Preparing for a video interview requires a combination of technical setup, professional presentation, and interview skills. Here are some general tips to help you succeed:
Set Up Your Environment
- Choose a quiet location: Make sure your space is free from distractions and background noise.
- Good lighting: Position yourself so that your face is well-lit, ideally using natural light or a lamp in front of you. Avoid having a light source behind you, which can create shadows.
- Neutral background: A clean, uncluttered background is best. Avoid anything that might be distracting to the interviewer.
Test Your Technology
- Check your camera and microphone: Test them ahead of time to ensure they’re working properly.
- Stable internet connection: Make sure your internet is reliable. A wired connection can be more stable than Wi-Fi.
- Familiarize yourself with the software: Make sure you know how to use the video platform (Zoom, Skype, Teams, etc.) and that it’s updated to the latest version.
Dress Professionally
- Wear business attire that you would choose for an in-person interview. Solid colours often look better on camera than busy patterns.
- Even though the interview is virtual, dressing professionally from head to toe can help put you in the right mindset.
Body Language and Eye Contact
- Look at the camera: This helps to simulate eye contact with the interviewer, rather than looking at your screen.
- Sit up straight: Maintain good posture and use natural gestures to show engagement.
- Smile and nod: Show that you are actively listening and engaged in the conversation.
Practice Your Responses
- Common interview questions: Prepare answers for common behavioural and situational questions, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
- Record yourself: Practicing on video helps you see how you come across on camera. You can also identify areas to improve, such as body language or speaking pace.
Minimize Distractions
- Turn off notifications: Silence your phone, computer notifications, and other devices to avoid interruptions during the interview.
- Tell others: Inform anyone you live with that you’ll be in a meeting, so they know not to disturb you.
Communicate Clearly
- Speak slowly and clearly: Make sure your answers are concise and to the point. Avoid speaking too fast.
- Avoid filler words: Words like “um,” “like,” and “you know” can make you sound less confident.
Have Notes Ready (But Don’t Rely on Them Too Much)
- Keep a few bullet points or key information nearby, but avoid reading directly from them.
- It’s okay to glance at your notes occasionally, but maintain as much eye contact with the camera as possible.
Prepare Questions for the Interviewer
- Have a list of questions prepared to ask at the end of the interview to demonstrate your interest in the position and the company.
- Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’re serious about the opportunity.
Be Prepared for Technical Glitches
- If something goes wrong, stay calm and politely let the interviewer know about the issue. Have a backup plan, like using your phone or another device if needed.
Follow-Up After the Interview
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours to express your appreciation for the opportunity and to reiterate your interest in the role.
Final Tips
- Smile and stay positive: Positivity and enthusiasm can be contagious and leave a lasting impression.
- Stay on time: Log in a few minutes early to test your equipment one last time and to show punctuality.
. Also love the reminder to test the tech early… nothing worse than a last-minute panic over your mic not working 
. Definitely saving this for my next interview!