Video interviews are becoming more popular, especially with the growth of Skype. However, like telephone interviews you need to be very well prepared and confident in communicating when there isn’t another person in the room with you.
Easier said than done!
What happens during a video interview?
You may be invited to an office or asked to connect using your home computer. Sometimes video interviews are recorded by external selectors, using questions set by the company (this way, managers can then see each candidate answering the same questions and can compare their answers).
What do I need to think about?
It is very important that you keep still while talking during an interview and you follow our body language tips.
Unlike telephone interviews, you also need to dress as you would for any other type of interview, following our job interview dress code.
Before the interview, practise, practise, practise. Record yourself using the webcam on your computer and get used slowing your voice down so you can be heard clearly. Look at the camera rather than your screen while talking – the same eye-contact rules apply!
Video interview tips
- Find a quiet room to take the call without any interruptions or background noise (NEVER try to do an interview from a train or in a public place).
- Be careful with Skype – make sure the camera on your computer is switched off unless you deliberately choose to let the interviewer see you on screen.
- Accept any invitation for small talk at the beginning and the end of the interview as this is your only chance to build a relationship.
- Have the same information in front of you that you would take into an interview (CV, job ad, cover letter).
- When you answer the call, announce your name with enthusiasm and don’t sound as if you’ve been interrupted doing something more important.
- Make notes as you talk to keep you focused.
- Be aware that your computer microphone usually picks up all the noise in the room, so don’t shuffle papers.
- Be sure you know the name of the person interviewing you and use that name from time to time.
Other unusual interviews
Video interviews aren't the only kind of unusual interview format that's been growing in popularity in recent years...
Telephone interview - can be tricky, even if it means you can wear your PJs to the interview if you want!
Panel interview - you vs a big group of people firing over interview questions. Eek!
Competency interview - situation based interview... You know the drill 'tell us about a time when...'
Our guide to different types of interview
