The 5 Ps of Preparing for a Video Interview

Many companies are increasingly utilising video interviews as a means of making the recruitment process more time and cost efficient. As hiring is becoming a more global process, video interviewing has become an easier way for both employers and employees to speed up the process. What a lot of interviewees are unaware of, however, is that on average only 7% of all communication is verbal.  Tone of voice, how you present yourself, and body language are therefore essential components of communication, especially when you are being video interviewed.

So how can you best prepare and nail that video interview?

Place
Try finding an area for your interview with a plain background. Although an ‘office/study’ area might look nice, it can be distracting to the interviewers. Beforehand, try to record a mock interview in this area to see how the interviewers will see you. Practicing also allows you to prepare for speaking into a microphone clearly and maintaining eye contact with the camera (and not the screen).

Position
Position yourself in front of a camera that is at the same height as the top of your head. This will give the hiring staff a professional view of you. In addition, be aware of your posture and ensure you don’t slouch, squirm, or look bored. Instead, seat yourself just as you would if you were in the interviewer’s office.

Presentation
Even though you’re behind a camera, take the time to brush your hair, clean your face, and dress in business attire. In addition, check the lighting before the interview and clean that smudge off the camera lens to ensure that you are visible. Present to the camera as though you are making eye contact with the interviewer.

Preparation
If it is a live interview, ensure that you have all the materials you might need in front of you at least 10-15 minutes in advance. In addition, double check all internet, camera, and microphone connections to ensure no technological issues arise during the interview. Turn off your mobile (or at least on silent and out of your sight) and minimise the amount of distractions that could occur via family members, pets, etc. 

Pacing
Take your time when composing your answers. There can be a transmission delay when doing a video interview, so pace your speech at a slightly slower rhythm whenever there is an internet connection involved. Nodding when you have heard the question and waiting three seconds before you respond is a useful strategy to overcome interruptions due to lagging internet connections.

As the chances of being interviewed by video is becoming more and more likely, being well prepared in advance can help increase the probability of securing a job. Even though you may be in the comfort of your own home, remember that it is no less formal than a regular interview. Therefore, make sure you treat it as if you were actually in the employer’s office.


Voice Advantage, is our recently launched sleek and advanced interviewing platform
As a job seeker, you can interview via phone or video (depending on your tech) in your own time. To try it out, take a quick 3 minute demo here.

Finally, remember to be confident and GOOD LUCK!

Job Interviews: The Dos and Don’ts of Confidence

For most of us, job interviews are an essential (though sometimes terrifying) part of life. Most people realise that presenting yourself confidently in interviews is often necessary to land the job… but it’s a lot easier said than done! Here are a few ideas to get you looking (and feeling) more confident for your next interview.

DO	DON’T
Start with an assuring handshake Don’t be afraid to initiate the handshake. This is probably the easiest way to show your interviewer that you are comfortable interacting with them. It also demonstrates that you know basic social skills… bonus!	Scare them! All the rumours you may have heard about making sure you’re not the one to end a handshake or holding eye contact forever won’t help here. Just a crisp, friendly greeting and a “great to meet you!” will do.
Dress for the job you want Finding out what the dress code is and planning your job-winning outfit accordingly is a great idea, and even if their staff wear t-shirts and jeans, be sure to still arrive in a suit. An interview and a standard day at work are two very different things.	Dress for a fashion show Try not to stun people with your fanciest suit if the workplace is quite casual, as you want to look like you’ll fit in. Ladies, save the nightclub attire for Friday night, as it won’t score you any points in an interview.
Use body language It's well known that body language goes a long way in first impressions, so in a job-interview your body language should convey to the interviewer just how right you are for the job! Sit upright and lean forward, make eye contact, and avoid fidgeting.	Overpower or slouch Don’t overdo your hand movements to a point where it looks like you might knock your interviewer out! On the other hand, it is important to avoid looking too comfortable. The aim is to look like you’re comfortable being interviewed, not like you’re relaxing on the couch watching TV.
Listen and communicate openly Whilst you might feel like the entire world can hear just how nervous you are from your shaking voice, in reality you probably sound perfectly normal. Speak clearly and take your time answering questions, but most importantly be sure to listen carefully before blurting things out. Most of us have a tendency to speed talk when we’re under pressure, so just take a deep breath and think about what you’re going to say… before you say it!	Try to take control of the conversation If you’re going to be working for this person, make sure that the relationship starts early. Don’t interrupt or give them irrelevant answers they didn’t ask for. The interviewer will have several things they need to know from you, so make sure that you're actually giving them what they asked for and not just pre-prepared answers.
Practice and research Read over their About Us web page and find out what the business is up to. Be sure to note their values and culture. Once done, think of some questions that might pop up in the interview, and prepare your answers for these. Even though you’ll feel silly, practice in front of the mirror. Then when the question arises, you’ll come across as cool, calm, collected… and confident!	Become a stalker or a know it all Being able to tell your interviewer details about their staff who aren’t the managing director or founder won’t let them know how suitable you are to work there. And trying to show that you know more than them about the company’s current affairs without adding some experiential value is going to make you look obsessive rather than interested. Research, but don’t try to force the idea that you already work there.

When all else fails, follow the law of ‘fake it til you make it’. Find out for yourself what you think confidence means in the particular industry or role you’re applying for, and then practice using that presence. Being comfortable and being confident do not have to be the same thing, so use the assertive body language and communication that makes you stand out and then any little jitters or slips won’t phase your interviewer at all.

Good luck and happy hunting!