Video Interview Tips - How To Ace Your Online Interview!

[@beninformato9040]

Red flag. You arrive to your video interview on-time with your camera on. You're prepared, well groomed and dressed professional with excellent questions. The executive team and hiring manager(s) arrive late with their cameras off. You politely mention, in case they are unaware, that their cameras are off and you can't see them. They all laugh at your comment and say "AH!, but we can see you! hahahah!" Yes! That happened to me.

[@oprion9976]

TBH, that’s not entirely true, It could be some times managers have back to back interviews and work on the additional task on plate and no time to be groomed to be on video, so they kind of skip. This has nothing to do with whom they are interviewing . It’s always get boils down to how u sell yourself and the if you are a good fit to the role

[@shannonnailedit]

Wouldn’t you love to just turn that around on them; Ok then-thank you for not wasting anymore of my time! 🥸

[@csgopedagogy187]

Litterally watched this video yesterday and had a video interview today. During which the recruiter accused me of googling answers because I wasnt looking directly at the camera and then proceeded to lecture me. I have not been this angry or offended in an interview in my entire career. But the timing of seeing this and then having that experince is ironic 😂

[@isamargarrido818]

The one about logging in a day before to check connection is so important! I have almost had a melt down the other day cuz i had to download something 10 mins before the interview lol

[@susanmacmaster5804]

I had an interview with 3 people and the director's camera was one place and she was facing to the side. It was off-putting and I couldn't get a read on her body language and facial expressions. I couldn't tell if she was taking notes, or doing work during the interview. The other people were facing front and very engaged.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Yep, that's annoying 😂. Or, speaking with a person that 😮doesn't understand that you look into the camera to look directly at the person, not at the screen. That's why a lot of cameras now have a light on them to show where to focus your eyes, but many still don't understand that.

[@samf.s.7731]

@@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley yeah I was interviewed by someone who worked during... I think he was just legit swamped though. Like he clearly was on edge.

[@emergingloki]

Talk to your camera, not to the person on your screen. Keep an eye on them using your peripheral vision.

[@fatesrequiem]

It should be noted in regards to the eye contact and nervousness thing…some people have a fear of being in front of a camera. Some people are on the autistic spectrum. Other people have ADHD….these types of video interviews, especially the ones run by AI and not humans, can be really humiliating and awkward. We’re going to see a lot of quality candidates passed over for people who look good on camera but don’t perform as well at jobs.

[@Info-God]

Fair, simple, easy to follow and professional advices. Thank a lot. Please do not forget about vids on opening/running a business.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Also be careful of what you might have hanging on your room walls. I wasn't prepared for an interviewer to want a tour of the space I would be working in to ensure it was an enclosed, interior room of the home that could be locked. The only space I had available that fit this criteria in my prior apartment was my bedroom. I had to pick up the camera and pan the room, giving a lovely view of all of the video game and anime posters I had on my wall at the time. They were safe for work! I know anime can be very lewd and that's just not my cup tea. But it was still embarrassing and surprise, surprise, I didn't get the job, though I felt I was qualified. Similarly, remove your figurines if you collect any that may be inappropriate or weird. In short...don't let your employer know you're a nerd or a weeb. Yes, some employers are happy to see your personality, but most are going to be put-off. Once you have the job, have fun and display your stuff if it's safe for work, but don't risk losing a job you might really want due to someone's quick perception of you (I'm referring to working remote but still needing to be on camera at times). When I moved to my new apartment, I initially chose to not hang up any of my wallscrolls, but now, I'm considering pulling them off the scrolls and framing them to make them look a little more tasteful. They still will not be present when interviewing, though, but now I live alone and have more areas to interview.

[@ALifeAfterLayoff]

I find that to be a very strange ask of the recruiter, and likely would turn me off from the role. They either trust you or they don't with remote work.

[@RUM123]

You deny that request. That is a private security concern.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

@@RUM123 Heh, vice-versa, they see it as a private security concern with not being able to ensure you're in a locked bedroom, lol.

[@RUM123]

@@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley really? Their poor pitiful "top secret company secrets", tisk, tisk. Wouldn't be the first time somebody was robbed or had their home broken into after a nice little video they provided to the perp. Welcome to the 21st century.

[@dianaalyssa8726]

That's invasive. Most they get to see from me is my green screen. Am also in the ethernet room, not my bedroom so it's a very pg, neutral gamer/streamer space. Anime waifu is in my bedroom though. My walls are very neutral, some wall art, if I had to show my boyfriend the area it's super neutral but nobody else gets a tour of my bedroom. I still don't feel comfortable with showing off any room space other than a few inches by the camera at most.

[@breakmywalletmotorsport]

Most video conference platforms have a filter where you can blur the background.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

This would be a great solution to what I commented about with being careful of what you have on your walls when interviewing, lol.

[@davidglad]

@@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley I was of the impression they asked anyway to see what your working area will look like. I've competed in MUCH TOUGHER job markets, though yes, it seems at times they will inexplicably choose not to hire or promote you. If they just gave the silly response they went with a better, "more qualified", candidate it's like you'd shrug whatever.

[@DanielleCarr01]

I love video interviews. I put post it notes right on my screen at eye level with key points or questions I need to remember

[@richsposato]

There are diplomas, academic awards, professional awards, patents, and certifications on the back wall of my office. All are visible in an interview or work meeting. One recruiter said that seeing so many awards and certs in the background came across as bragging. I thought that was odd since I never mentioned any in the interview, but most are on my resume.

[@lacedhexes]

I think that just relates to what he said, people will judge you based on your environment! That's why it's good to have a white background. I think there's always a short period of getting to trust the person we meet for the first time, maybe it's some ancient survival instinct we have. People are so diverse, you never know what kind of prejudice or past traumas a person has. Let's say the person has some cat allergies or a bad childhood memory related to the cats, and they see cats in your background. It will automatically trigger them. The same can be said about certificates, you can think of many reasons why that may cause anxiety. My favorite would be this - the boss is afraid that you are smarter than them. 😄

[@skip123davis]

you make some good points. most of it is common sense which is no longer common - it's nearly a super power, but points taken. i do virtual meetings on my dining room table, in a place that only has a blank wall behind me with good lighting from the kitchen and a nearby window. no "personal items" are in view. i never script it, and have most of my thoughts off the top of mind when i prepare. i also do a trial login, which is GREAT advice! i tell them i'm going to do that, and usually suggest teams, cuz everyone has it, but i can also do google. since i'm driving an m1 mac book air with earbuds, that's not a problem either. i'll only do audio only in a car if i'm working. they usually understand.

[@ladysparkymartin]

Oh gosh I learned fast! I had my first zoom IV for a professional job in Nov 2021. All pre-interviews with HR remotely via phone went fine, hence I got the interview with the hiring mgr. I was on my desktop at home for this. My bg was good, my top and face and hair were good. But! I got a throat tickle and needed to scuttle to my disarrayed kitchen for water which I now know was also at the edge of my video view, not to mention the interviewer also saw my grey sweat pants and slippers as I ran. Once I sat back down, I simply said, still coughing, I think I need to go. She agreed. Holy F! Still sent a follow up thank you though! Learned lots. Still SMH 😅

[@ALifeAfterLayoff]

Next time turn off the camera first :)

[@aaronaustrie]

I'd rather the in person interview. I'd rather one on one communication and not behind the screen. I believe this is more efficient and effective!

[@samf.s.7731]

True but not for me!

[@fawazsaeed5806]

Never fail to impress 👍

[@tobiasthederp]

When interviewers have the same distractions going on but yet judge the candidate on the same criteria... that's why most companies get hiring wrong and miss out on great candidates. Hypocrisy is a major that most interviewers exceled in during their education, or lack there of.

[@withpikachu2402]

Sometimes interviewer asks that kind of Googleable answer. I don't have encyclopedia in my head nor I am pop quiz wizard. We all look up info online.

[@neliaferreira9983]

Also, if you are typing notes (the base salary they offer, work-hours, etc), do let them know. Otherwise, the interviewer just sees you looking away and focused on something else on your screen...

[@samf.s.7731]

Well I told them I had ASD so I can break eye contact at some points. Albeit not always but can happen. Doesn't mean I'm not listening.

[@paulhornbogen980]

Good points B. Professional.

[@davids6898]

I have an online interview tomorrow and I am currently moving out of my home into a smaller apartment next week. The house is so cluttered there’s just one spot I can use. Thankfully it’s in the same room as the router so I should have good connection at least.

[@denistyumbarov3477]

can you advise how to approach someone who has just announced of leaving the company (i.e. with curiosity or awareness ?)

[@gidgetgetscrafty]

I have an upcoming virtual interview and was planning on sitting at my craft table. Would a peg-board with craft supplies behind me be inappropriate? I'll probably blur the background to be on the safe side.

[@ALifeAfterLayoff]

It's probably fine, but tidy it up first.

[@gidgetgetscrafty]

@@ALifeAfterLayoff Yep. Definitely have to test it out before hand to check the lighting and camera level (see if I need to put something under my laptop to lift it higher). Plus figure out my personal Teams login from 2020.

[@xiucheb4201]

I had a video interview and the hiring manager didn’t want to be on camera but I was on camera. I had the perfect skill fit and experience but I didn’t get hired. I use an indirect question to ask her saying “what challenges will I be facing base on my skills and qualifications? She said I’m a good fit and I was ghosted after that lol

[@eemotion]

Almost sounds like they were hiring internally and had no intention of hiring externally!

[@tyrojames9937]

I had 2 VI's last year.

[@denistyumbarov3477]

any advise how to find out salaries within the department, similar roles at specific company ?

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Glassdoor, would be my suggestion.

[@briancrainfan]

If I have an interview with someone face to face but only one of them meets me when I head out does this mean that I didn't get the job? Initially I had 2 people meet me in a group interview but the person said this person will see you to the door. She gave me a fish kind of handshake.

[@cuivre2004]

I've had interviewers get distracted by wildlife (rabbit and squirrel) outside their home office window. They came across as very ditzy, yet they were in relatively senior positions, somehow,

[@eggjewla]

I think you can be an extremely competent professional and effective leader and still get a good laugh from a random squirrel. Cmon… we are all human.

[@26Bluegb]

Not seeing the link to the phone holder/ ring light

[@izamalcadosa2951]

I put sticky-notes on the top-side of my laptop on top with the possible answers they might ask! 😉😁

[@rooster2k1]

What camera are you using?

[@ALifeAfterLayoff]

On this video or as my webcam?

[@Doctajones2]

I recently finished a 4-interview process with a very prominent telecommunications company. The final interview went well and I was informed it was only me and one other candidate in the running. They ended up giving the offer to the other candidate, who was internal. The recruiter said she “was not done with me yet” and would keep me in mind for any other marketing roles that fit. Should I believe that? I also made connections with some of the interviewing directors/managers on LinkedIn and asked them to keep me in mind. Thoughts??

[@greencase]

Move on.

[@Doctajones2]

@@greencase they are pulling me in again for another role. I’ll let you know how it goes.

[@Doctajones2]

@@greencase I got the job! Don’t just “move on” when you don’t get it the first time! I ended up with an over 50% pay increase and an awesome title just for not giving up! Life = changed.

[@eemotion]

@@Doctajones2 Awesome to hear!!

[@Doctajones2]

@@eemotion thank you!!!

[@dianaalyssa8726]

I used a green screen.

[@Ressy66]

@8:25 what's that saying, better to be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt.... or something like that anyway.. I've probably screwed that up and.... proved it.... hahaha

[@paulheiting6484]

So you're saying that having a spread-eagle sex doll in the background is a no-go? ☹️

[@genx7006]

Video interviews are humiliating.😢

[@ALifeAfterLayoff]

They are a necessary evil.

[@Info-God]

Those pre-recorded? I had one and I am not an actor or manipulative person.

[@jayhenry3146]

1st

[@deersakamoto2167]

Your videos would look better if you dropped that 10 second stock intro and saying "subscribe to this channel" before providing any value - they have a bit of scammy vibe (common on YT) even when the content that follows is legit

[@ALifeAfterLayoff]

I add timestamps if you want to skip the intro.

[@deersakamoto2167]

@@ALifeAfterLayoff Yeah, I think most people know how to fast forward with right-arrow (→). Advanced users use Sponsorblock - I'm just saying your videos would look better (less "produced" in a bad way & more trustworthy) without the intro. It's not about convenience. It's about credibility