Video Interview Tips
Video interviews or pre-recorded video interviews are commonly used to assess students and graduates for apprenticeships, internships, placements and graduate jobs. It is essential that you are not rejected at this early stage in the recruitment process. Here are 10 video interview tips to help you prepare, gain confidence and succeed. You can increase your chance of succcess with one-one coaching. At Interview Skills Clinic we offer flexible coaching options to meet your needs and budget
- 6 hour bespoke One-One Graduate Coaching Programme
- Online Graduate Interview Preparation Course
- 1 hour coaching as and when needed
Tip 1. Be Positive
Unlike most interviews a pre-recorded video interview is probably the most consistent and fairest interview you will have. All candidates applying for a role get asked the same recorded questions so you have an equal chance of being successful. All it needs is the right preparation. Your attitude can significantly influence how you’re perceived during an interview. It’s natural to feel nervous, but maintaining a positive attitude will help you project confidence and enthusiasm. Smile genuinely and keep your tone upbeat throughout, even though this is challenging when talking to a webcam! Positivity not only boosts your own confidence but also makes you build rapport with the interviewe, even though at this stage you you might only be seeing and hearing a recorded of them. Keep in mind that your qualifications and test results have already impressed them. By staying positive, you enhance your chances of leaving a lasting impression, demonstrating that you’re not only qualified but also someone they’d enjoy working with.
Tip 2. Make Sure You Can Be Seen and Heard
Clear visibility and audibility are essential during video interviews. Start by testing your webcam and microphone well in advance to ensure they function properly. Good lighting is crucial, so position yourself where light can shine on your face, like in front of a window or using a ring light. This helps avoid unflattering shadows and ensures your expressions are visible. Make sure to speak clearly and at a moderate pace, and adjust your microphone to minimise background noise. Clear audio and video allow the interviewer to focus on your answers without distractions, making your communication more effective and professional.
Tip 3. Prepare For Video or Pre-recorded Video Interview Questions
Most video interviews are fairly short with 4-8 questions, they often use motivational and competency-based questions to assess your fit for the role. Motivational questions might ask about your interest in the position and the company, while competency queries often require examples demonstrating specific skills. To prepare, review the job description and reflect on your experiences that align with the required skills. Think about scenarios where you’ve successfully applied these skills and be ready to discuss them. Structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to ensure clarity and relevance. This approach not only helps you stay focused but also makes your responses more impactful, showcasing your qualifications effectively.Do not simply expect common interview questions as you can be asked a combination of competency and strength based questions as well as more analytical and situational questions. Whilst competency questions test the ‘what’ and ‘how’ you behaved in a situation, strength questions test your natural strengths and enthusiasm. It is impossible to predict every question so prepare for a range of questions.
Common video interview questions
- Tell me about yourself and what you could bring to this programme/role.
- Why are you applying to us?
- Talk about our vision, what does it mean for how we work and communicate.
Competency video interview questions
Competency questions can be very varied but some of the most popular questions are on teamwork, communications and organisational skills:
- Give us an example of working collaboratively in a diverse team.
- Tell us a situation when you had to adapt your communication approach in order to communicate effectively.
- Tell us about a time when you were working under pressure, had to multi-task and achieve a difficult deadline.
For competency questions prepare a specific story to tell which demonstrates your experience for each of these questions. You can use the acronym STAR to help you structure your stories. Try not to be too formulaic. You want to tell them a real story which will engage the interviewer. ‘What was interesting or challenging about the situation? Why and how did you do what you did?’
Strength-based video questions:
Strength questions tend to focus on your motivation and resilience.
- Think about the last time you almost gave up on something. How did it make you feel?
- When are you at your happiest?
- Do you like it when your ideas stand out from the crowd?
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Analytical video questions:
Analytica questions assess how you approach problems and your communication skills. Getting the answer right is not so important.
- Some people say that hard factual data gives us all the information that we need. Do you think this is true? Why?
- How many golf balls are up in the air at any one time in the UK?
Situational video questions
Situational questions are more open and assess your curiosity, drive and desire to learn and achieve.
- If you had unlimited funds and six months available what would you do with your time?
- If you could invite 3 people dead or alive to dinner who would they be?
Tip 4. Practise Aloud In Front Of A Mirror
Generally we all feel more comfortable thinking to ourselves or writing out the answers but you need to practise aloud. You need to get to know your stories well and practise telling them differently each time so that you keep the stories fresh and conversational. Many candidates talk too quickly because they do not want to forget anything and want to get the interview ‘over and done with’. Take your time as with online and virtual interviews the interviewer cannot ask you to slow down and the assessor will have to concentrate more to follow you. Try and project your voice as this helps to convey energy and enthusiasm and use emphasis to get more variety in your tone.
Tip 5. Answer The Question Directly
It is very tempting to just hear some of the keywords in a question such as teamwork or communications and then regurgitate your prepared answer but to get a high assessment you have to answer the question directly. So it is important not to learn your answers off by heart because you need the flexibility to adapt your answer naturally to different questions or you could end up sounding and looking robotic. Avoid unnecessary digressions, as these can dilute the impact of your response. In a video interview, you normally are giving time to prepare and structure your answer before you record your answer. Stick to the main topic and ensure your answers are well-structured, reflecting your ability to stay organised and focused under pressure.
Tip 6. Keep To Time
Most video interviews ask for 2-3 minute answers. You want to use all the time they give you without over-running or you will be cut off in the middle of your answer. There is a stopwatch counter to help you. If you are struggling to answer a question for 2 minutes this a strong indication that you have not gone into enough detail. Go back over your examples and ask yourself, ‘What was interesting about this story? How did I contribute? Why did I do it this way? What does it say about me?’
Tip 7. Expect To Be Asked Unexpected Questions
To manage these questions effectively, practise thinking on your feet. Engage in mock interviews with friends or mentors where they throw random questions your way. This not only builds your confidence but also helps you get better at structuring your answers quickly. By preparing for the unexpected, you demonstrate adaptability and readiness to take on the diverse demands of the role you’re applying for. In most video interviews you are given 30 seconds after the question before the recording begins. This is invaluable thinking time. If your mind has gone blank and you cannot think of any example to share with them then it can be useful to think around the question, ‘Why are they asking this question?’. For example:
- “Tell me a time when you did something for the first time and it worked but when you tried it a second time it didn’t work?” If you cannot think of a specific example for this you could ask yourself, ‘Do I have a related story about solving a problem, being innovative or having to adapt to a situation?’
Tip 8. Dress For Interview
Whilst on occasion I have coached clients for interview dressed still in their dressing gown or cycling gear you need to be appropriately dressed for a face-to-face interview. A well-chosen outfit not only shows respect for the opportunity but also boosts your own confidence, helping you feel more prepared and focused. It demonstrates that you take the interview seriously and are keen to make a positive impression. Your clothing choices can convey your professionalism and readiness to be part of the team, so take the time to dress appropriately. Be mindful that you are interviewing online. Wearing a dark jacket can look very smart in person yet online it can make you look a bit too serious so add some colour with your shirt or scarf. If you are wearing a white shirt check on your webcam that you have not disappeared into the wall behind you!
Tip 9. Choose A Quiet Room
You are normally given a few days to book your interview slot so you have time to find the best location to record the interview. Opt for a quiet space where interruptions are unlikely. Inform those around you of your schedule to prevent any unexpected disturbances. Before the interview, take a moment to check your background. A clean, organised setting adds to the professional image you’re aiming to project.Close windows to avoid external noises and switch off any electronic devices that could interrupt the session. If possible, choose a room with a door you can close, offering an additional layer of soundproofing. Having everything you need within arm’s reach, such as notes or a glass of water, can also help maintain your focus. By taking these steps, you create an environment that allows you to present your best self, without the worry of unnecessary distractions. Try not to sit in front of a window or you could be seen in silhouette. If possible, try to remove any ‘clutter’ behind you and ensure that you do not have lights or pictures distracting from your face.
Tip 10. Be Yourself
The interviewer is going to warm towards you if they can see your personality showing through. Authenticity plays a crucial role in leaving a lasting impression during your video interview. It’s tempting to present an idealised version of yourself, but honesty and sincerity are far more effective in building genuine connections. When you speak candidly about your experiences, motivations, and aspirations, you provide the interviewer with a true sense of who you are, beyond your qualifications.Avoid rehearsing your answers to the point where they sound robotic. Instead, focus on conveying your thoughts naturally, as if you were having a real conversation. This approach not only helps you appear more relatable but also eases your nerves, making you feel more at ease during the interview. Being yourself also involves acknowledging your areas for improvement. When asked about challenges or weaknesses, be honest but frame them in a positive light, showing how you’ve worked to overcome them. This demonstrates self-awareness and a willingness to grow, traits that employers value. Furthermore, let your enthusiasm for the role and the company shine through. Genuine excitement is contagious and can make you stand out as a passionate and motivated candidate. Share specific reasons why the position aligns with your career goals and why you’re eager to contribute to the company’s success.In the end, being true to yourself makes it easier for the interviewer to envision you as a potential colleague, fostering trust and rapport that can significantly enhance your chances of success.
Like to learn more without the cost of one-one coaching? Check out our Online Interview Preparation Course For Students and Graduates
