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Video interviewing is the future. Conducting interviews online via asynchronous or live video interviewing software not only saves the recruiter and the candidates on the logistical trouble of coordinating and travelling but is also very cost and time-effective for businesses.
What is an Automated Video Interview?
An Automated Video Interview is a remote interview conducted using video interviewing software. It involves either responding to pre-determined questions through a video recording or answering a set of pre-recorded questions with a video.
Many big, tech-first organizations are shifting to video interviews for their recruitment process. If your target organization is one of those, you need to be adept with technology and video interviewing.
If you are one of those job seekers who are camera-shy, now is the time to work on that fear. Because now is when organizations are starting to rely more on technology to increase productivity and efficiency in work.
The first thing you need to do is understand how to prepare for and excel at online interviews. We have summed up a few basic tips for you to follow before and during an automated video interview.
How to Prepare for an Online Video Interview
Before the Video Interview
Your first impression of your potential employer has to be spot-on and lasting. To make a successful first impression, you need to keep a few things in mind and be proactive in your preparation before the actual interview.
In priority, make sure that you have provided any materials that the recruiter will need or might have asked you for in advance for an on-demand interview.
This includes your certificates, degree, salary slips, offer letter from any previous organizations, and any other relevant documents. Also, keep a soft copy of your resume, a cover letter, and a photograph in case the interviewing tool prompts you to submit the same.
1. Run A Technical Test Well in Advance
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Make sure you run a technical test of the software and the device you are planning to use for the video interview. Make sure it’s compatible and is working seamlessly so as to minimize your chances of having technical glitches during your interview.
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Check if you are able to operate the system yourself. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance from the online support team (if there is one) if you are not sure how to use the tool.
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Keep the contact details of the support team handy so that you can contact them immediately in case you face any issues during the call.
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2. Be Prepared to Join in Advance
Be ready in front of your device at least 10 minutes before the interview starts so you have time to get situated.
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Ensure that there is appropriate lighting. Sit facing the light in the room.
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Log in to the system at least 10 minutes before time to check the sound and video quality. Being on time will also reflect on your punctuality.
3. Run A Logistical Test Before the Interview
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Having an unstable internet connection can frustrate both parties. Check whether you have a stable internet connection.
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Ensure that the camera, mic, and speaker you are going to use for the interview are functioning properly. It is always advisable to use headsets.
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Make sure you are sitting comfortably in a quiet room with minimal disturbance.
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To avoid visual distractions, make sure your background is plain and professional.
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Make sure there are no distractions around you to disturb either you or the interviewer during the interview.
4. Your Choice of Outfit is Important Too
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This is a regular interview. You cannot appear lousy on camera just because you are giving it from home. Dress professionally. Wear the same outfit you would wear for an in-person interview.
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Don’t make the mistake of not dressing full-length professionally as you might have to move in front of the camera unexpectedly.
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If you want to go the extra mile, look up the company’s dress code online and try to imitate that for your interview.
During the Video Interview
Now is the real test of all the homework and preparation you have done for the interview. Apart from making sure that you are confident and focused fully during the interview, here are a few things you need to keep in check:
1. Body Language is Everything
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Body language is an equally or more important part of interpersonal communication than just words. Since both of you are not in physical proximity, reading body language might get tough. Make sure to smile. Even if you might be scared, having a smile always gives a positive impression to interviewers.
2. Maintain Eye Contact
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Make eye contact with the camera or the screen. The interview might seem impersonal if you are not looking at the camera and might not be as impactful. Nobody likes someone who doesn’t make eye contact while they are speaking to someone.
3. Don’t Fidget
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The microphone picks up all the noise in the room. Make sure you don’t tap your pen or shuffle papers during the interview.
4. Adjust Yourself
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Use the reference box provided on the video screen to see how you appear to the interviewer and make adjustments accordingly.
5. Maintain Proper Etiquette
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Maintain your etiquette between questions and also when the question videos are being played.
6. Keep Track of Time
- Sometimes the questions asked during a video interview are timed. Keep track of your answering time and ensure that you complete your answers before time. Don’t take more than the required time between replies.
7. Be Steady
- Ensure that you are not moving the camera too much throughout the call. Keep the camera in a steady place.
Final Thoughts
Automated video interviews might be new and appear daunting, but they’re definitely not rocket science. Following basic etiquette, doing your research about it well in advance, giving mock interviews, etc are some of the best practices to shine and ace in your video interviews like any face-to-face interviews.
The interview process remains the same as an in-person interview, as do the questions. Since the interviewer is not sitting in the same room, one needs to be prepared to find ways to bring their best side forward and make sure that they are able to convey their strengths and talents to the person on the other side of the screen.
Hope this blog post helped you, good luck!
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