1. Familiarise yourself with the software platforms

• Microsoft Teams and Zoom (most popular)

o Web-based – no download required.
o Hiring manager will send an invite with a link to the meeting.
o If not using a Microsoft operating system, make sure in advance that Teams will work for you.

• Skype & WhatsApp (also used)

o You will need to download the App to your device in advance, with WhatsApp only working on mobile devices.

• General preparation:

o Try a test call with your recruitment agency or a friend.
o On the call, check your camera is on and that your speakers and microphone are working – can you see and hear each other?
o Familiarise yourself with the icons/settings so that you can turn your camera on/off and mute yourself if necessary – don’t let panic of not knowing the software ruin your interview
o Practice ending the call – you don’t want that awkward moment when your interview finishes, and you can’t leave the call.
o If you’ve used the software for other purposes, ensure it’s back to normal – an interviewer may not appreciate your witty Zoom username or beach background photo from your recent girls/lads night in.

2. Set the scene

• Find a suitable location for the interview – neutral background preferred.
• Choose somewhere well-lit so your face is easily seen - it’s hard for the interviewer to connect with you if your face is in shadow.
• Be mindful of what’s visible to others from your camera – you don’t want anything to distract the interviewer so that they can’t concentrate on you.
• Make sure you won’t be interrupted by briefing or containing your children/spouse/dogs and asking them to keep noise to a minimum.

3. Professionalism is key

• Dress to impress – first impressions are important, and this is still an interview.
• Don’t fall into an informal mindset because you’re at home – thoroughly research the company and role to show you’re interested in the position.
• Look down the camera lens – looking at the interviewer on the screen (or yourself) will come across as staring down (depending on where your camera is), so when answering questions, alternate between the camera for confident eye contact, and their video to gauge reaction and body language.
• Have a pen and paper ready to make notes.
• Have a glass of water handy in case you’re hit with a case of ‘interview dry-mouth’.

4. Know what kind of interview it is

• Informal:

o The name can be misleading, but whilst the structure of the interview will be largely conversational around topics to understand your skills and experience – you are still being interviewed and assessed!

• Formal:
o More of a ‘question and answer’ interview to guide the structure.
o Harder to gauge how you are doing in these interviews as there’s less general chat involved.
o The manager here is looking to understand your work history and experience.
• Competency-based:
o Still ‘question and answer’ but here your responses are scored individually based on how fully you answer the question.
o To score full marks you need to be able to give specific examples to provide evidence within your answer.
o Ask your recruiter in advance what kind of questions may be asked so you can prepare examples and are not put on the spot.

It can be much harder to read reactions and body language over video interviews compared to face-to-face meetings. Small social cues aren’t picked up, leaving the interviewee feeling unsure as to how they’re doing, even if the interviewer is engaged by the answers. Don’t lose heart - this is common, and you may be doing better than you think.

5. Start and finish the call strongly

• Log in five minutes early to check your setup; this will give you good time to settle and await the hiring manager - being late for an interview in your own house doesn’t look great for time management and any last-minute computer issues will leave you flustered.
• End the interview on a positive tone, by looking into the camera, smiling and thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity
• When ending the call, make sure you’ve fully logged off before coming out of ‘interview mode’ – letting out a big sigh or air-punching whilst still connected, may result in a fumbled and potentially unprofessional ending.

The video format may initially seem a little strange but is something that will soon become familiar and a great way to connect face-to-face without the travel. We hope these tips will make you more comfortable with the interview format and give you the chance to put your best foot forward.

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