Videoconference interview tips

Helpful hints and tips for candidates.

Think of the video conference in the same way as you would a physical face to face interview and do your preparation accordingly, however there are some subtle differences because of the technology. The points below will help you negotiate these successfully.

Dressing well

Wear neutral, solid colours avoid a white or light jacket. Checks, stripes and busy patterns should be avoided as these may distort with movement.

Pre Interview

You should arrive 10 to 15 before the start time of the interview so that you can become familiar with your surroundings before the interview begins.

The on-site operator will explain the process to you and will adjust the camera and volume if necessary. You will either see two or one television monitors. If there are two you are likely to see the interview panel on one and yourself on the other.If there is one monitor you will see the interview panel on it and then a smaller box in the corner of the screen showing yourself.

The reason for being able to see yourself is so that you know how they see you. If you are too far to one side or the camera is pointing elsewhere in the room, the on-site operator should alter this so that you can be seen clearly.

Noise

Modern high quality microphones are very sensitive so avoid tapping on the desk or shuffling papers.

Movement

Keep your hand or body movements down to a minimum. Rapid or repetitious movements can look quite jerky on a video monitor or you could move out of shot.

Eye contact

As you speak try to look at the camera, usually positioned on top of the monitor, rather than the monitor itself. This will give a better appearance of eye contact. Speak normally as you would in a conversation, and don't forget to smile

Sound delay

Sometimes there can be a slight time delay. If this happens wait a moment before answering questions to ensure that they have finished speaking. The interview panel will notice this and appreciate that you are making allowances for the delay. In addition don’t speak for too long; as well as losing your interviewers concentration, if the interview is being recorded you may be 'fast forward'.

Technical problems

Should there be any problem such as the picture freezing, do calmly inform the interview panel. Explain what you can see, or not see and that you will be leaving the room for a moment to ask the on-site operator to help. Do not worry, on the rare occasions that this happens all that is needed is a re-boot.

Duration of meeting

Be aware of the time. Make sure you can cover your agenda in the allotted interview time as the facility has been booked for a specific time it may not be possible to over run.

End of interview

At the end of the interview, thank the employer for the interview. Mute the sound and leave the room.