You have made it through the initial phone interview and are thrilled to find out that you are moving on to the next round – a video interview. Congrats! Now, how do you prepare? Our recruiters offered these tips to ace your next video interview.

Remove Distractions

Choose a quiet location for the video interview with a neutral background. Make a plan to avoid common distractions like kids, pets, or the mailman interrupting the interview.

Do a Trial Run

Practice your interview in advance with a friend or family member to get feedback on body language, tone, and volume. Many people find they need to exaggerate emotions during a video interview for them to come across.

Test Your Technology

Ensure all aspects of technology are working properly in advance including internet connection, webcam, and audio. This is a good time to optimize video quality by selecting a natural light source or tripod to capture the most professional video.

Login Early

“Arrive” early to a video interview, just as you would an in-person interview. This will give you a few minutes for any final preparations or adjustments needed before the interview starts.

Have a Back-Up Plan

Even if you have completed a trial run, it is a good idea to have a contingency plan in place that you are comfortable with. Make sure you could quickly transition to completing the interview another way (phone, tablet) if your technology malfunctions.

Dress for Success

Dress as you would for an in-person interview in a manner that is appropriate for the position you are interviewing for. Avoid loud patterns or designs that may appear distracting on camera.

Research the Company

In addition to the typical preparation you would do for an interview, research aspects that might have changed for the company as a result of the pandemic. Try to understand how that might impact the position you are interviewing for.

Prepare Your Questions

Based on your research, prepare a few questions to ask during the interview. Asking good questions shows you are prepared and engaged in the interview.

Preparation is key for any interview, and possibly even more important with video interviewing. Familiarize yourself with the company and technology in advance. On the day of the interview, you only need to focus on doing your best. If you have additional questions prior to your interview, the recruiter you are working with is a great resource.