Did you learn that almost 80 percent of employment interviews are now through video? In the face of this breathtaking change in the hiring processes, having an idea of how to perform best during a video call interview has been a necessity among job seekers. This article will discuss some tips that can be used to make your mark in the virtual world. At the end of it, you will feel assured and ready to impress every potential employer in the comfort of your own home.
Video Call Interview What Is It?
A video call interview is an interview job conducted using a video platform rather than face-to-face. Many companies use video calls when meeting job applicants. This will save time travelling, and it is easy to meet people from other places.
A video call interview is like a traditional interview. You respond to questions and discuss your competencies. The difference is that you connect using a computer, phone, or tablet. Good audio and video are necessary to aid in communication of both parties.
What is so special about video call interviews?
Video call interviews enable companies to reach out to more individuals. They give you the opportunity to apply to work in other cities even when the company is in a city that you are not living in. This will provide you with increased opportunities to get a job of your choice. You can hold interviews with hiring managers anywhere.
Another thing that employers can find out about you during such calls is how you use technology. In case you are capable of a video call, it means that you are prepared to work in the modern world. Video calls are used to communicate with teammates in many jobs, which is why it is a valuable skill.
Getting Ready for Your Online Interview.
There should be knowledge on how to prepare a video call interview. Preparation will make you calm and prepared. The right planning will prevent you from committing such errors as bad lighting or cluttered background. You have the desire to present your best to the company.
The process of getting ready is very many, such as checking your internet connection and selecting the clothing. It may be a good idea to select a quiet location as well. Every step makes a good impression of you. These tips for video interviewing can assist you in giving your best.
Technical Setup
Check Your Equipment
The first thing is to ensure that your computer or mobile device is in good operational health. Before the interview day, ensure that you test your camera and microphone. Wear a headphone to prevent echo and background sound. Ensure that you have a fully charged or plugged device. Refresh the video call application with which you will make the call: Zoom or Google Meet. Make sure that your internet is a stable connection.
Test your system with another person. They have the power to make you see whether your audio and video is clear. Make your camera on and see what is behind you. Ensure that it is presentable. Get rid of anything behind you that can disturb you. An empty wall or a tidy bookshelf is ideal.
Set Up Your Interview Space
Select a room where you have no distractions in your home and use the video. Close doors and windows to eliminate noise. Make people in your house aware of your interview in order to avoid distracting. Keep pets in a different room in order not to distract you.
Clothes: Turn on your lighting to ensure that your face is visible. Light of a window is natural and works well. When you need more light, place the lamp before you and not behind you. Do not sit facing a window, as it will darken your face.
Prepare for Tech Problems
Have the reserve in case the internet fails. Have your phone with you, having an interview app. Record the phone or email number of the interviewer. In that case, you will call them in case your video-call is unsuccessful.
Before the interview, shut all the additional programs on your computer. This assists your computer to run efficiently and prevents the appearance of notifications. Keep a glass of water close to you to keep you comfortable. Getting yourself ready will make you feel prepared and ready for your video call interview.
Environmental Considerations
Lighting and the placement of cameras.
Sufficient lighting will make other people see your face. Attempt to sit before a window because of natural light. In case that cannot be done, then a bright lamp behind your computer.
Do not sit facing an open window or a bright light. This may leave shadows, and your face may not be easy to see. Test yourself on camera before the interview.
Hold your camera at eye level. Place stack books beneath your laptop when necessary. This will assist you in gazing into the camera; this is less uncomfortable to the interviewers.
Background and Noise Control.
You should go with a plain background. Clean up everything in the background. This maintains the concentration on you and appears professional.
When you have a virtual background, make sure you select one with a plain one and not too bright. Distracting backgrounds may cause the interviewer to lose track of the conversation.
Prior to your video interview, inform family members or housemates that you have an interview. Shut the close windows to minimize outdoor noise. Turn off television and silence your mobile phone in order to reduce distractions.
Internet connection and power supply.
Check your internet connectivity prior to the interview. The close connection can stop freezing of video or lag. Wireless connection- If possible, use wire connection as it is reliable.
Charge the call beforehand. Always leave your charger plugged in throughout the interview. It is stressful to lose power during an interview.
Make a contingency measure in case of loss of connectivity. Have your phone close by in case you have to change some devices. These measures can assist you in being calm and focused during your video job interview.
Personal Presentation
Dress for Success
Choose your clothes in advance prior to the video call. Wear clothing to a face-to-face interview. Clean clothing makes you look professional. Do not use distractive bright patterns or colors. Strauss shirts or blouses in plain colors are the best. Make sure your clothes do not have wrinkles. In case you are uncertain of what to wear, go with business casual.
Test yourself in front of the camera. You have an app with videos open: look at yourself. Wrinkled your shirt or smoothed your hair. Straighten your posture, keeping your shoulders. Proper stance makes any person look more confident and prepared.
Set Up Your Space
Locate a place where you will interview. Your background ought to appear clean and tidy. Eliminate distractions and items that may distract interviewer. Preferably, one should sit before a plain wall. Ensure that pets or family members do not pass by when you are on a call.
Lighting is important. Sit in some natural light or put a lamp before you. Your countenance needs to be fair. You can test your video to check whether there is a need to make changes. Lighting would make the interviewer see you better.
Practice Good Body Language
Do not look at the screen; look into the camera. This gives the impression that you are staring at each other. Nod and smile frequently whenever the interviewer is talking. This shows that you are paying attention and are interested.
Keep your hands above, but do not wave them much. You can use little gestures in case you want to make a point. Keep still and do not fidget. Body language can make you appear professional and interested in the interview.
Last Reflections on Video Call Interviews.
To be prepared to conduct a video call interview is not as simple as appearing. It is being able to get the tools, as well as having the knowledge on how to use them. Check your camera and your microphone prior to the commencement of the interview. Ensure that your network connection is good. Close programs that are unnecessary. This help prevent issues during the call.
Wear clothes that suit your desired job. Locate somewhere where there is good light. Eliminate any background that can distract your interviewer. Keep all you need yourself, such as a notepad and pen. Such little steps have a tremendous impact.
Drilling Your Practice and Solutions.
The most important thing for excellent performance in any interview is practice. Practice reading standard interview questions aloud. Get someone close to you or a friend to have a video call so you can practice. This makes you get used to looking at the camera and speaking out clearly.
Video record and play it back. Notice how you look and sound. Are you making eye contact? Are you either too fast or too slow when you speak? Before the actual interview, use what you learn to hone it.
Staying Calm and Confident
Nerves are alright, and it is good to be ready to feel calm. Breathe in deep before you begin your interview. Smile and sit up straight. Then there is nothing wrong with stopping to think, whether you know an answer. Be optimistic and present yourself well.
It is important to remember that any video call interview is an opportunity to learn and develop. Every time you practice, you improve. Preadiness demonstrates that you are interested in the job and you understand the interviewer is wasting his time.
FAQ
What is a video call interview?
A video call interview is a job interview done through a video platform rather than a real-life interview. It enables firms to hold applicant meetings in remote areas, which saves the time spent on traveling and gives an opportunity to hold meetings with individuals who may be in distant places. It is like a normal interview, only that you meet through a computer, phone or tablet with pleasant sound and clear video.
In what ways are video call interviews significant?
Video call interviews can also enable the company to access a greater number of candidates and this includes those who may live in different cities, which creates more job opportunities. They also show employers how well you can use technology and deal with virtual communication, which is desirable in contemporary workplaces.
What should I do to prepare for an interview by video call?
Some things involved in preparation are to test your internet and equipment, pick the right clothes, find a suitable quiet and light area, and strategize on how to deal with technology trouble. Preparation will ensure that you do not encounter issues that result from making bad choices.
What equipment I should check before the interview?
Check your computer or mobile phone, camera, and microphone. Wear headphones to minimize the use of echo and background noise. Make sure your device has enough power or is plugged in, open the video call application, and confirm a good internet connection.
What do I do to prepare my interview arena?
Select an area where there is the least amount of distraction. Close doors and windows to eliminate noise, notify other people in your home about the interview, and keep pets away. Make sure that there is good lighting by standing before a window or a lamp and a clean, professional background.
What are the things I should do in the event of any technical hitches during the interview?
Always have a backup, like having your phone around with the interview app on it. Note the contact details of the interviewer to contact him or her in case of the failure of the video call. Consolidate and shut programs that are unnecessary before the interview to keep the devices running.
What am I to do with the lighting and the camera placement?
Sit in front of a window to have natural light or in front of a bright lamp. You should not sit in front of the window or a source of bright light because you will cast a shadow. You should have your camera at eye level; you can use books to elevate your laptop in case of necessity.
What are the background and noise control tips that I have to follow?
Have a simple and bare background to maintain attention on you. When you use a virtual background, ensure it is simple and non-distracting. Educate people at your house about the interview, shut windows and disconnect the phone and television to avoid distractions.
How will I be able to guarantee a good internet connection and electricity supply?
Check your internet connection and prefer to use a wired connection. Always charge your device and have it plugged in when attending an interview. Always be prepared to have your phone as a backup device in case of loss of connection.
How do I dress up during a video call interview?
Wear your best clothes, like to a face-to-face interview. Wear plain clothes in plain colors and not brightly patterned. You can consider business casual a safe choice. Look at yourself on camera and have good posture.
What is good body language when using video call during an interview?
Look into the camera to pretend that you are looking at each other. Smile and nod to show interest. Keep your hands aboveboard and do not move too much. But sit still and do not fidget to seem professional and attentive.
So what are the last things I should do before the interview?
Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection. Close unnecessary programs. Wear something comfortable, prepare a dark and comfortable atmosphere capable of supporting your focus, clear your background of distractors, and have a notebook and a pen with you.
What should I do to rehearse my abilities and responses to a video call interview?
Rehearse interview questions that are likely to be asked. Interview friends or family members on video calls. Tape yourself and check eye contact, rate of speech, and general manner of presentation, and work on it accordingly.
What do I need to do to remain steady and calm in the interview?
Breathe deeply before beginning. Smile, straighten your back, and be positive. You can always take a moment and reflect in case you are not sure. It is important to remember that every interview is also a kind of learning experience to become better and show your best side.
