During the Covid-19 pandemic, restrictions in travel and face-to-face meetings saw many recruiters switching from traditional ‘in person’ interviews to online recruitment methods instead.
Video interviewing has become increasingly popular with recruiters, as it provides benefits by streamlining recruitment processes. Conducting interviews remotely saves recruiters time, eliminates travel costs and potentially widens the applicant pool. From an applicant perspective, understanding the different types of video interview is important, as it will impact on how you prepare and perform. There are several video interview platforms on the market today, while some allow the applicant to record in advance, others provide a live video feed.
A live ‘on screen’ face-to-face conversation between the interviewer/s and interviewee is known as a synchronous online video interview. These closely resemble a traditional interview and are conducted live. Using internet chat or meeting software such as MS Teams, Skype or Zoom, the interviewer/s and interviewee are online at the same time in real time. In contrast, an asynchronous video interview is pre-recorded. The applicant is asked a series of questions and records their answer on a phone or computer camera with no human interviewer present. Recruiters can choose from a wide range of video interview software to create their online one-way automated interview.
To prepare, do your research and familiarise yourself with the platform/software used by the employer you have applied to. You could simply search ‘What video interviewing software does (name of the company) use?’ Alternatively, the detail could be found in the email or link you receive inviting you for interview. You can use this information to your advantage because by researching the specifics of how each platform operates, you can acquaint yourself with any unique features. For example, HireVue and Sonru provide applicants with ‘top tips’ on how to succeed, a ‘contact us’ option and ‘frequently asked questions’ about their platform.
A key difference to note is that a human hiring team will review and evaluate the recordings for some submissions, whilst others use Artificial Intelligence algorithms to assess your interview responses. Facial analysis software can identify and analyse certain aspects, such as eye movements for example, (to check if candidates are looking at resources to aid their answers). AI is evolving quickly and can already analyse your word choices, tone pitch and pace of voice, body language and facial expressions.
Speaking to your computer camera during an asynchronous video interview with enthusiasm takes practise. It can sometimes feel like you are talking to a brick wall, as you receive no interactive response. Overcome this challenge by thinking of how you would speak if there was a human being at the other end. Some people find sticking a smiling emoji or small picture of someone who makes them smile next to their camera (not over the lens, obviously) helps them to focus their eyes at the camera and imagine they are speaking to a real person.
Before the interview, research, preparation and practise is key. Find a quiet space, eliminate distractions, turn off phones or notification noises that could interrupt your interview. Consider attaching a large ‘Please do not disturb’ sign on the door.
LIGHTS – Good lighting can improve the look of your video. Natural day light is best, try to sit facing the window or have the window to your side. If you have the window behind you, your image could appear in silhouette, so it would be difficult to see your smiling face. Check out how you look in terms of the lighting before you start.
CAMERA – Are you ready? Some video interview platforms give you an opportunity to practise, others don’t. What is in your background? What are you wearing? Dress to impress. Do you look smart, professional and organised? Smile appropriately, use positive body language and posture to impress. Try to avoid slouching, crossing your arms, overuse of hand gestures and touching your face. Check your technical equipment. Prepare in advance by testing your camera/microphone, check your internet connection and make sure your device is fully charged.
ACTION – Before you press record, make sure you have done your research into the organisation and the role, prepare for a range of interview questions. Rehearse by recording and timing your answers. Most video interviewing software will provide you with instructions on how long you are allocated to read/answer each question. There may be a time counter on screen to help you, if not, have your own method of timing your answers at hand. Keep to time, often pre-recorded video interviews will state the maximum time limit for each question, this indicates how long a recruiter expects your response to be. So, make sure you don’t run out of time and get cut off mid-sentence. Whatever happens in the interview process, if you face any setbacks, persevere to show your resilience. Aim to speak in a free flowing, expressive, clear, rhythmical style. Show confidence, positivity, energy and enthusiasm through the intonation of your voice and your choice of words.
Finally, choose positive active key words for your interview. Remember that AI can analyse for targeted key words. So, keep a copy of the job description and person specification for each role you apply for. Note the key knowledge, skills, behaviours, strengths, and values required for the role, practise tailoring your responses by embedding evidence of relevant key words/skills into your answers.
Crack your next video interview by rehearsing with these resources for free (log in with your University of Warwick email address).
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