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Video Interviews

Online Interviews | Pre-recorded Video Interviews | Recorded Video Interviews
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Video Interviews 

Do you need help with video interviews? Interview Skills Clinic are expert coaches helping clients succeed in a video interview. Video interviews can very varied depending on the role and organisation, we can help you prepare for a leadership, competency, strength, value or blended interview. During the Covid pandemic, we have seen an increase in the use of video interviews at every stage in the recruitment process and they are so cost-effective it is likely that most organisations will continue with video interviews. There are two main types of video interview:

  • Live video interview on MS Teams, Zoom or Skype
  • Pre-recorded video interview with pre-recorded interview questions. You answer talking directly to the webcam for a set duration and your answer is recorded using the interview platform.

We successful helped clients succed in video interviews for a wide range of organisations such as:

  • Amazon, even with first stage interviews remember to prepare examples based around their leadership principles. At the final stage, you are likely to have five forty-five min video interviews each based on two leadership principles.
  • Google,
  • Earnst & Young,  EY generally carry out value based interviews, rather than competency questions.
  • PwC, roles at PwC are highly sought after so expect multiple video interviews, with a range of competency, technical and motivational questions.
  • John Lewis, like many organisations John Lewis has had to move across to video interviews. Essentially, they take a competency based approach.
  • NHS, the NHS run value based interviews with some competency based questions.
  • The Bank of England, they tend to take blended approach with technical, motivational and competency questions. Be prepared for a tough first video interview which some tricky questions which are difficult to prepare for. For example:  Discuss what a cashless society would look like and how The Bank of England plays a role?
  • Aldi, expect multiple video interviews at Aldi, normally starting initially with a pre-recorded video interview.
  • Netword Rail, Network rail run competency interviews for all their video interviews.
  • Virgin Media, most interviews at Virgin Media take a blended interview style, with technical, competency, motivational and competency.
  • Open Reach
  • Tesco
  • Civil Service and Civil Service Fast Stream, the Civil Service often us Strength based interview questions for the first pre-recorded video interview and then Success Profiles for the second video interview.

How To Prepare For Video Interviews

We recommend that all our clients send us the job specification and details of the video interview so that one of our coaches can send you some preparation to do prior to the coaching session. Depending on your style of video interview we will send you some of answer frameworks to help you prepare and some interview questions before or after your mock interview. Depending on the complexity of the interview and style we will recommend the number of coaching sessions needed. Most clients, will have 2-3 one hour coaching sessions. However, this is not always needed and some pre-recorded video interviews are very short and only asked 4-6 questions, in which case we will split an hour coaching session into two thirty minute sessions.

Practise Video Interviews

It is essential to practise for a video interview. If you haven’t had one before it can be very distracting to talk directly to a webcam and to see yourself on the screen. If you are having pre-recorded video interview it is important to practise ansering questions within a set time-frame. Most companies allow for between 2-3 minutes, with 20-30 seconds thinking time. Some clients choose a mock interview so that they can practise this style of interview and feel more confident. We video record all online coaching sessions so you can play it back, practise further and see how well you are coming across.

Video Interview Tips

How you set yourself up for a video interview can impact on how you come across so spend some time getting the technology right:

  1. Room and background – Ensure you carry out the video interview in a quiet room with an uncluttered background behind you. On most online platforms like MS Teams you can blur the image behind yourself.
  2. Lighting – Sit with the window in front of you, not behind you otherwise you will be seen in silhoutte. Try adding some front light to lighten your face.
  3. Wifi connection – Always test the wifi connection beforehand and if necessary buy an Ethernet adapter or cable to have a stronger and faster connection.
  4. Camera – You will not need a separate camera for a video interview as you will be using your webcam. Some devices have integrated webcams at the bottom of the screen which is not a flattering camera angle. Instead, we recommend that you buy a webcam that can positioned at the top of the screen.
  5. Check and test  – Always test all equipment before starting a video interview. If it is live interview agree a reconnection plan at the start of the interview. If you are having a pre-recorded video interview ensure you have the recruiter’s email and telephone number just in case you have technical problems.

Video Interview Questions

A live video interview will have the same interview questions as an interview face-to-face. The interview questions will depend on the job specification and the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the job description. Before a preparation coaching session, one of our coaches will send you preparation to do before the coaching session and we will send you the interview questions we think are most likely to come up in the interview.  Additionally, the questions will depend on the style of interview you are having. For example, a competency, strength or value based interview. If you have been invited to a pre-recorded video interview then it is likely that the inteview will be very short with just 4-6 questions. Most questions are assessing your motivation and interest in the role. For example:

  • Tell me about yourslef and what you could bring to the role?
  • Tell me three reasons you want this role and what would put off accepting it?
  • What do you know about our 2021 vision and what impact will it have on how we work and communicate?
  • What’s the most difficult decision you had to make?
  • When have you faced conflict in a team?
  • Tell me about a time someone had a very different perspective to yourself, how did you influence them?

Proven Success

Transform your interview result. We have an 80% success rate across all our interviews. Over 500 clients have added reviews to our website directly.  Read Reviews.

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Coaching

For video interviews we recommend coaching by  Zoom, MS Teams or Skype with video recording as this will give you the best practise for the type of interview you have.

Coaches

We are a team of 4 coaches, Elizabeth Conley founder of Interview Skills Clinic, Matt Eastlake, Jane Gill and Chista Kermani.

Coaching Fees

Most clients preparing for an apprenticeship interview will need the equivalent of two one hour coaching sessions. For school leavers, we sometimes find shorter half-hour coaching sessions work best. We discount multiple 1 hour sessions to £130 +vat and will split coaching for 16 years olds to multiple half hour sessions.

 

Why Interview Skills Clinic

  • Interview Skills Clinic was set up in 2014 and have built up an excellen interview coaching reputation
  • We are friendly and care that our clients succeed
  • We have a proven track record with over 500 reviews on our website and an 85% success rate
  • We are experts in interviews, whether you interview is blended, competency, strength or value based. Contact us to discuss your interview and see how we can help.
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Fabiula Rifiski on October 16, 2024 at 09:16 am

Elizabeth is truly amazing. She has not only helped me stand tall but also completely transformed how I approach interviews and view my skill set. As an interview coach, she goes beyond the basics of preparing for a role. She helps you tailor your skills to fit the specific roles you’re applying for, but more importantly, she opens your eyes to what you’re truly capable of. Sometimes we underestimate our natural abilities because they come easily to us, but Elizabeth shows you how to express these in a way that highlights their full value. She helps you see beyond tasks and focus on the big picture - especially on soft skills, which are crucial in today’s job market. When I first worked with Elizabeth, I received offers from three major companies immediately after our sessions, and I was able to choose the role that was the perfect fit for me. When I later went through a career change, she helped me again, and I successfully landed the job I was aiming for. I highly recommend Elizabeth. Her insights and guidance are invaluable!

Emily Stroud on September 24, 2024 at 11:06 am

Coaching with Claire Hodgson was the best decision I made to kick start my career. Warm and approachable and also punchy, she challenged me to improve much more than I believed I was capable of, and then built up my confidence to perform optimally at interview. I know I would not have got my dream job in the Civil Service without her help. She’s a great coach, so do not waste another second thinking about hiring her. Do it. If you want the job, she is the key to get you through the door.

Jon on September 04, 2024 at 11:40 am

I highly recommend Elizabeth and the interview skills clinic. Elizabeth helped me prepare for an interview for a Civil Service Grade 6 role and the three sessions gave me the confidence and skills needed to get the job. As someone who has struggled with interviews in the past I now have the skills to confidently tackle senior Civil Service interviews for the years to come. Elizabeth has a complete understanding the civil service behaviours and interview format so it felt like getting insider knowledge which proved to be essential. Thanks again to Elizabeth and the team.

Ivana on March 25, 2024 at 08:43 am

Elizabeth is an outstanding interview coach whom I highly recommend. Her sessions helped me overcome insecurities as a non-native speaker working in higher education, boosting my confidence and highlighting my skills and abilities. Elizabeth’s calm and kind attitude helped me to stay grounded, but also guided me back to my strengths when I felt lost during the interview, ultimately leading to the attainment of my dream job. I am immensely grateful for her support and look forward to future collaborations.

Sonal on February 22, 2024 at 13:04 pm

Elizabeth is a very supportive coach. I was applying for a Business Analyst role and within an hour of a second interview I was called back by the company to let me know that they really liked me and offered me the job. I thought I knew how to use the STAR approach before but Elizabeth has a unique interpretation of it and I was complimented on my response. What really helped me was the way she broke the STAR up for me in a way which was relevant to the role and sector I was going for. My interview felt much more like a conversation. I learnt a lot and feel so much more confident in interviews

Aashna on February 20, 2024 at 12:50 pm

After five years abroad,I decided to re enter the London job market. Having used Elizabeth's services before, I did not hesitate to contact her again. With her guidance and support I was successful in getting offers from multiple companies. Elizabeth is sincere and cares about her clients and their job satisfaction beyond the remit of her role as an interview coach, her many years of experience give her a discerning eye and she can predict in a very short space of time what her clients need and how to get them from A to B. I would recommend her wholeheartedly. She also goes out of her way to make time for her clients and is very punctual and organised.

Alexia on February 11, 2024 at 16:38 pm

Interview coaching with Matt was exactly what I needed. My skills were rusty and I'd lost confidence. I really liked Matt's direct but supportive approach. I was out of my comfort zone during the sessions (which was good!) but through practice my confidence grew and learning took place. I now have an excellent structure to work with for future interviews. I'm very grateful for Matt's help. Thank you.

Kris on January 30, 2024 at 12:43 pm

I was feeling insecure in my communication skills when I met with Elizabeth for a mock interview. Her knowledge paired with her straightforward approach meant that in one hour we had covered a number of actionable insights that instantly boosted my confidence. I walked into the interview with a clear plan (and renewed belief in my competence) and dare I say I even enjoyed it! Thank you for doing what you do!

Yasmin on January 21, 2024 at 22:50 pm

Matthew has been incredibly supportive and helpful throughout my application process (on multiple occasions. With his support, I was able to land my first civil service role. He put a lot of effort and enthusiasm into every session. His techniques were incredibly helpful and I have learnt skills that I will continue to use throughout my career. Couldn’t recommend more.

Develyn on January 17, 2024 at 14:00 pm

Elizabeth is a fabulous coach. Following her coaching, I had two coaching sessions I got a senior programme manager role in the Civil Service, it was a very complex role. I offered the job and I was told my interview was excellent!! Elizabeth gave me such detailed and insghtful feedabck I was able to reshape all my Behaviour answers and went into the interview feeling much more confident. Thank you Elizabeth

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