Top video interviews

Video interviews are becoming more popular with employers, as the next step in the recruitment process once you have been short-listed. Some employers prefer live interviews via services such as Skype or FaceTime, while others prefer you to record an online video questionnaire. Employers can then watch it at a time that suits them. So here are our tips for video interview success. Follow the employer’s instructions carefully and get in touch with them if you don’t understand anything. Don’t leave it to the last minute. Make sure you know how to use the equipment and that it is set up beforehand. If you are using your own equipment, try it out with friends or family.

If you are using equipment at the organisation’s office, or at the Careers Service, arrive in plenty of time so that you know how to use it. You need to feel confident and calm before you start. Put a sign on your door if you are at home to make sure you are not going to be disturbed, and turn off your phone. Adjust the camera so that it’s focused on you and the microphone is close by. Clean and tidy the table in front of you. Don’t sit with your back to a window, and make sure that the wall behind you is plain. You don’t want to distract the interviewer with a ticking clock.

Or, if you are at home, with washing on your radiator or a television that’s on. Dress as you would for any other interview. Watch our ‘What to wear at interview’ video if you are unsure. Avoid dazzling the camera by wearing brilliant white or bright colours, small stripes, or busy patterns. Go for solid plain colours. The microphone will pick up all the noise in the room. So don’t fidget or tap your pen. Look straight ahead into the camera, make eye contact, and smile. It’s useful to switch on the picture-to-picture feature so you can see how you come across. But try not to look at it too often as you will appear to be looking down or to the side.

Interviews are always nerve-wracking, but if you can adapt to the situation it will reflect well on you. Try to be natural and don’t be afraid of the technology.