Career Planning and Advice Program

Video interviewing is becoming increasingly popular as a way of screening suitable applicants. 

There are two types of video interviews:

1. Live Interviews - you talk to the interview from your video device, e.g. Skype
2. Pre-recorded/Asychronous Interviews - you record answers to pre-selected/pre-recorded interview questions. Each answer must be given in a set amount of time. You may get more than one attempt before submitting.

An important part of a successful video interview is knowing how to make the technology work for you. Follow these tips from Business Insider Australia (Sumser, 2012) for using video interviewing to your advantage. 

1. Position the camera at the same height as the top of your head - Gives you the most attractive camera angle and helps you maintain good posture.

2. Look directly into the camera - Not at the screen. A lack of eye contact can be an indicator of untrustworthiness.

3. Watch your posture - When you are in the interview, act like you are in the interviewer's office, not your bedroom.

4. Don't wave your hands around - Hand gestures are great for live interactions, but on video they distract from the message you want to put across.

5. Manage the background - The interviewer isn't interested in the picture on your wall or books on the shelf. Sit in front of a simple background and have your head and shoulders in the shot (none of the table!).

6. Wear solid colours and stay away from white - White can give off a glare. Patterns can cause the optical illusion of movement. You want the interviewer focused on you, not your clothes.

7. Dress to impress - Dress as if you were going into the office for an interview. You don't want the camera to fall and expose your pajamas!

Click HERE for the full article.

Most common tools:

 Skype

 Google Hangouts

Make sure you use an appropriate account name - it is advisable to use your name if possible.