How to Prepare for a Successful Video Interview

As more and more businesses adopt remote work, video interviews have become increasingly common. We have seen many candidates fail to prepare properly for video interviews, which can negatively impact their chances of landing the job. In this article, we will share some tips on how to prepare for a video interview so you can put your best foot forward.

Test your technology
The last thing you want is to have technical issues during your video interview. Before the interview, make sure your internet connection is stable, your camera and microphone are working properly, and your computer is updated. You should also ensure that your background is professional and that there is adequate lighting.

It’s a good idea to test everything out beforehand. Ask a friend or family member to do a mock interview with you so you can practice using the software and get a feel for how you’ll look and sound on camera.

Dress appropriately
Just because the interview is online doesn’t mean you should dress casually. You should dress as if you were going to an in-person interview. This means wearing professional attire that is appropriate for the role and the company culture. Choose clothing that is comfortable and allows you to move freely. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry, busy patterns, or anything that could be distracting. Dressing professionally will help you feel confident and ready to impress.

Do your research
Before the interview, research the company and the position you’re interviewing for. Review the job description and make sure you understand the qualifications and responsibilities. Look up the company’s website and social media pages to learn more about their values and mission. If you know the name of the interviewer, look them up on LinkedIn to see their professional background. This can give you an idea of what they might be looking for in a candidate.

Practice common interview questions
Just like in an in-person interview, you can expect to be asked common interview questions during a video interview. These might include questions about your experience, strengths, weaknesses, and why you’re interested in the role. Take some time to practice answering these questions out loud. You can record yourself and watch the playback to see how you come across on camera. This can help you identify areas where you might need to improve your communication skills.

Prepare your environment
Make sure your environment is free from distractions during the interview. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you won’t be interrupted by pets, children, or roommates. Let your family or roommates know that you’ll be in an interview and ask them to be respectful of your time. You should also have a copy of your resume and any other materials you might need readily available. This could include a pen and paper for taking notes, a list of questions to ask the interviewer, or a copy of your portfolio.

Be on time
Just like in an in-person interview, it’s important to be on time for a video interview. In fact, it’s a good idea to log in a few minutes early to make sure everything is working properly. If you’re running late for any reason, make sure to let the interviewer know as soon as possible. This shows that you’re respectful of their time and helps to maintain a professional relationship.

Video Lights

You can check Amazon or Best Buy to get a video light, or you can check out this article to learn a bit more about some other options.

Follow up
After the interview, make sure to follow up with a thank-you email or message. This shows that you appreciate the interviewer’s time and are still interested in the role. Use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and highlight any relevant skills or experiences you might have forgotten to mention during the interview.

In conclusion, preparing for a video interview is similar to preparing for an in-person interview. By testing your technology, dressing appropriately, doing your research, practicing common interview questions, preparing your environment, being on time,