Are virtual interviews the Tinder of the recruiting world? Not quite, but the overlap between interviewing and dating may surprise you. Take a blind first date. Whether meeting over a casual coffee or at a swanky wine bar, you’ll want to make a memorable first impression. No doubt, you would take particular care to look your best; you would make eye contact with your date, display engaged body language, actively involve yourself in conversation, and ask perceptive questions.

While our team at Salexo can’t guarantee that you’ll land that second date, we can certainly give you a crash course in video interview etiquette ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’. Video interviews may lack the tactile connection of a firm handshake, but there is a lot within your control to put your best foot forward.

Be Prepared!

• Punctuality is even more important in a virtual interview because you don’t have far to go – you’re likely travelling to your home office as opposed to being trapped in peak-hour traffic.
• It’s a good idea to sign into the meeting link 5 minutes before the scheduled start to allow enough time to troubleshoot any technical gremlins.
• Having all your tech equipment fully charged and ready to go is non-negotiable.

Presentation, Setting and Camera Angle

• While recruiters understand that life inevitably goes on around us when working from home, it’s important to select an environment for your interview that is as quiet as possible. Minimise potential interruptions from housemates, spouses, or inquisitive children (fur or human).
• Embrace your inner minimalist by having a clean and presentable background that will not distract from the conversation.
• It’s probably not a good idea to be dressed up to the nines (a la first date), or on the other end of the spectrum, look like you have just rolled out of bed. Instead, select smart, professional clothing that reflects the role you are applying for.
• This is not a casual FaceTime chat, so it’s important to take the time to position your camera at eye level. Not even the most aesthetically blessed among us look good in an ‘up the nose’ shot.

Body Language

• Avoid crossing your arms, and don’t be afraid to use hand gestures to add emphasis to your conversation points.

Speech

• Most people tend to ramp up the pace of their speech when nervous. Make a conscious effort to speak at a measured pace to allow your interviewer to digest what you are saying.
• Talking over the top of participants is one of the most common video interview faux pas. Avoid the interview descending into a muddle of unintelligibility by taking a breath before making your next point. Equally, allow the speaker to finish their point or question before interjecting. However, if you happen to talk over the top of each other, politely ask the other speaker to go first or accept their request for you to speak first.

Eye contact

• Try to maintain consistent eye contact to help establish rapport with the recruiter or candidate. Remember to look at the camera as much as possible to avoid having a downward gaze.

Check out our interview checklist for candidates, and register your interest today to take the leap into exciting new career opportunities.