What are our top tips for students?
Video interviews in general tend to be shorter with less small talk so it is important to gain a strong connection with the interviewer from the outset.
Make sure that you do your research on the interviewer. Are they on the company website? Are they on LinkedIn? Read any blogs they may have written and research their professional experience so you know how to pitch your tone. Be genuine and if the moment is right engage with them on this level.
It goes without saying that researching the organisation is crucial. Without the visual clues and prompts you might have in an office environment, it is important to know as much as you can about the organisation so you can stay ahead of any questions they might ask you.
Being in a home environment can be distracting so it is important to find a quiet place where you can focus on the interview questions. This shows the interviewer that you are serious and professional. The interviewer will not be impressed if you are walking in the park or if they struggle to hear you.
Good lighting is essential so that there is a clear picture. The interviewer should be able to see your facial expressions and fully engage with you as if you were in the same room. Try to adjust the lighting and keep it in front of you so you do not appear as a silhouette.
Try to look into the camera so the interviewer has the impression you are looking them in the eye. Also test the camera and try to position yourself so that it is at eye level by adjusting the height of your laptop. Get a good enough shot so that the view captures your shoulders upward.
Although we all want to express ourselves, choosing a neutral background is usually best where the interviewer doesn't have a window into a messy bedroom! This way they can focus on you and what you are saying.
The good thing about video interviews is you can have notes prepared and have them discreetly in front of you or to the side of your computer. If there is something you desperately don't want to forget, you can also have post-it notes stuck around the computer so that it is easy for you to see.
Try out the system before hand with a friend or using multiple devices so there are no technical hiccups which will panic you as the interview starts. Usually the interviewer will call you but make sure you are clear about who is starting the call or how to connect so you are not waiting unnecessarily.
Finally, in these uncertain times be clear on the timeline and processes for the application so you are not left in the dark. If you can get an understanding about their communication strategy it will give you reassurance on the next steps. Don't be worried if it takes longer to hear back after your interview. With more colleagues working remotely it can sometimes take longer to get decisions signed off.
Good luck and keep us updated on how your video interviews are going! For more information or how to book one to one appointments please contact us at busemployability@gre.ac.uk
