First job interview tomorrow over video, can you give me any tips?

[Nervous2021]

Just that please, job interview for a job I really want over google.meet tomorrow, can you give me any tips? ( what to do/what not to do?)

Thank you x

Just to add, it's not my first job interview, just the first one over webcam. So that there are no misunderstandings :D

Basically I just got a job after a video interview. My first piece of advice is to make sure all tech works in advance and think about stuff like lighting, don't sit too near a window for example.

Dress as though you are attending an actual interview and prepare the same way e.g. think about your questions, potential ones they will have.

Make sure you are smart and presentable ( from the waist up, lol).
Research your employer and preempt questions about values, etc.
Be prepared for generic diversity, inclusivity, equal opps questions.
What can you add to the organisation and give examples of when you did blah, blah, blah ( key criteria questions).
Good luck.

Agree about testing Google meet works well for you in every way it needs to beforehand. Get a friend to practice with you (I happen to have issues with Google Meet).

I had 2 video-link interviews in last 6 months. I didn't get the jobs. I perceive or was told I could do these things together.

Asked to do a 5 minute presentation: I went to 7 or 8 minutes -- too long.

I didn't have some of the expertise they wanted but could have done some research ahead of time to be able to spout some facts on that expertise (without having actual expertise)

Nice thing about video interviews is you can literally have in 18 size font, notes next to the screen to glance down at & remind you of the essential criteria -- glance down at these to keep making sure your answers weave in your ability to meet the Essential criteria. I should have done this.

I never know where to look. Looking at their faces on my screen means not looking at the camera. (Oh well)

Headphones are fine -- I think it shows that you're aware of the desirability of creating good sound quality.

Try not to use a phone for interview -- it might ring in middle of the interview (!)

Check with a mate how you appear on screen. Stick post it’s or notes behind the screen not on the desk so you dont need to look down.
Good luck!

Give yourself enough time before the interview to make sure all the tech is set up - test your webcam etc out before but on the same day.

Log into the meeting a few minutes before it's due to start.

Have notes your can refer to - key examples you want to bring up etc. Plus questions for them.

Good luck!

Glass of water on hand. Prepare in plenty of time. I had an interview over teams at 4pm today with 2 interviewers. When talking through complex things, I stared at my laptop light so it looked to each as if I were speaking to them. Good luck!!!

I put post it notes on the wall in front of me, with the interviewers' names on and with some prompts for some of the trickier questions I might be asked. That way you aren't glancing down, you are continuing to look to camera (or just above it) and seem to be more fluent.

Spend time in advance getting the lighting, height of camera etc right so you don't have to worry about it on the day.

Consider your background.
Crooked pictures or washing on the radiator are distracting!

Find a flattering camera angle - try raising your laptop on a couple of books so you are looking straight ahead.

Dress as for an in person interview.

Make sure you can contact the interviewer by phone if you have a technical issue.

I've done a few of these. Check the tech. Make sure your camera is set up to make you look as good as possible, ie no dark shadows or cutting off the top of your head. Have a glass of water by your side. See what set up you like ie all faces the same size of speaker view. I find all faces is less stressful for me. Don't be afraid to have your notes out and refer to them. Have a last minute wee. Don't worry about the tech, issues are common and don't phase anyone now. End with a nice smiley face and thank everyone just as you normally would.

Good luck.

Sit infront of a bookcase containing the full works relevant to the company/position your applying for (with a stealth placement of Eckhart Tolle) -

Make sure you want be disturbed especially by someone wondering past screen!
Make sure you are ready and waiting to log on at correct time.
Dress as you would if going to interview.
Make sure background is not distracting I any way.
Check sound levels.
Check lighting.
Don't slouch/lean on desk
Prepare as you would for any interview

Blank wall behind you if you can, or if not then books or a picture or something neutral, or blurred background. No dressing gowns hanging up or people wandering in behind you.

Remind yourself that interviews online are difficult for the interviewers too. You don’t have to perform perfectly. Just do what you would do for any interview and smile.

Always have a question to ask them at the end... what keeps you in this industry that type of thing

@IEat

Always have a question to ask them at the end... what keeps you in this industry that type of thing

I'd worry that the interviewer might answer that with 'my contract, then I'm fucking offski!'.....or something similar....

Practice with a friend. Check the sound. Have your battery fully charged. You might look a bit washed out on screen so might want a bit more makeup. I dont usually where make up but will put it on for zoom mtgs sometimes.

Have notes to hand of things you think they'll ask you or what you want to say.

Try not to think of it as being very different. I actually prefer online interviews from my limited experience!

Good luck OP! Please report back!