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!

Phone Etiquette For Job Seekers

These days, we are all expected to be accessible and available 24-7 and in the workplace, this is the time when we need information and we need it now! For recruiters, calling a candidate is the quickest and easiest way to get the information you need, when you need it. However, as a Seeker, if you are not expecting this, your surprise phone call from a recruiter can sometimes be a surprise phone interview. When speaking to or leaving a message for hiring managers or recruiters, it’s important to follow some basic etiquette rules.

1. Always sound professional and ready to speak to the hiring manager/recruiter… but also be prepared and have a well memorized or written out message in case you need to leave a message

2. If you leave a message, always leave your name and number twice…name at beginning and end of message and number twice at end of message (repeated back to them)

3. Leave the message slowly and carefully so they can take notes without having to replay the message

4. Let them choose when to call you back by stating in the message “please give me a call at your earliest convenience.”

5. If you do speak to someone, always start off with a brief introduction and question the call time: “Hi this is Matt Warzel calling about the sales position advertised in the newspaper…is this an OK time to speak?”

6. If you do speak to someone, use that time to schedule a meeting in person and not to speak in further detail, unless they wish to do so

7. A great time to call is Friday afternoon after 3:30.

8. Do not bug recruiters constantly because if they need someone with your skills, they will call you. They might not have an opening right away that fits your qualifications, but if they do, they will call you. (Quick non-phone related note: Only apply to the openings that fit in your realm. They do get the “jack of all trades” candidates who in actuality only fit the bill for one or two jobs at most. So be aware of your resume submissions. Follow the job posting directions and make sure you do what they tell you to do if you want to apply to their job. They implement rules for a reason)

Need Capable People? When you need fast and accurate performance indications for your next hire, you need Capable People!

Working with assessment partner, Psych Press, Capable People’s recruitment process integrates the full strength of online assessments and interviewing for fast, job-fit relevant, data-driven results. We use science, not ‘face value’; we learn your goals and company intricacies, not an off-the-shelf solution; and, we are fast and cost effective. Contact CapablePeople on 03 9670 4275 or email info@capablepeople.com.au to find out how we can assist your next campaign.