Prepare for a Video Job Interview

Get ready for the interviewer to see a lot more than just your CV.

If you are not entirely comfortable on camera, it’s time to take steps to fix that. Your next job could depend on it. Not because you’re going to switch careers and get into movies or broadcasting or reality TV, but because video has changed the way employers connect with job candidates.

If you’re among the many people who are camera shy, you might have recently had to get used to being on screen whether that’s face-timing Nan, attending tutorials or daily Zoom Teamwork meetings. For FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Zoom, and Skype interview tips, read on to learn how to put your best face forward. According to a report by software firm Jobvite, 80% of recruiters who responded use video for interviews, and 61% use video when screening candidates. Video interviews can understandably be challenging for job seekers.

“Some people just have a discomfort with being on camera,” says Pamela Skillings, a career coach and co-founder of Big Interview, an online job interview–training platform. “People may feel conscious about how they look on video, or they’re worried about whether their technology is going to hold up.” That’s why working out the wrinkles before your interview is essential.

Michael Ruggiero, a senior Lionbridge recruiter, said that although most businesses operate remotely, the standards for hiring talent have not been relaxed. “The interviewing process is just as aggressive as it was,” he says, “but it’s not as easy when it’s not in person, so be as prepared as you can.”

Check Your Tech.

You’ll want to nail down the mechanics before a video interview, says Cheryl Palmer, executive career coach and owner of the coaching firm Call to Career.

• Check your Internet speed. For a clear HD video connection, you need at least 1 Mbps (Megabytes per second), according to LifeWire.com. You can test your Internet speed at www.SpeedTest.net. Switching from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection may improve your Internet speed.
• Ensure your device (computer, tablet, or phone—whichever you feel most comfortable working with) is fully charged. Or, plug it into the wall, to avoid a battery outage.
• Check the audio. For best results, wear headphones. It means there will not be feedback from speakers to your mic, and you will hear clearly. An external mic can help, but many headphones now come with mics. They could be discrete in-ear buds or a professional phone headset.
• Check the camera. Your laptop's built-in camera may work fine, but a standalone webcam can look better. If you need to purchase a webcam, Wirecutter.com recommends the Logitech HD Webcam C615. For either camera - have it at eye-height. This may mean propping up your laptop - if so, do it securely!
• Familiarize yourself with the video platform. Katie Shea, director of talent acquisition at C Space, told Monster’s virtual career panel that practice is essential. “If you’re not familiar with Zoom or Skype or Easyrecrue, you can go to YouTube and just get some tips,” she says. “Then practice so that you’re familiar with the technology and can put your best foot forward.”

Have a Plan if Things go Haywire.

Reality check: Technology just fails some times, regardless of how many times you checked your Internet connection. So, before you begin a video interview, provide the interviewer with a phone number where you can be reached if there are any technical difficulties, and keep theirs on hand. If things do go wrong - DON’T PANIC! Recruiters doing multiple video interviews will have experienced this many times, and the good ones should not hold it against you. Instead - take it as an opportunity to show you are unflappable and resilient.

Choose the Right Setting .

Among the most pivotal FaceTime or Skype interview tips is the importance of a proper environment. Find a quiet, private, and well-lit place to do the interview—making sure to avoid busy spaces where you can’t control the background noise. And choose a room with a clutter-free backdrop. “If your roommates are going to be watching TV, do it somewhere else,” says Ruggiero. “Go to a whole different building if you have to, go to a neighbour’s house if you need to, but make sure that you’ve got that professional communication stance all the time. It will separate you from the other hundreds of applicants.”

Lighting is also essential, says Bill Cole, author of The Interview Success Guide . A window behind you could cast a shadow over your face and make it difficult for the interviewer to see you. Generally, your best strategy is to sit opposite an open window. If you’re being interviewed at night—which may very well be the case if you have a full-time job—you can brighten up dim space by adding floor or desk lamps.

Pro Tip: “Do a trial run at the same time of day that you’re going to be doing the interview so that you know exactly what the lighting will look like,” Cole advises.

Dress the Part.

Although you’re not going into an office to meet with the interviewer face to face, you still need to dress appropriately for a video interview, says Ruggiero. “Do employers still expect the traditional interview outfit? Yes,” he says. “It’s not T-shirt time, for sure. Be prepared to look as good as you can on camera.” Generally, you’ll want to wear the same outfit that you’d wear to an in-person interview at the company. The exception? Don’t wear plaid or stripes—they can be distracting on camera. “When people do TV interviews, they tend to wear solid coloured shirts for that very reason,” Cole explains.

Mind your Body Language.

Maintaining good eye contact is crucial during any job interview, but it’s especially crucial during video interviews. Your camera should be at eye level. “It won’t make a good first impression if you are seen as looking down or looking up when speaking,” Palmer says. Don’t forget to nod and smile when it’s appropriate. “You don’t want to sit there rigidly, locked into place, without moving,” says Skillings. Andrew Caravella, VP of global partnerships for Sprout Social, told Monster’s virtual career panel that enthusiasm goes a long way. “Some of the benefits that you get when you’re in person—being able to really exchange and understand verbal cues and things like that—are much more difficult when you’re doing a video interview,” he says. “So having that energy and bringing some of it forth is going to seem awkward to you, but it actually will be quite normal.”

Don’t Rely on Notes.

It’s smart to have a copy of your resume nearby, just as you would during an in-person interview, but don’t be tempted to have a cheat sheet in your lap, such as a list of answers to common interview questions. “It’s too tempting to check it, and you don’t want to be looking down,” Cole says.

There are exceptions, though—for example, saying to an interviewer, “I’m looking away for a second so that I can find the data from that project I worked on” is fine.

Make a Great First Impression .

Now that you’re all set up for video interviews, it’s time to focus on what you’ll say to win over a potential employer. Need some help preparing smart answers? Join Monster for free today. As a member, you’ll get a free professional CV review, interview insights, career advice, and job search tips sent directly to your inbox. You’ll learn how to answer questions—everything from why you want the job to your weaknesses—in such a way that your skills and value shine through, even if you’re a hundred miles away.