Video interviews have rapidly become the new normal due to COVID-19. If you are actively job searching it is likely that you will encounter a company that wants you to participate in this type of interview.
Don’t worry, it’s a simple interview format that you can treat much like an in-person interview. However, there are some pitfalls to avoid. Follow our do’s and don’ts below to make sure your next video interview is successful.
5 Do’s & Don’ts for Your Next Video Interview
DRESS CODE
Do: Dress professionally. Dress the same as you would for an in-person interview.
Don’t: Dress like you’re going to the beach or like you just got out of bed. You only have one chance to make a first impression, use it well.
INTERVIEW SETTING
Do: Find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted or distracted during the interview.
Don’t: Let others wander into the room during the interview or let the interviewer see a messy room behind you. Everything that they can see contributes to their impression of you so be aware of what is on camera.
TECHNOLOGY
Do: Ensure all necessary computer updates are done prior to the interview and make sure that your microphone and webcam are working correctly.
Don’t: Wait until a moment before the interview to log on only to find that you need to do a full system update. Never keep the interviewer waiting!
PREPARE
Do: Prepare as you would for a regular interview by researching the company and preparing answers to standard interview questions.
Don’t: Read off of a paper or notes. Prepare as much as you can without relying on reading off of a page, this can be distracting. Instead, maintain eye contact with the interviewer and develop a natural conversation/flow in the interview.
FOLLOW UP
Do: Follow up after your video interview to review the next steps with your interviewer.
Don’t: Assume that the video interview was the last step in the interview process. Many times a video interview is the first step.
Keep these do’s and don’ts in mind as you prepare for your next video interview!