How to best prepare for a graduate video interview!
/Let’s face it; applying for graduate positions these days is hard. It’s super competitive, there is a lot of work that goes into applications often for what feels like little reward. Over the next couple of weeks, I’m producing a bunch of free content aimed at helping graduates! The focus this week is video interviews. In weeks to come, you can expect tips on assessment centres, face to face interviews and the all important LinkedIn profile.
One-way video interviews are fast becoming a popular method to screen graduate candidates. Whether you like it or not if you are applying to any corporate business you will most likely have to undertake a video interview. Before we get started on acing that interview let’s take a look where video fits in the recruitment process
Video as a screening method
What did companies do before video? It’s pretty simple; they used to pick up the phone. For various reasons and the benefit of both the candidate and organisation the trend has been towards replacing phone interviews with video interviews. So when does this mean you should expect to complete a video interview? The name video interview is slightly miss leading, video interviews are used as a screening tool. To put the recruitment process into context you can usually expect to apply for a role, the second step may be psychometric testing and third we see video interviewing being used. The video interview is an easy way to reduce the number of applicants a business meets face to face. I am sure they would love to meet you all unfortunately time is not our friend! So to sum up video interviewing will be in the earlier stages of the recruitment process. Essentially it is the gateway to you meeting the employer face to face.
How does a video interview work?
Video interviews are essentially automated one-way interviews. You can usually use your computer, smartphone or tablet to complete the interview. Unlike other interviews the interview questions are pre-recorded, they will either show up in video or text format on your screen and you usually have a limited amount of time to answer the question. Often questions cannot be re-recorded. If you want to know more about how video interviews work check out this link.
What are recruiters looking for in a video interview?
In the earlier stages of the recruitment process, a recruiter may have checked you met some type of benchmark criteria (for example retaining a D average throughout university studies) and they could have tested some type of cognitive or learning ability. Up until this point, they most likely know little about your communication skills, passions and cultural fit to their organisation. The video is a chance to start understanding these key components. Hence these should be your focus areas.
What type of questions can I expect?
Most likely your video interview is going to be fairly short, expect a maximum of 4-5 questions. There will be 3 main types of questions motivational, industry based and behavioural based.
Motivational question are questions centered around why you want to join the organisation. For example ‘Tell us why you have applied for this graduate program’. You need to make sure you connect your values and passions with the organisations. This will be key to helping you standout in this section.
Industry questions could be based around current and future technologies and the political operating environment. You need to do your research to ensure you understand industry trends. Again this will set you apart from your peers.
Finally some of the most important questions you will get asked in both face-to-face interviews and video interviews are behavioural based questions. If you are unfamiliar with behavioural based question than I suggest you read this article. The MOST important thing when answering these questions is that you use previous situations you have been in not hypothetical answers (for example what you would do). When answering behavioural questions you need to utilise the STAR method. Explaining the situation, task, action and result. My recommendation is you practice, practice, practice using this!
Preparing before the Video Interview
There are no huge secrets to preparing for a video interview. Truth be told if you treat it like you would a face to face interview and put time and effort into preparing, most likely you will be fine!
So what can you do?
Research – Understand the organisation you are applying for. Get to know their values and employee proposition. If you can demonstrate your personal values align with the business this will go a long way. Organisations are starting to hire more so for passion and drive as opposed to technical skills. You can only demonstrate this if you really feel it.
Dress to impress – Dress appropriately for the organisation you are apply. Treat it like you are meeting them face-to-face. If you need more advice on what the appropriate attire is, check out a previous blog of mine.
Self Reflection – In order to answer any questions to our full ability we need to look back on past achievements and challenges and have them fresh in our memory. The biggest mistake a lot of graduates make is under preparing. They think they can walk into an interview and will be able to wing their answers. I am telling you now this simply won’t cut it! You need to have a variety of situations you can adapt to different questions. Unless you work extremely well under pressure, leaving it until the interview to think of examples is VERY dangerous territory.
Questions – As I have started identifying above you also need to think about what you will be asked. By practicing some questions before hand you will go a long way to be able to freely re-count situations in the interview!
Final Tips specific to video interviews
There are a few final tips for completing an outstanding video interview. Make sure you follow these if you really want to nail the experience!
Environment
Make sure you pick somewhere that is quiet and you have no chance of being interrupted. Being interrupted not only doesn’t look great but it will 100% put you off and most likely could ruin your chances at a perfect answer
Think about what the interviewer can see in your room. Make sure it is clean and tidy. That Justin Bieber poster might just have to go.
If you can have a light behind the computer or device shining lightly on you this can often ensure you look really clear on camera
Make sure you have a notebook, pen and glass of water handy. Make yourself as comfortable as possible!
Technology
If you are using a smartphone switch it to Do not Disturb
Avoid selfie style recording, try and create a makeshift stand for your phone. Usually phones held horizontally, look better than vertical
Check all of your equipment before you begin (internet connection, built in camera and microphone)
You Personally
Try to sit still in your chair and not fidget or sway from side to side. Feel free to express yourself with your hands and body language however you want to compliment what you are saying, not take away from it
Maintain eye contact when possible, you want the person reviewing the video to feel like they have met you
My very final piece of advice is that practice makes perfect! If you can contact your careers team at university to try and practice a video interview I would take advantage of this. A lot of careers teams have this ability. Often our first interview is the worst as we are unfamiliar with the technology. Get ahead of the game and try it out. You will feel 100 times more confident the second time around. If you can’t get your hands on the real deal practice in the mirror or on your phone. The more times you can run through some practice questions the easier it will be!
Hopefully some of my video interview tips have helped you for today! It’s a pretty comprehensive run down on how it all works! If you are still needing help with your initial application then you should check out my e-book ‘The Ultimate Guide to creating a graduate resume’.
I also have a FREE training running next week on Nailing a graduate assessment centre’. You can sign up here.
