You’re one step apart from your dream job searching for “How to impress an employer on the first interview” when suddenly it turns out you’ll have a video one. Moreover, it’s an online questionnaire, so there will be just you and a list of questions.
So, what should you do? How to speak and what to say? As far as this type of interview doesn’t involve direct contact between employers and potential employees, many candidates get worried.
Do you also feel unsure about what you should do during the video survey and what steps are better to avoid? If yes, then this article of main interviewing do's and don'ts would definitely come in handy for you.
A list of your to DO's during a video survey:
- Do research about the company and job industry
In case you haven't done that before, now it's high time. First of all, search for general info about the company, its history, products, or services. Then, find some more in-depth details, like about people working there or company culture. This will help you not to fail if a hiring manager decides to add some questions about the company to an interview.
- Do dress appropriately
As far as you take the video survey at a time and place suitable for you, you might forget that this is still official. It doesn’t mean you have to put on a dinner jacket, only in case you’d like to. Casual clothes will be enough. Pay attention that even details in your outfit show your attitude for an interview and a company in general.
- Do check your body language
The way you speak, sit, smile, or even nod your head says a lot about you. HR professionals always pay attention to that. If you're worried or insecure, an expert will immediately spot it by your posture or gestures. If you have never paid attention to your body language, you could try to make a test video to check if you need to improve something.
- Do look directly at the camera
If no person is looking at you from the other side of the screen, it doesn't mean you have to move your eyes back and forth around the room. Remember that the HR manager will be looking straight at you. That's why it's crucial to create eye contact, even without seeing each other live.
- Do take care about background and light
Make sure you don't sit in a dark place or, on the contrary, near a source of bright light. Both variants will significantly degrade the video quality and, accordingly, the impression of a hiring specialist. It is best to record the answers during the day in a well-lit room.
- Do check your device
Before starting to record your answers, always make sure your gadget is ready for that as well. Sudden interruptions or connection loss is what you definitely don't need to get through an interview successfully. Ensure that your device is fully charged or, at least, plugged in. Also, don't forget to check the Internet connection, your web camera, and audio settings.
- Do show real you
The purpose of the video interview is not only to make sure of your professional skills. Its aim is also to check whether you fit the company. If you pretend to be another person, sooner or later, it will come out during the working process. So why create an image if you can impress everyone with your true self?
A list of your DON'Ts during a video survey:
- Don't miss the deadlines
Usually, hiring managers give candidates a few days to give their answers. Job seekers sometimes postpone an interview due to the daily routine, procrastination, or simply fear. Yes, it requires some preparation and time, but in reality, it is much faster and easier than you could have imagined. Unless you want to lose the job opportunity, do it on time.
- Don't shout or whisper
Sometimes people might not control their voices because of being nervous or having some personal issues. If so, put away passing a questionnaire for some time. Your voice is both an indicator of your mood and self-control and a powerful tool of persuasion. Make sure you speak clear, confident, and slowly (but apparently, not like 90-years old granny)
- Don't check out your notifications
Make sure you won't be distracted by phone blinking or messages sounds while recording the answers. This might make the HR manager think that you are not involved in the process, bored, or irresponsible about the interview. That's why it's better to put the phone aside during recording and turn off the sound.
- Don't have any rubbish in the background
Besides having a visible enough background, ensure there's nothing which would be better not to see — a pile of dirty laundry, an unmade bed, a mess on your desk. If you are worried about an unpleasant little thing behind you that could undermine your credibility, choose a neutral background, such as a wall or curtains.
- Don't be near a noisy mess
Yes, video surveys give you the freedom to record answers from anywhere in the world. However, it doesn't mean you have to do that in random places when you have a couple of minutes. Instead of that, choose a place where no one or nothing could disturb you. A quiet room at home is a good choice. Besides, make sure no pets, kids, or noisy neighbors will interrupt you.
- Don't forget to test out the platform
Many candidates are worried as they are unfamiliar with the platform where they are supposed to pass such type of questionnaire. To feel more confident, do a test review. It will also help you to orient yourself faster during the actual video interview. However, be careful not to transform a test check into a real recording that your employer will receive. No worries about that as if the platform is user-friendly, like Playhunt, you’ll be notified about that.
- Don't be nervous
At first glance, this may seem like general advice, just in case. However, fulfilling this point is necessary before starting to record answers. Your anxiety will be immediately noticeable and most likely affect your behavior and responses, not for the better. Instead, drink a cup of chamomile tea, watch some funny videos, or do whatever makes you feel relaxed.
Going to interviews is always worrying as it refers to your future. However, look at the bright side of this situation. If your employer has chosen a video survey as a form of an interview, you can stay at home in your pants pajamas, and slippers and still succeed in this. So, calm down and better put your energy into preparation. Good luck!
