Posted July 3 2020
By mary-palmer
In order to keep the hiring world moving, many companies are opting to video interview their candidates in lieu of the traditional face-to-face experience.
Many businesses are also opting to have candidate pre-record a short video about themselves and why they'd be a good fit for the role - almost like a live action cover letter.
If you have been asked to do this, and you've never had to do so before, you may be a bit nervous or uncertain. It may even put you off applying for a job.
Don't let it! Our top ten tips have you covered.
- Check your internet connection (using a site like speedtest.net) to ensure that your video isn’t going to be glitchy or that the sound won’t sync up with your movement
- Clear the background as much as possible. It’s fine if we can see artwork / posters / printed wallpaper but don’t have your laundry hanging up in the background
- Ensure peace and quiet! Tell your partner / kids /dog that you can’t have any interruptions / special guest appearances whilst recording
- Use a platform like Zoom or Skype on your desktop as this will be better quality than your phone (especially in terms of sound). If you have to use your phone, hold it horizontally, not vertically
- Sit facing a window, not with the window behind you, otherwise you’ll look like you’re in witness protection. Also ensure that you’re not squinting from the sun / looking washed out. It’s a fine balance!
- Use a mic – don’t rely on the laptop picking up everything you’re saying. Ordinary phone headphones count and will improve your sound
- Shut the windows in the room you are in so that you don’t pick up any outdoor noise. Don’t film in the garden, either, even if it’s sunny, because you’re less likely to have a strong internet signal and you can’t guarantee you won’t hear someone calling for their dog / kids playing / the bin lorry rolling past
- Prepare what you're going to say. No one wants to hear two minutes of "eh" and "um". You can have notes in front of you, as you would in a normal interview situation.
- Ensure that your laptop is positioned in such a way that you can see your full head and shoulders
- Dress as you would for a business casual interview and – since it’s video – avoid harsh stripes or patterns as these can blur on screen
If you're unsure about video at all, please don't hesitate to
get in touch with our teams for advice. We're still here to support our candidates.
Happy interviewing!