Video interviews are becoming increasingly common due to faster internet and better technology. It’s a good way to connect the globally diverse, and avoid close contact during the Covid-19 pandemic. You will be interviewed when you’re applying for a scholarship or a university, so having a clear idea on what you need to do is definitely a plus.
While video interviews are conducted very similarly to face-to-face interviews, there are a few differences you need to take note of. Here’s a few things you need to know for a successful video interview.
Prepare your gear
Make sure you have everything ready, and test everything out beforehand. Technical difficulties can break the flow of the interview, leading to awkward situations and a bad impression. Ensure that you have a good webcam angle on a stable surface. Having a speaker and a microphone close together can create feedback, where the microphone records what the speaker is playing, creating an obnoxious loop of increasingly loud noise. Use headphones or earphones if you have them, the microphone will be closer to you and you’ll be able to hear and be heard clearly. You may not be able to control your internet speed, but making sure that you have a good connection, or are in a spot with good Wi-Fi, can prevent your interview from breaking off suddenly due to connection issues.
Make everything presentable
Your appearance will create a strong impression during the interview. Set up your spot so you have natural lighting, or have a lamp near you so that you’re not a shadowy blob to the interviewers. Dress up for the role, and yes, while the interviewer will not be able to see your long pants, wear them anyway. Don’t wear clothes that are too bright in colour, black or anything with a busy pattern, your webcam may automatically adjust to the colours and make you look unflattering. Pay attention to what will be behind you. Scattered clothes or books can become distracting, and you want to make people think you’re an organized person, even if your room is not! An additional thing to take note of is the noise of the surroundings, try to make sure your interview will not be interrupted or disturbed by random sounds or noises.
Know the difference between a video interview and a live one
Keep in mind that while video interviews are very similar to face-to-face interviews, there are still a few differences that will affect how it flows. Eye contact with the interviewer is a good practice, but in terms of video interviews, you should avoid looking at the eyes of the interviewer on the screen when they are speaking. Look at the camera instead, as the camera is the one recording you. It may feel a bit strange at first, but it’s the best method to simulate eye contact. You don’t have to constantly keep yourself staring at the camera, but do so from time to time to present good body language. Wait a second or two before responding, as connections can lag. If you respond too quickly, you might miss out on information, or find out that the interviewer wasn’t done with their question yet. You will end up needing them to repeat themselves.
Prepare for common interview questions
There’s a few questions interviewers will ask you to get to know you better. Think about your answers to a few of them like “Tell us about yourself” or “What are your weaknesses?”. These questions aren’t looking for gory details about your life, so keep it simple, like about your interests and what you are doing to work on your weaknesses. They may also ask you about your future plans like “Where do you see yourself in five years?” or what you want to work on during your studies. Being prepared to answer these questions shows that you’ve put thought about yourself and who you are. You should also definitely find out more about your interviewer’s institution or company so you can ask a few questions to express your interest.
Practice with someone
Get a friend or family member to roleplay an online interview with you through the same platform your interview will be held. This helps you familiarize yourself with how the program works and how you would look during the interview. Have a few prompts at hand behind the camera so that you can look at them without being too distracting. Roleplaying the interview with someone you know helps you get used to the idea of talking to a camera. They can also ask you a few questions and give you constructive feedback on how you respond. It’s also a good way to have fun and lets you ease into the idea of being interviewed via the internet.
Interviews are daunting and stressful to a lot of people, but the more you prepare and practice, the better of an idea you will have. Remember, your interviewers are people too, and will understand if you’re feeling nervous. Keep calm, don’t rush your answers, and don’t forget to smile!
