Landing an interview for your dream job is an exciting milestone, but finding out it is a video interview can often trigger nerves. Whether you are new to virtual meetings or have faced technical difficulties in the past, the team at Oliver James is here to support you. We have gathered our best expert tips to help you showcase your expertise and ace your next virtual meeting.
The Setup for Professional Success
There are many factors that make interviewing via video different to the more traditional in person meetings. The main consideration is the setup! Getting this part right can be the difference between presenting the best version of yourself and not. Below are our key takeaways to master the setup.
- Location: Find a quiet space with no distractions. Notify those you live with to ensure you are not disturbed.
- Device: We recommend using a laptop over a mobile device. Hiring managers often view candidates using cell phones as less professional due to poorer video quality.
- Internet Connection: Test your connection beforehand to ensure a high-quality audio and visual experience.
- Audio and Webcam: Perform a sound check and test your webcam. Position your light source behind the camera to avoid distracting shadows.
- Web Browser: Close unnecessary tabs to improve your laptop’s performance and video quality.
- Wardrobe: Dress professionally as you would for an in-person meeting. Research the company culture, but always err on the side of formal attire if you are unsure.
Comprehensive Preparation for New Career Opportunities
Good preparation is the foundation for a successful job search. Even if a job description is brief, you can still nail the meeting by following these steps:
- Familiarize Yourself with Softwar – Ensure you have the correct link and login details for the conferencing application. If you are unfamiliar with the software, reach out to your Oliver James recruiter in advance to test it.
- Perfect Your Introduction – Your introduction sets the tone for the entire interview. Prepare what you want to say about your career history and keep your resume nearby as a reference guide.
- Anticipate Questions and Motivations -Think about why you are seeking new career opportunities and what interests you about this specific role. Focus on the positive attributes you bring to the table and avoid speaking negatively about past employers.
- Provide Real-Life Examples – Hiring managers value measurable results. Prepare examples of challenges you’ve overcome or projects you are proud of to demonstrate your specialized industry knowledge.
Executing the Interview with Confidence
Once your setup and preparation are complete, focus on clear communication and professional engagement.
- Be Early: Log in at least 10 minutes prior to troubleshoot any last-minute issues.
- Be Yourself: Maintain eye contact, smile, and listen actively. Confident body language helps convey your personality over video.
- Ask Insightful Questions: Have a list of questions ready regarding the role and company challenges. This shows you are critically thinking about the opportunity.
Troubleshooting Unexpected Interruptions
If things do not go exactly to plan, remain calm and professional.
- No Show: If the interviewer hasn’t joined after ten minutes, alert your recruiter immediately.
- Noisy Interruptions: Politely apologize and ask for a brief moment until the noise subsides.
- Surprise Guests: If interrupted by a pet or housemate, apologize, mute your microphone, and step away to resolve the situation.
Sometimes the difference between landing your dream job and missing out is simply the quality of your preparation. Take the time to put your best foot forward and show why you are the right fit for the role.
Contact our team to learn how we can help build a culture of belonging and help your team grow. We are committed to building great futures with people by being different and better.
