Best Practices of Video Interviewing – How to do it right!

The pandemic, and the ensuing lockdowns across the globe, have put a pause on nearly every commercial activity. Globally, enterprises are making plans for ensuring continuing business – and that also includes making sure the right people are in place to help them bounce back once the economies of the world are open for business again.

Unemployment numbers are disheartening, but there are opportunities to get hired. However, most organizations that are still hiring now are doing it virtually, and hiring decisions are being made entirely on the basis of video interviews.

Even those with video interviewing experience are unaccustomed to these virtual interactions being used as a surrogate to actual face to face interviews. Today, vibes and impressions on video interviews are becoming increasingly conclusive – and jobs are at a premium.

But, I have taken video interviews before!

And it comes as no surprise. Virtual interviews have been around and effective for some time now. According to research , 94% of candidates who completed a mobile video interview would complete one again. Nevertheless, even those with video interviewing experience are unaccustomed to these virtual interactions being used as a surrogate to actual face to face interviews. Today, vibes and impressions on video interviews are becoming increasingly conclusive – and jobs are at a premium.

So how do I maximize my odds of success?

With a video interview, the dynamics of the process are unconventional, and the ‘things to look out for’ for recruiters are also different.

We have highlighted both the Dos and the Do-nots of the video interviewing process that can boost your chances of success.

• Tip 1: Proxy interviews do not work – Proxy interviewing is a trend that many interviewers are perpetually suspicious of. Never have anyone else in the room during your interview, or any other item of reference. If you lose eye contact with your interviewer when you are asked a question, it is an immediate red flag.
• Tip 2: Build a good setup – stable internet access, clear camera and audio – Your interview setup should be well thought out. Make sure your camera is at eye level, and your internet connection is stable. A stable lower speed connection is preferable to an erratic high speed one, as intermittent speed will cause differences in video resolution that can be very distracting. Also, technology is not always reliable, so make sure you run multiple demos and have all possible issues that you can identify handled.
• Tip 3: Setup your environment appropriately – Make sure the room is well lit, and your background is pleasant but not distracting. Get an ergonomic chair with back/arm support to make sure you are comfortable. Your background should not be messy or cluttered. Get rid of any hanging objects, moving items or screens/television sets that can cause distraction. They also give off an impression of lack of seriousness.
• Tip 4: The suspicion of being prompted – Interviewing client firms are often suspicious about candidates being prompted.
• Avoid fidgeting and keep gesturing to a minimum.
• Stay at arm’s length from the camera, and always look at the camera.
• Do not keep moving your head back and forth. This not only distracts the interviewer, but can cause them to think it is being done to draw away attention.

This video is a great example of setting up an appropriate environment and background.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQwanxQmFnc

• Tip 5: Appropriate outfits – We do recommend that you be dressed fully in formals for the interview. Don’t just dress from the waist upwards – you may have to go get something during the interview and when you get up, you may end up losing the job. Things that can get you instantly checkmated –
• A tee shirt with odd prints
• Unkempt beard
• Messy stray
• Hair flying in all directions

• Tip 6: Smile politely and sit up straight – Your body language says a lot about how you are treating the interviewer and by extension, the firm looking to hire you. A slouching position with a grimace not only puts off the interviewer, it also tells them that you do not like the position you are interviewing for – not to mention that it is a naturally negative expression that evokes a negative impression. A polite smile and straight posture shows both seriousness and a good demeanor.
• Tip 7: Make sure your communication is clear. Check in with the interviewer after answers to make sure you were clear and if you are having trouble with your connection, request a reschedule rather than have the interviewer waste their time. Interviewers will rarely ask to reschedule themselves, and they will not want to take on an employee who does not even check to see that their comments are getting across to the other person.
• Tip 8: Prepare for lapses and shortcomings – In case the technology fails despite advance preparations, make sure you have planned in advance for alternate means (for example, take the interviewer’s phone number to call in case audio fails). Have all necessary backup resources (like a spare laptop) handy.
• Tip 9: Avoid all distractions – Silence your phone and make sure all interactions/conversations are rerouted to voicemail or email. If you are expecting an urgent call, request a reschedule, because intermittent phone calls can get you a rejection. Make sure no one enters the room during the interview, and try to ensure no loud noises.
• Tip 10: Logon early – Make sure the interviewer is not waiting in the interview virtual room for long. Seeing the candidate present in advance gives interviewers the impression of a disciplined, planned candidate and starts things off on a positive note.
• Tip 11: Close effectively and have your questions planned – At the end of every face to face interview, the candidate and interviewer will typically shake hands and say a few words. As this is not possible with a video interview, have a few polite words to say at the close. Often, a pleasant close to the interview can be the difference between a second interview and a rejection. Also, have some sensible questions planned to ask the interviewer. Good questions are:
• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this role? (shows intent to understand the role and prepare for it)
• What are the metrics for this job? How would you measure success? (shows that you want to understand how good a fit you are for the day to day work the role requires)
• Is there anything about my profile that makes you question my fit for the role? (shows a keen interest in the role and a desire to clear all doubts)

We hope your virtual interviewing goes successfully with these tips!

~ N.R