Job interview tips: Common mistakes to avoid in video call interview

While virtual interviews may seem intimidating, there are some common mistakes you can avoid to turn your next meeting into a job offer.

If you’re making a career change or job hunting for your next role, you’re most likely interviewing remotely from home.

The global pandemic has propelled hiring managers to move their recruitment processes into the virtual world, requiring job seekers to upskill on their communication, organisation and technology skills.

CEO of Inventium Michelle Le Poidevin and Managing director of HAYS Australia Nick Deligiannis revealed how job seekers can put their best foot forward and turn their next virtual interview into a job offer.

Prepare as you would for a face-to-face interview for a virtual interview. Pictured: iStock.

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What to expect in a virtual interview:

Mr Deligiannis advised that while you’re meeting your prospective employer virtually, job seekers need to remember that all other aspects of the interview remain the same.

“Instead of face-to-face, the interview will take place over an online communication platform and that’s really the main difference,” he said.

Before the pandemic, Ms Le Poidevin said Inventium’s recruitment process was always face-to-face as it was considered “crazy if we never met them in person.”

“Virtual interviews have enabled us to open up our candidate pool and interview people not limited to where we are physically,” she said.

Since transitioning their recruitment online, Ms Le Poidevin said virtual interviews are “here to stay.”

“We have hired a couple of people through a full virtual interview process and they’ve been absolutely fantastic.”

Don’t rely completely on your notes during a virtual interview. Pictured: iStock.

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How to prepare for a virtual interview:

It’s important to plan for a virtual interview like you would a face-to-face meeting – researching the company, dressing to impress and having questions to ask the recruiter.

Mr Deligiannis advises job seekers to find an uncluttered and distraction-free space with bright lighting to have the interview.

“Let other people in your house know ahead of time that you have a video interview and then close the door to minimise any noise,” he said.

While you can use your phone, most people find it easier to talk and make eye contact when using the larger screen of a tablet, laptop or desktop.

Mr Deligiannis recommends “investing in a stand or using a sturdy piece of furniture to rest your device on.”

“Even if you have control of your nerves, your hands will likely shake, which can be distracting for your interviewer.”

Ms Le Poidevin said it’s ‘absolutely critical’ candidates have a good technology set up they’ve practised using beforehand.

“If you’ve never used the platform before, call up a friend in advance to test it out so you feel comfortable so it won’t let you down during the interview.”

Common errors in virtual interviews to avoid:

While interviewing at home can seem less stressful, Ms Le Poidevin said candidates need to be wary of being too casual and not taking the meeting seriously.

“I think candidates come in underprepared because it almost doesn’t feel formal, but I would treat the interview just as seriously as a face-to-face meeting,” she said.

“If you chose to sit on your couch for the interview, it’ll often give you bad posture and not make you speak clearly which affects how you came across,” she said.

Mr Deligiannis said job seekers also make the mistake of thinking that because they’re not interviewing in person, they can hide notes out of the camera frame.

“Do not be tempted to read from them [your notes] word for word, but instead hold eye contact with your interviewer,” he said.

This article was created in sponsorship with SEEK