Top Tips to Excel in your Video Interview

Your Video Interview Guide

Video interviews can be live or asynchronous.

Live video interviews need to be scheduled because the recruiters and candidates must be online at the same time. Asynchronous video interviews are not in real-time interview in that the recruiters and candidates do not have to be online at the same time.

Top Tips to Excel in your Video Interview

Sonru Clients and Client Success Managers have contributed to this definitive to-do list to ensure you are well-prepped and performing your best in your video interview:

1. Research the company and their interview process. Check out our website and LinkedIn company page for information on company size, location, operation, sector. Read their Press Releases for recent announcements and developments and research competitors and industry information.
2. Don’t leave it until the last minute to test your equipment. You don’t want to miss your chance because of a faulty wire or bad connection and the system will flag any issues with your hardware. Make sure your laptop or mobile device is fully charged.
3. Practice really does make perfect so practice, practice, practice and not just on the Sonru application. Try recording yourself on your phone, for instance, a couple of questions a day until you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Remember, you do not have to take the real interview immediately after your practice questions so come back when you’re ready.
4. Find a quiet peaceful place to hold the interview where you will not be disturbed during your interview.
5. Position and Settings. Try placing your mobile device (on a tripod, you can pick them up in bargain stores) or laptop on a couple of telephone books so that you are facing the webcam. Review your practice interviews and adjust your position, settings, sound and so on until you have it just right.
6. Dress as if attending a face-to-face interview. Understand the expected attire for the role you are interviewing and dress accordingly. Being dressed appropriately also ensures you will approach and complete the interview in the right frame of mind.
7. During the interview, read the questions carefully and give answers that are as concise and precise as you can. Also be aware that if you are using notes to reference back, the people reviewing your interview can see you looking at notes.
8. Expect the unexpected. If you are interviewing for a multilingual role then expect some of your questions to be in that language. Also, with our media questions functionality, clients can upload pictures and files and set tasks so be prepared for those curveball questions.m
9. Make Eye Contact by looking at the camera, not at yourself on the screen. This shows confidence and will be more engaging for the recruiter.
10. Find ‘hidden’ information in your Sonru account - the invitation email and the candidate engagement homepage once you log in to your account. Take note of the deadline by which you must have completed your interview. Watch any videos included in the account – these usually give you a glimpse into life at the hiring company or introduce you to the recruiters who will review your completed interview. Pick up on tone of voice and language used in these; this will give you insight into the company culture. Make sure to read any attachments within your interview account such as job description, further instructions or information on the company. Make the most of this opportunity and try not to miss any detail.
11. Integrate your Sonru account with your Linkedin profile. This feature was requested by clients and has proven very popular. Recruiters say it adds texture to your application.
12. Relax!

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