How to succeed in a job interview conducted via video conferencing
Video conferencing has become the normal way to conduct job interviews during COVID-19, so jobseekers need to keep in mind some of the problems that not being face-to-face can pose.
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What advice do you have for job interviews conducted on video conferencing technology?
Alexandra Rosser
Head of Organisational Psychology Consulting,
Stillwell Management Consultants
Make sure your Zoom account user name is appropriate, as it will be displayed throughout your interview. Choose a location with minimal noise distraction and with a professional real or virtual background. Prior to the interview, position your camera angle so that your head and shoulders are visible and centred and that you are neither too close nor too far. Test your internet connectivity, camera and microphone and close down any other apps or programs on your computer that could make noise or cause buffering. Dress suitably for the role for which you are applying. During the interview, be mindful of how your off-screen movements may affect the way you look on-screen and ensure you maintain eye contact and smile. You should be as prepared as you would for a face-to-face interview and have questions to ask to demonstrate your knowledge about the role and the organisation.
Lisa Morris
Director,
Hays
Preparation is essential for a successful video job interview. Think about where you are going to have your interview and make sure the frame behind you is uncluttered and distraction-free. Ideally the location you select will have a door you can close so that children, housemates or pets do not walk in during your interview. If not, let other people in your house know ahead of time that you have an interview and try to minimise the chances of any external noise.
If you plan to use a tablet or phone for your interview, use a sturdy piece of furniture to rest your device on. Even if you have control of your nerves, your hands will likely shake at some point during a lengthy interview, which can be very distracting for your interviewer.
Check your sound and picture quality by making practice calls to a friend or family member. You won’t make a good impression if you need to adjust your equipment during the interview. Avoid the temptation of looking at your own image on the screen and instead look into the camera so that you maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Don’t forget to smile as this helps you build rapport. Just as you would turn up early to a physical interview, have everything in place at least 10 minutes before your video interview is due to commence. It’s just as unprofessional to leave an interviewer waiting online as it is in the interview room.
Dress as you would for an in-person interview and project confidence down the lens by asking questions and communicating clearly. Don’t panic if your signal breaks up or you lose connection. Your interviewer will understand it is out of your control, so try not to worry, keep your composure and restart the call. To be safe, have alternative contact details in case you need to switch over to a different channel. Good luck.
Justin Hinora
Executive consultant,
Hender Consulting
Find an appropriate space that is quiet, well-lit and free from noise and other potential distractions. A space that is free from clutter will also project a more professional impression. If Wi-Fi strength is an issue, consider “hotspotting” off your mobile’s network connection, and test it in advance to make sure it works. Make sure you have downloaded the necessary programs and have any log-in details in advance, rather than scrambling for them at the scheduled time. Dress as you would if attending the interview in person. Finally, mute when you are not talking and don’t forget to un-mute when you are.
Andrew Sullivan
Managing director,
Sullivan Consulting
Preparing for an interview via video is similar to any other interview in many ways. Research the organisation, come with some questions and have answers to common questions rehearsed and ready to go. In addition, you’ll want to test the technology ahead of your interview, especially if you are unfamiliar with the platform. Make sure you have a quiet space to do your interview from and consider using headphones. It’s also worth considering your background. Make sure your surroundings look clean and tidy. If possible, try to choose a professional background such as a home office rather than interviewing from your couch. Lastly, try to be a few minutes early, just like an in-person interview.
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News Corp has partnered with HR technology company Shortlyster to develop the Australian National Talent Registry, an initiative to help get Australians back to work, as COVID-19 has left hundreds of thousands of people either jobless or with reduced working hours.
The registry aims to connect jobseekers, whose employment does not have to have been directly affected by the coronavirus pandemic to participate, with employers on cultural-fit and psychological level, not just qualifications and experience.
It is free for jobseekers to sign up. To sign up, visit adelaidenow.com.au/careers
Originally published as How to succeed in a job interview conducted via video conferencing