How to succeed in a video interview

Video Interview systems are not new. In fact, they have been around for more than 15 years however, the increase in webcams/smartphones with cameras, coupled with COVID, has firmly cemented their place in the recruitment process.

This means, if you haven’t already completed a video interview, you should expect to in a future application.

Before we get into how you can excel in a video interview, let’s take a look at why they are being used and how they work.

Why they are used

If you’ve ever travelled to the other end of town to attend a job interview only to find when you got there the job was not a good choice for you, you will agree a video interview is a great innovation. Even more so if you’re applying for multiple jobs. This goes for employers too because interviewing candidates ‘on location’ is resource intensive and time consuming. In comparison, a video interview system streamlines the recruitment process which is good news for you as it reduces the time it takes to give you feedback.

The use of video interviews also helps with interstate applications. A report from Seek.com.au in January 2020, shows that external job applications are on the rise with 43.6% of applicants for Brisbane vacancies applying from interstate.

How they work

Video interviews are only one part of the recruitment process. Graduate recruitment teams have a huge process to manage from identifying, attracting, screening, shortlisting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and on-boarding employees. Some vacancies attract thousands of applications so any tool that brings efficiency is a bonus.

There are two types of video interview; Live or Recorded:

Live Video Interview

This type of interview is essentially the same as face to face interview. In the same way, you could be meeting with a panel or a single interviewer. You will be asked a succinct list of questions making it easier to compare your skillset with other applicants.

Recorded Video Interviews

An invitation to this type of interview begins with an email with a link to the platform and a deadline in which you need to complete the interview. Once logged in, you will are required to record yourself giving your answers to a series of written or recorded questions. There is usually a time limit (typically two minutes) for each answer and, depending on the interviewer, you may get an extra attempt or two at each question before submitting the your final answer.

Whichever system you are using, chances are, you will feel nervous about how to be at your best on camera. Here are our tips to help you succeed.

Setting up

The tech stuff: Most video platforms work well on any device however, a laptop is likely the best choice for visibility of questions and for a stability. Using a mobile is likely to look shaky and unprofessional.

Download the interview software in advance of the interview date and make use of the practice session on offer to make sure you know how to operate it. Before the interview starts, close down all applications/tabs that are not relevant to your interview.

Before starting, plan your interview location for a strong Wi-Fi signal. Use Google’s internet speed test tool to check you’re in the right spot. For a quality video call your download/upload speeds should be at least 4000 kbps. If this is not available at your home, perhaps you can find somewhere at UQ. For good sound quality, consider using a lapel microphone.

If something does go wrong with your connection, try not to panic. This kind of setback goes with the turf of online interviewing. Simply log back in and give it another go.

The environment: What will they see in your background? A messy unmade bed? Dirty dishes in the sink? Project a professional image with a clean, tidy environment – a plain background is best.

Lighting is important so if setting up special lighting helps you to look good, go for it. If you wear glasses, choose the ones with the glare-free lenses to avoid the reflective glare of the screen.

Are you in a location where others may interrupt? Make sure everyone around you knows you are in an interview and can’t be interrupted. Perhaps consider putting a sign on the door? Don’t forget to turn off your phone.

The interview

Be punctual: Arrive early, as you would to a face to face meeting. 5 minutes is probably ideal.

What to wear: What would you wear to a regular job interview? Make your image as polished as possible and appropriate for the work environment typical of your application type. When appearing on camera it’s best to avoid patterns, stripes and bright colours as they can be distracting. Instead it’s best to stick with neutral, conservative attire.

Eye contact: It’s important to maintain eye contact throughout so position yourself at arms-length away and at the correct height – your eye level is where they can see your head and shoulders. No one wants to look up your nose or down your shirt so use some books or a box to prop up your laptop where needed. It will feel strange to start with but you will quickly get the hang of engaging with the webcam.

Speak clearly: When we are nervous, we often speak quickly. Add to that the pressure of a fixed timeframe in which to deliver your answer and, for many of us, it’s the perfect storm. When we speak quickly it can sometimes make us sound lacking in confidence – not good in an interview – so try to slow down. Try timing yourself speaking for 2 minutes, you may be surprised at how much you can actually share in this timeframe.  

Be a STAR and prepare your answers

My top tip for graduate interviews is to prepare your answers in advance using the STAR format. STAR stands for SITUATION, TASK, ACTION, RESULT and is the correct way to deliver your answers to interview questions, particularly behavioural interview questions.

If you think this sounds like hard work, you’d be right but it’s well worth the effort. STAR is the industry standard as it keeps you on track to share your anecdotes, describing your experience in the right way. It is also particularly helpful for video interviews as you can time yourself giving your answer in advance. If you’re confused about with interview answers to prepare, simply refer back to the job description. All the clues you need are found in the selection criteria.

Be authentic

Nerves with any interview are part of the deal but it’s important to be yourself, smile and express your personality. The first time of anything new is always nerve wracking but try to remember that all the other applicants are going through the same experience as you. Do what you can to relax and enjoy the experience. Good luck!

For all you need to know about preparing for interview, check out the information prepared by the EAIT Employability Team, ‘Interview Skills that will get you Hired’, available as an online module in Career Kickstarter

Last updated:
19 November 2021