Remote interviews by video call are becoming more and more the norm, as companies pool out to different labour markets across the world and technology for video calls improve. Using a Skype call or Zoom call to do a remote interview is now increasingly popular. Being able to master a remote interview is going to be thus an essential skill to have while job searching.
How do I prepare a video interview call
It is important to test all your technology to make sure it is adequate for a video call to take place. That means having a webcam set up, making sure your microphone is working properly and that the sound coming out from your computer is also in decent condition. A tip is to do a trial run with a family member or friend.
With your camera, you should aim to have a background that is appropriate. The common one these days in a bookcase but try to aim for a plain background if you can. Don’t use special background effects for your job interview as they can be a distracting contrast between you and the background.
What kind of questions are asked in a video interview?
The questions that are asked during a remote interview by video call are usually the same. Nevertheless there are some aspects that come up in formalities and introductions that might be asked more directly.
Some examples of questions during the interview process include :
- “Tell us about yourself?”
- “Tell us about a time where you have been in a difficult situation and had to solve such a situation?”
- “How soon are you able to reach our offices?”
Check out some interview questions and more unorthodox interview techniques.
What should you not do during a video interview?
There are several things to remember when doing a remote interview via video call in order to not put off the interviewers. These largely relate to body language, speech and other aspects that some tend to forget when in a video call.
- Remember not to interrupt the interviewer and to wait for your turn when you are asked a question. A slight pause after they ask the question, as if there was a delay, allows you to give time to yourself to absorb the question and reflect.
- Avoid gesticulating, fidgeting, and other sudden movement. An office chair might be good ergonomically but its swing could be distracting. You have to be considerably more rigid than in an in person interview.
- You must pay special attention to your elocution when doing a remote interview. This is where you
What to wear for the video interview?
Your remote interview is not an excuse to dress how you want! You need to find the right balance between business and casual : you are at home, so it would be somewhat strange to wear a suit and especially tie. But wearing a blazer with a relaxed shirt is important.
Also, make sure your colours are not too blended in with the background. Test the lighting and background. Make sure your glasses are also not reflecting the blue light of the laptop. You should aim to take your glasses off most times when doing the interview.