to Prepare
- Make sure you have the right equipment and setting to look and sound your best.
- Dress up! Wearing a suit in your living room may feel funny, but it’s always better to be over-dressed than under-dressed.
- Research the company. Browse their website and Glassdoor or speak with people in your network that work at the company. Write down meaningful questions or points of interest from your research. Have this list ready during the interview – It’s a great way to show you’re not only interested, but prepared.
- Have copy of your resume on hand. Many interview questions will be based on your resume, so having a copy to reference is useful. Also have pen and paper to write notes, and make sure to have those questions from your research!
- Take advantage of the power pose. This may feel silly at first, but it really works! Build yourself up and gain confidence going into your interview.
How to Impress
- In 2020, COVID-19 devastated the economy, and we saw record unemployment numbers. As a result, you may have a gap in employment. There are several positive ways to address this, and it’s important to let prospective employers know you’ve stayed busy! You could have been studying new technologies, earning certifications, taking training courses, applying for roles in a new target location or even taken on personal responsibilities such as spending time with children, picking up new hobbies or caring for sick family members. Remember that unconventional experience is still experience! Use this to your advantage.
- Expect to receive several types of interview questions – experience verification, behavioral and competency are most common.
- Give clear and concise answers with examples!
- Take notes. Write down questions as they arise during the conversation to circle back to at the end.
- If you’re unsure of how to interpret a question, ask for clarification. After answering, ask “does that answer your question?” This gives you the opportunity to course correct if your answer was off target.
- Don’t badmouth previous employers.
- Ask the right questions!
How to Follow Up
- Immediately after the interview, call your recruiter or primary contact to debrief.
- Write a short thank you note to interviewer – send through LinkedIn or ask for email address. This is a great opportunity to address any questions you feel you could have answered better!
- Follow up in 24-48 hours if you haven’t received feedback. This keeps your interest in the role evident and keeps your name in the mind of the interviewer!
By following these guidelines, you’ll be set to stand out in any video interview. I hope these help you put your best foot forward. Good luck and be sure to check out our careers page for openings or to get in contact with a recruiter!
