Video interviewing has gained popularity in recent years, and since the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, face-to-face interviews have become nearly impossible, leading to the adoption of video calls as a new way to conduct recruitment interviews overnight.
Employers have started to see how video interviewing can help to reduce recruitment timescales and also modernise the interview process. As a job seeker, these video interviews can appear daunting; however, with our guide to how to prepare and answer typical video interview questions, you’ll have nothing to worry about.
How are Video Interviews Different?
Previously some companies would use video interviewing for their first screening interviews, but now, more and more employers have used video calls for the full interviewing process.
Video interviews differ from face-to-face meetings as they:
- Can significantly streamline and reduce the timeframe of hiring someone
- Help reduce the risk of bias or unconscious hiring bias
- There is the option to record and save the video interview which can be reviewed again or reviewed by other managers, or be kept for audit purposes
- Reduce the cost of hiring
Types of Video Interviews
For a job seeker, there are two different types of video interviews, live and pre-recorded video interviews.
Live Interviews
Live video interviews are best understood as real-time, face-to-face interviews through a computer, often using Zoom, Skype or a meeting link through an email account, such as Outlook, Office or Gmail. While interviews are often planned, an interviewer can ask for more detail or ask a completely unique question based on your response, and, during a video interview, this is no different. You will be able to see and hear the interviewer, albeit virtually.
Pre-Recorded Interviews
An upcoming type of interview, and a useful format for screening large numbers of applicants, pre-recorded interviews are one-sided. Rather than seeing your interviewer in real time and answering their questions; instead, you’ll be faced with some pre-set questions to answer when it’s convenient for you.
As you are required to record yourself answering questions, this form of an interview may ask you to comment on situations or on-the-job experiences by showing you a short clip of an angry customer or team exercise. For these questions, answer the question as though you had been successful in your application.
Closed and Open-Ended Questions
More often than not interviews will pose more open-ended questions to candidates than closed-ended ones. Close-ended questions are typically those that can be answered with ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Whereas, open-ended questions allow you to provide a longer, more detailed answer.
8 Common Video Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Below are 8 interview questions you can expect when on a video call and suggestions of how to provide good answers to these.
1. What is your knowledge of the company
Demonstrate your research by providing details such as the company’s products or services, customer base, history, number of employees or locations, and company culture to show your interest in the company.
2. Describe yourself
Interviewers commonly ask this question as it allows the candidate to talk about themselves in an open-ended way. To answer it effectively, it is best to stay on topic and discuss your career history, along with reasons for seeking a new role, a fresh challenge, or a different career path. Unless requested otherwise, avoid delving too far into your personal life, and instead focus mainly on your work and career experiences. The interviewer is not usually interested in hearing about your childhood, such as where you attended primary school or who your best friend was.
3. Why are you interested in this job?
With this question, explain how the role aligns with your skills and experience. Refer back to the job advertisement and person specification to highlight how your abilities meet the requirements of the position. Additionally, discuss previous experiences and skills that relate to the job and provide specific examples to illustrate your qualifications.
4. What is your greatest strength?
It is crucial to select a skill that is relevant to the job you are applying for. Provide examples of how you have demonstrated this strength in previous roles and emphasise how it can be applied to the position you are interviewing for. Additionally, express enthusiasm for utilising this strength in a new role.
5. What is your main weakness, in your opinion?
While this seems like a trick question, it is best to identify a weakness that’s related to your skill set and that is genuine to you. After explaining your weakness, provide details on how you plan to address and improve it. This will demonstrate that you are receptive to feedback and willing to overcome challenges.
6. Why did you leave your previous position?
There are various reasons why someone may have changed jobs, including straightforward reasons such as the expiration of a fixed-term contract, relocation, or redundancy, as well as more complicated issues such as conflicts with a boss, bullying or harassment, or lack of opportunities for career growth. During an interview, it is crucial to remain positive when discussing previous employment and avoid criticising former employers or colleagues.
Instead, it is recommended to focus on the positive aspects of why you left your previous job, such as the desire for career advancement, and how the skills and experiences gained in your past role have led you to pursue the position you are currently interviewing for.
7. How do you handle conflict?
There are various reasons why someone may have changed jobs, including straightforward reasons such as the expiration of a fixed-term contract, relocation, or redundancy, as well as more complicated issues such as conflicts with a boss, bullying or harassment, or lack of opportunities for career growth. During an interview, it is crucial to remain positive when discussing previous employment and avoid criticising former employers or colleagues.
Instead, it is recommended to focus on the positive aspects of why you left your previous job, such as the desire for career advancement, and how the skills and experiences gained in your past role have led you to pursue the position you are currently interviewing for.
8. Where would you like to see yourself in around five years?
The interviewer is interested in understanding your self-perception and career aspirations to determine if they align with the company’s culture and objectives. Your response to this question may vary significantly from other candidates. It is essential to be truthful while avoiding appearing overly ambitious, having unrealistic goals, or lacking any aspirations altogether.
Tips for Preparing for a Video Interview
As with any type of interview, preparation is key. From organising what you will wear to how you can structure your answers; but, for video interviews, there are a few additional things to bear in mind.
For Candidates
- Test the technology that will be used; ensure the WIFI signal is sufficient (if not – look at connecting your computer directly to the modem)
- Ensure the laptop/computer you intend to use is fully charged, have a charger close to hand just in case
- Ensure no distractions nearby, so you don’t lose concentration
- Ensure you keep eye contact (know where your camera is!)
- Think about body language and how to sit facing the video
- Keep a copy of your CV, the job advert and the job description (if you have one) close by to refer to.
For Employers
- Be transparent with the candidates, some candidates may not be used to using technology or being interviewed remotely
- Put your candidate first and explain how the video will be used, ask them to provide information on themselves or examples of what they have done, to help put them at ease
- Structure the video interview to ensure consistency, and have a standard list of questions to ask all candidates
- Use a decent video software
If you’d like additional support with your job hunt, contact our recruitment specialists today. Call us today to gain tailored support.
FAQ
In what ways can I get ready for a video interview?
To get ready for a video interview, you can test your technology, choose a quiet and well-lit location, dress appropriately, and practise your responses to potential interview questions.
What are the top 10 frequently asked interview questions and their responses?
The top 10 frequently asked interview questions are:
- Can you tell me about yourself?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- Why should we hire you?
- Can you describe a difficult situation you faced and how you overcame it?
- What are your long-term career goals?
- How do you handle stress and pressure?
- Can you provide an example of a successful project you completed?
- What are your salary expectations?
- Do you have any questions for us?
What are some things I should mention in a video interview?
In a video interview, you should mention your qualifications, experience, and skills relevant to the job, your interest in the company, and any questions you have about the role.
What can I anticipate during a video interview?
During a video interview, you can anticipate typical interview questions, technical difficulties, and nonverbal cues from the interviewer. It is important to maintain eye contact, speak clearly and confidently, and dress appropriately.
Typically, how many questions are asked during a video interview?
The number of questions asked during a video interview can vary depending on the interviewer and the job, but typically you can expect to answer between 5 to 10 questions.
