Video interview is not a new phenomenon, but it is going to be used more after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Video interview could happen through very channels – Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Team or some bespoke tool of the company. It could even happen through whatsapp video – just any tool. Sometimes, it may not even be real-time, as some companies will send you the questions in advance and ask you to record and send you answers.
Here are some tips to perform well in video interviewing:
1. Dress well
The fact that you are not showing up in the premises of the interviewer does not mean you should not dress professionally. Dress very well, as you would in a physical interview. Avoid the temptation to drop guard.
2. Get a good environment
The environment matters. Get a quiet background in a good environment. Avoid cluttered or distracting background. Avoid having backgrounds like your TV stand or a part of your kitchen showing from the background. A plain neutral background is okay, a background showing books is cool (just make sure the most visible books are things you can say something about – the interviewer may be curious to ask you questions about the most visible books on the shelf), a nice window setting is not bad as well. A bottle or cup of water by the system side is totally in order, and it even gives some people confidence.
If you have children, don’t have them close by to the interview setting or get an adult to monitor them – your interviewer(s) at the other end do not want to see a 3-year-old butt nak£d girl running behind you.
If you think your dwelling is not professional enough, you may want to invest fifteen thousand naira in getting a decent hotel room for the interview setting.
3. Get your tools right
Whatever technology is to be used, be sure you are familiar with it. You have days to get familiar with it if you are not already. And get it set – and get seated – at least 10 minutes before the interview. Laptop preferred to phone, but there is no harm in using a good phone with good picture quality. If headset will be needed, get one ready. Remember to charge your system or phone very well. If your system goes off at the slightest power disconnection, you may consider using a generator, but remember to put your generator far away – the interviewer doesn’t want to spend 1 hour listening to sound of generator.
4. Avoid temptation to cheat
Avoid the temptation to sticky some notes on the board or wall in front of you. It is generally not advisable to have prepared notes in front of you while the interview is going on. However, some interviewers, especially if interviewing with foreign companies, accept notes about some things – like some facts about the company. You may ask the question in advance before or as the interview is about to commence. You may also get a pen and a blank paper as you may need to jot some questions down.
5. Your body language matters
Video interview is not significantly different from in-office interview. Your body language matters. Avoid being fidgety. Naturally, you will be a little nervous in the first seconds and it’s ok, the interviewers understand that. The problem arises when you fidget all through.
6. Do mock session
If you have never done video interview before, you may want do some practice the real interview. Practice with the tool recommended in the interview invite (or an improvision). You may get your friend or brother at the other end to interview you and give feedback or get professional interview coaches like JarusHub.
One extra advice: if you’re switching jobs, it is generally not advisable to use your current employer’s office for interview. It is not professional and you may not even be fully comfortable. Take a day off or get a hotel nearby during your lunchtime.
Ultimately, don’t forget the general interview tips – like tips for answering questions, common questions, researching about the company and the industry. Don’t spend all your preparation time on figuring how to use Zoom and forgetting to read about the company and the industry!
