As of 2022, video interviews have become decidedly more popular. While the COVID-19 pandemic made remote hiring processes necessary, it looks like such methods are here to stay. Over 60% of hiring managers prefer a video interview with potential candidates, which is also considered much faster than phone interviews.
The remote interviewing process, however, is quite new for many people. The lack of personal contact puts off many people who prefer in-person interviews. Many also feel more nervous during remote interviews, given the greater potential for things that could go wrong, such as a poor connection. That said, here are some mistakes to avoid and a few video interview tips that can help you prepare for your next job opportunity.
Common mistakes in video interviews
For first-time video interviewees, the process can be uncertain and daunting. Questions about which rules apply to such an interview can contribute to the pre-interview jitters. Some of the most common mistakes candidates make in this regard are:
Keeping it casual
As the interview is not in a formal space, many candidates feel they can be more casual than they normally would. That may be true to some extent, as you won’t interact with anyone outside of your interview, unlike an onsite interview. However, treating it too casually could backfire.
A job video interview calls for the same level of professionalism as when you interview in person. You are still being assessed for your ability and attitude. Respecting the corporate culture regardless of where you interview is important. It is true that many companies do adopt a more laid-back approach, but unless you know this for sure about the company you are interviewing with, it’s best to stick to tradition.
Not checking your equipment
There is always the potential for something to go wrong. Many of these things may be completely out of your control. For example, an unexpected outage that takes out the internet connection is something you cannot prepare for. Most companies do cater to candidates in unusual circumstances like that.
However, it is your job to ensure that everything works as well as you can. Test your camera to make sure the picture resolution is good. Check out your microphone and speakers and see if they relay clear audio. Try and have a backup internet device on hand. Review your video interview software to ensure it is up-to-date and working. These measures can help prevent issues at the time of the interview.
Not being prepared
As mentioned earlier, video interviews hold the same importance and significance as on-site interviews. This means they also require the same kind of preparation. Interviewers can tell which candidates are not prepared and are fumbling. They can also tell when you don’t know the answer to a question and try to look it up quickly.
You also need to be prepared in terms of how you take the interview. You should be well dressed and in a clean, quiet space. Therefore, public spaces like coffee shops are ill-suited to the interview process. They also reflect badly on you for your lack of preparedness.
Preparing for a video interview
A job video interview continues to increase in popularity as the preferred method. 81% of surveyed hiring managers believe virtual interviews are here to stay and are even preferable to in-person interviews. That said, preparing for a video interview is important should you ever end up in one.
Prepare interview questions
Video interview questions are not significantly different from those asked at a conventional interview. However, given that nerves run high, it is good to go over the most common questions and prepare your answers. Some of the questions included in nearly every interview include:
- Open-ended questions asking you to tell the interviewer about yourself: Ideally, you should mostly cover your academic and professional qualifications as they relate to the job you’re interviewing for. In the end, you may add some personal information, such as a revered hobby.
- Questions about your strength and weakness: These questions are designed to assess how you see yourself and your confidence in your abilities. It also shows them if you are willing to admit to weaknesses and work on improving them. Ideally, you can mention a weakness that you overcame with a strength.
- Questions about your interest in the job: This is essentially where interviewers are asking why they should hire you. It is designed to determine your professional interest and motivation for the role. It is also linked to this next question.
- Questions asking where you see yourself in a few years’ time: These questions also assess your professional interest. Seeing yourself moving up the ladder with the company you are interviewing with can show you are genuinely motivated for the job.
While it is good to be prepared for such questions, don’t overdo it. You want to sound natural and not like you’ve memorized all the answers beforehand.
Video interview practice
It might be a good idea to hold a practice interview with yourself. You can record yourself answering common interview questions. Your video interview recording can help you see where you may have gone wrong and make changes. It can also help calm your nerves about the interview.
Research the company
Video interview candidates who believe they can get by looking up questions they don’t know the answer to are quite wrong. Not only can interviewers tell when this happens, but it also shows you are extremely unprepared. Being prepared also means ensuring you know the company you are applying to. Statistics show nearly half of hiring managers would reject someone who knew nothing about the company they were applying to.
As a video interview is a relatively new concept, it is easy to get nervous about it. However, they are largely similar to conventional interviews. You have no reason to worry if you prepare well beforehand. Avoid making common interview mistakes and focus on making the best impression possible with your interviewers and ultimately secure job.
