Today, we are talking about a 6 step plan to prepare for a video interview. Since the pandemic, the recruitment world has changed drastically. Not only are businesses hiring more remote and hybrid employees, but they’re using new methods to assess candidates. Even after the restrictions of the pandemic subsided, video interviews have remained popular.
One study found that though 82% of employers adopted “virtual interviews” because of the pandemic, 93% planned on continuing to use them in the future.
The rise of video in the interview process means financial candidates need to master new skills to ensure they make a lasting first impression on employers. Everything from preventable technical glitches to a poorly chosen environment can harm your chances of success.
Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your next video interview.
The 6-Step Plan for Video Interview Success
Although adapting to a new style of interview can seem daunting, it’s worth noting that video interviews offer benefits to both candidates and employers.
- Employers benefit from time and cost savings.
- Video interviews can be scheduled to accommodate a hiring manager’s schedule and can take place anywhere, reducing the need for dedicated interview spaces.
- Plus, with video interviews, employers can connect with potential employees anywhere in the world, paving the way for remote hiring opportunities.
On the other hand, candidates benefit from being able to attend an interview from the comfort of their own home, with no commute.
So, how do you prepare to make the right impression over video?
Step 1: Technical Preparedness
While financial candidates don’t need to be technical experts to excel at video interviews, they do need a basic understanding of how to use the tools necessary for the process. The first step you’ll need to take is checking your internet connection.
You can use online speed tests to ensure there isn’t any lag that could prevent your video and audio from streaming properly over the web. If your internet is slow, consider using a friend or family member’s home for the interview.
Secondly, you’ll need to ensure you’re comfortable with the interview platform your potential employer uses.
Zoom and Microsoft Teams are common choices, and they’re free to download and experiment with if you need a little practice. However, some recruiters may use specialist software, so it may be worth asking for access prior to the interview.
Lastly, ensure your camera, microphone, and speakers (or headphones) are working correctly. Consider conducting a conference with a friend before the interview to minimize the risk of problems occurring during the interview.
Step 2: Setting up your Environment
With a video interview, it’s not just what you wear and how you present yourself to employers that informs their opinion of you. Your background and the environment you choose for the interview will provide insights into your work ethic and your ability to prepare.
When preparing for your financial job interview, choose a location that’s quiet, clean, and well-organised. Ideally, you’ll want to place yourself in front of a neutral background, such as a white wall, and make sure you have plenty of natural light.
Look for ways to minimise distractions and interruptions during the meeting. You might choose to lock your door to prevent family members from barging in unexpectedly or simply let them know that you’re going to be unavailable during the interview.
Step 3: Dress for Success
A lot of financial candidates and other job seekers make the mistake of thinking they can dress casually for a video interview. It’s easy to fall into these habits when connecting with employers from the comfort of your home. However, it’s important to make a positive impression by dressing professionally.
Research the company culture prior to your interview for insights into how you might be expected to dress. If you’re unsure what to wear, choose simple, professional clothing, and avoid bright colours and patterns that may be distracting on camera.
Ensure you’re dressed professionally from head to toe that means no sweatpants or PJ bottoms. Additionally, experiment with the camera position to ensure your interviewer can see your full face, shoulders, and a little of your background.
Step 4: Master Body Language
One thing that separates video interviews from phone interviews is that your recruiter can see you, your body language, and your facial expressions. Similarly to a face-to-face meeting, how you present yourself non-verbally can directly impact your chances of success.
Avoid slouching in your chair because you’re comfortable at home. Sit with your back straight and your shoulders open. Key your arms on your lap or desk, and avoid typing emails or doing other things during the interview. You can use hand gestures to elaborate on a point and show passion, but avoid moving your arms around too much, as this can be distracting.
Eye contact is also important, though often difficult to master during video conversations. Try to ensure you’re looking directly at your camera rather than the interviewer on-screen when you’re answering questions.
Step 5: Practice
As interviewers need to practice before they connect with candidates, financial professionals can benefit from practising their interview skills prior to a conversation. One of the best ways to familiarise yourself with the experience and reduce your nerves is to conduct mock interviews.
Using the software chosen for the interview, ask a friend or family member to connect with you online and ask you some basic questions. At the end of the mock interview, ask your friend to give you candid feedback about your body language and responses.
It may even be worth recording the interview so you can watch it back later and look for problems you can fix. For instance, you might notice your background is too distracting or that you’re not looking at the camera often enough.
Step 6: Prepare for Technical Glitches
Finally, while testing your technology before an interview can reduce your chances of encountering technical glitches, it’s still important to know how to handle yourself if issues arise. Avoid panicking, getting frustrated, or shouting at the screen.
Stay calm and composed, and apologise for the issue if it concerns your technology. You can also consider having a backup solution on hand if something goes wrong. For instance, give your interviewer your phone number, and keep your phone on hand.
At the end of the interview, no matter what happens, thank your interviewer for their time and finish the conversation with a smile.
Mastering Video Interviews in the Finance World
While adapting to new interviewing trends, like video interviews, can seem complicated, it’s something most financial professionals will need to manage in the years ahead. Video interviews are an excellent time-saving and cost-saving tool for many employers.
Fortunately, with the tips above, you can improve your chances of making a lasting first impression, even if your first interaction with an employer is in the virtual world.
Thanks
Rachel
About Rebus Financial Recruitment
Rebus Financial Recruitment provides a specialist and focused recruitment service to its customers, ranging from various organisations, including SMEs, to large PLCs.
We strive to offer both the client and candidate a seamless recruitment experience. Using our expertise, we get to the heart of employer and employee needs, and, in doing so, we match the two perfectly.
To learn more, contact one of our team today or call us on 01282 930930.
