Video interviews are a clear example of how technology has changed the way organisations are able to recruit candidates, streamlining the process and enabling recruitment to take place under tricky circumstances.
There are, however, some common mistakes people often make when faced with a video interview. Here’s how to avoid some of these pitfalls to increase your chances of success.
Lack of preparation
As with any interview, effective preparation is required to ensure that it can start on time. It is easy to think that a Skype interview is simply taking place at your own convenience, and therefore things are less likely to go wrong. However, there are many potential problems that could delay your interview, such as a faulty webcam or internet connectivity issues. Testing out your technology well in advance will lessen the chances of anything going wrong and show the employer that you are prepared.
Being too informal
Another trap that people can fall into with a Skype interview is to treat the entire affair as being less formal than a face-to-face meeting. Whilst the virtual aspect of it may increase convenience, the usual rules of formality should still apply. Remember to dress smartly and be respectful and polite to your interviewer.
Choosing a setting with too many distractions
It is very important to ensure that there are no distractions that could ruin the focus and flow of an interview. You should choose somewhere quiet with minimal disturbances, and warn anybody who may interrupt the interview to keep out of the way. To add to this, the background in view of the camera should be free from offensive or sensitive objects, such as bedroom posters or documents.
Failing to research beforehand
Taking time before an interview to research the prospective company is always important, as is familiarising yourself with any required technical knowledge and expertise. It is likely that the employer will ask questions regarding the organisation themselves as well as what you can contribute to the team, therefore failing to get to know the facts will mean that you cannot provide in-depth answers.
You might also find these articles useful:
14 signs your job interview went well
