Tips for jobseekers being interviewed for a new job over video technology

Lights, camera, action: what jobseekers need to keep in mind when they are being interviewed for a job over a video call.

VIDEO interviews had been increasingly used in recruitment before the coronavirus pandemic but lockdowns and social distancing measures have made it the sole way for employers to judge the suitability of new hires.

The trend is expected to continue well beyond 2020, as it can help hirers save time, particularly when vetting a large number of applicants, as well as help jobseekers better showcase themselves.

Digital video interviewing company Alcami Interactive founder and chief executive Jane Bianchini says video technology can be used whether hiring truck drivers or fingerprint forensic specialists.

“It’s not just for the high volume roles … it can be for those roles where only 15/20 people apply,” she says.

There are two type of video interviews: one involves recording yourself answering predetermined questions and submitting the recording to the hirer; the other is a live experience talking to the hirer/s and answering questions off the cuff.

Alcami Interactive founder Jane Bianchini says video interviews are used by hirers who are recruiting for a range of roles. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

The former enables jobseekers to prepare their answers to questions, and complete their interview at a time that suits them.

It also enables hirers to be more efficient as they are not chasing applicants in phone calls, and allows a larger group of people to review the candidate.

The latter mimics a more traditional job interview process.

Bianchini believes video interview technology will evolve through time and may become the standard first stage to any hiring process.

She says its technology already can minimise cultural, gender and appearance bias by hiding the candidate’s face and disguising their name and voice.

Jobseekers still are required to prepare for a video interview as they would for one in-person, such as researching the organisation and dressing appropriately.

However there are technology, presentation and personable actions they also should take to ensure the process does not create extra stress or problems.

The Career Consultancy director Catherine Cunningham says interviewees need to prepare themselves well ahead of the video interview.

The Career Consultancy director Catherine Cunningham says there are six key ways in which jobseekers need to prepare for a video interview.

PRACTISE

“Think of everything they could possibly ask you and prepare a compelling answer,” she says.

“Write (them down) in bullet points, not full prose.”

Practise saying your responses.

“You won’t end up sounding over-rehearsed during the actual interview,” she says.

“The questions will not be exactly the same as those you prepared for and you will naturally adjust your answers.”

While practising, film yourself to notice such distractions as repetitive gestures or awkward pauses to overcome, but also find someone who can drill and critique your performance.

KNOW WHERE TO LOOK

Try to act naturally and do not be afraid to use hand gestures when talking, as you would in a real conversation.

Look at the camera lens, not the screen,(note: must leave in ‘not the screen’ on Catherine’s request to clarify this) to maintain eye contact with the person on the call.

“Be careful that you maintain this eye contact throughout the interview,” she says.

“It’s hard to like someone who never looks you in the eye.

“Here’s one solution, though I’m not sure I’d go this far – put a cut-out paper face around the camera lens.”

CHOOSE A BACKGROUND

Consider what you want a prospective employer to think – or learn – about you during the interview to decide the video setting.

Insight into your bedroom or the state of your kitchen sink may not be the desired impression.

“You won’t damage yourself by showing a bit of your home in the background – untidy wardrobes aside of course,” she says.

“Make sure that the room is visually appealing but not distracting.

“Place your camera at eye level, slightly angled down.

“An added bonus of this placement is that it feels more natural to look at the lens, not the screen.

Ensure your face and shoulders are in full view and take up most of the screen, like an inverted triangle.

The background also includes noise.

“We may have all got used to barking dogs and noisy teenagers during work meetings but this is damaging in a job interview,” she says.

Headsets and ear buds are not a good look for a job interview.

SET UP THE TECH

Ensure the equipment to be used is set up ahead of time.

“If you wish to use your laptop camera, make sure it’s perpendicular to your body,” she says.

“Otherwise, depending on the angle, you either appear to lean away from the interviewer or else loom into their space.”

Close unnecessary software programs that may affect the internet connection, as live video interviews often use more bandwidth, or may make interrupting sounds, such as email.

“Don’t use a tablet or mobile phone as they tend to be more unreliable and the mobile, especially, is inflexible in regards to layout,” she says.

LIGHT THE ROOM

“You need to get the right amount of light in a room so the employer is able to see your face,” Cunningham says.

“Bad overhead lighting casts dark shadows, making you look quite grim.”

Check if glare reflects off jewellery and on glasses.

Cunningham also recommends putting powder lightly on the face, even if you would not do so normally.

PREPARE YOURSELF

Dress professionally from head to toe, avoiding patterns and wearing solid colours.

“Don’t ignore the bottom half of your body – it just adds to your anxiety if you have to remember not to stand up during the interview,” she says.

Untidy hair and wispiness tends to show up more on video, so aim to be well-groomed.

Test everything by using the same technology, if possible, to call a friend.

Originally published as Tips for jobseekers being interviewed for a new job over video technology