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Technology has changed the way we work. Work from home options are now more common than ever and technology is a great way to stay in contact with our colleagues and clients.

Also, under the current circumstances that we find ourselves in, during a prolonged period of “lockdown” video interviewing may become the standard practice of interviewing – who knows!

More and more businesses are utilising technology during the interview process and video interviews are becoming more common. These are especially useful when there are geographical differences with interviews.

Below are some of the key things to consider before and during a video interview. Whilst some of these points may seem obvious, they can be extremely important for a successful interview.

Background & camera angle –Make sure prior to your interview you check the angle of your camera. You should have the camera facing directly at you, nobody wants to see the top of your head or a shot of your chin. Also, make sure that you are in the image as your interviewer will want to see more than just your forehead. Remove items from behind you that could be offensive/distracting and ideally have a plain white wall as your background.

Dress for the occasion – Whilst it may feel more casual being in your living room for an interview, it is important to still dress for the occasion. Dress appropriately, make sure your outfit is clean and ironed and wear a formal dress if necessary. First impressions count and this is no different for a video interview.

Test your camera and mic beforehand – Most companies will secure a one hour slot for an interview, in some cases less. You don’t want to spend that time trying to get technology to work for you. Do a test run on both camera and microphone with a family member or friend in advance of your meeting. Skype has a test option within your contacts called Echo. If all else fails, make sure you have contact details of the person you are meeting with, as sometimes companies will resort to a phone interview. At the end of the interview, make sure your microphone and camera are off before doing anything that you would not want your interviewer to hear or see.

Bandwidth/Internet connection –Make sure you have enough bandwidth available for a successful video call. If family or friends are streaming movies or TV, ask them to take a break for an hour to make sure you get the best quality for your interview. If possible, place yourself near your Wifi router, or plug into it directly. Just in case the video still isn’t great, make sure your profile picture is professional.

Different software – Skype revolutionised video meeting technology and the name is still widely used in reference to video meetings/interviews. There are however many other options available now such as Zoom and Google Hangouts. Also, make sure that the version of the software you are using is the same, we have had instances of the interviewer using Skype for Businesses and the interviewee using the personal version, and they are not compatible. Make sure when the interview is being set up that you’re aware of which software is being used and that you have access to it.

Here at Tyler Wren, we have arranged many VCs and, on the whole, they tend to go well. They can feel a little awkward to start with but focus on your interviewers and what they are saying rather than the fact that you’re talking to a screen. We are always here to support you and will happily log on to a VC with you so you have the opportunity to review, we can ensure that your screen is in the right position and that your microphone is working. 

If you’d like further tips or have any other questions then please give us a call. 

Ben Holloway – +64 9 930 8520 – bholloway@tylerwren.co.nz