The recruiting industry has undergone substantial changes over the past few years. More companies are embracing video interviewing.
In fact, a recent survey by Criteria reported that 55% of hiring professionals use virtual technology to interview their candidates.
Adequately preparing for a video interview is crucial. A video interview presents unique challenges compared to an in-person interview.
In this article, I’ll discuss how to stand out in a video job interview. I’ll teach you how to put your best foot forward, even when you’re not physically present.
5 Video Job Interview Tips to Help You Stand Out in 2024
You can find your dream job today with a video job interview. A strategic approach, a little bit of creativity, and confidence are all you need to stand out in an interview.
These five tips will help you stand out in a job interview for a successful outcome.
1. Prepare and Research
The first tip for learning how to stand out in a video job interview is proper preparation.
An online interview via a video calling platform is as significant as an in-person meeting.
You still need to prepare as though you were entering the interviewer’s office. This means getting yourself, your location, and your technology ready for the big day.
Below are some of the strategies to consider when preparing for your upcoming video job interview:
- Find the video platform your interviewer will use and familiarize yourself with it.
- Download this software in advance and ensure you can log in successfully to avoid last-minute panics.
- Test your camera and audio to ensure they work perfectly on your device.
- Research the company’s values, missions, and recent achievements. Be ready to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with its goals.
- You should examine the job description, required skills, and company culture. Discover the qualities and qualifications the interviewers are looking for.
- If possible, practice with a loved one as though they were conducting the video job interview. This will help you practice answering the questions. It also enables you to test your technology.
Also, ensure you show up to the interview on time. Being punctual is crucial for long-term success in the workplace. It’s also essential for maintaining a good attendance track record as an employee.
Remember, your interviewers are looking for someone they can see themselves working with. They are often looking for someone who is passionate and knowledgeable about the role they’re applying for. They often look for someone who is teachable and ready to learn.
Demonstrate to them that you are the right person for the position. Thoroughly prepare so you outperform other candidates.
2. Choose a Quiet Location
People dislike online meetings for various reasons. One is dealing with background noises and distractions, which can include anything from your computer’s sounds to cars moving in the background.
Such noises can make it difficult to communicate effectively with your recruiters. It can distract them during the interview.
The importance of a quiet and organized space cannot be overstated when it comes to video job interviews. Think of it as preparing to get on a podcast or creating a conducive environment. You want a calm, serene, and peaceful atmosphere that enhances your performance.
Below are a few ways to set up a professional interview space:
- If you have a roommate, inform them of your interview in advance. It is advisable to notify your roommate before your interview to prevent disturbances. Tell them not to speak loudly or accidentally appear on the screen during the interview.
- Ensure your room is well-lit, preferably with natural light. If not, sit close to the window so the interviewer can see you clearly.
- Ensure your background is clean, quiet, and uncluttered. Locate a simple spot with zero distractions. You can use a blank wall or a background with a few hanging pictures.
You can also create a virtual background on video conferencing platforms like Zoom, as shown in the image below.
Image via Zoom
3. Dress Professionally
Dressing professionally creates a strong first impression. It can also have a positive impact on productivity.
A recent article published by Temple explains how appropriate office attire boosts productivity. You want to bring the same energy to the room during the interview.
Dressing appropriately for the office environment is one of the many ways to increase employment productivity. According to this guide by Attrock highlights how dressing appropriately increases employment productivity.
Your online presence plays a crucial role in shaping your personal brand during a video job interview.
Dressing appropriately for your video job interview creates the impression that you’re serious about your new role. So make sure you look polished and professional.
4. Stay Focused and Engaged
Running an effective virtual meeting can be more challenging than managing a physical one. Initiating a conversation and engaging your recruiters can be quite intimidating.
That’s why building a rapport with your recruiter is a crucial step to differentiating yourself from other interviewers.
However, there are many things you can do to spark engaging conversations with the interviewer.
These include:
- Ask clarifying questions. For example, if you’re interviewing for a virtual assistant role, ask for clarification if you encounter virtual assistant initial interview questions that you don’t understand.
- Take the initiative to research your interviewer’s background to find common interests to discuss during the interview.
- Take short notes during the interview. This lets the interviewer know that you’re listening and care about what they’re saying.
- Be as authentic as possible during the interview. Do not put on a mask or show the interviewer what you think they want to see.
5. Follow up With a Thank You Note
Sending a thank you note after your interview with your recruiter is how to stand out in a video job interview.
This note lets you express your gratitude and appreciation for the interviewer’s time. It also affirms your interest in the role and the company.
Ensure you personalize your thank you note. Also, discuss specific details from the interview that stood out to you.
It’s a good practice to send your thank you note the same day of the interview.
Wrapping Up
As a job seeker, master the art of making a lasting impression in a video job interview in 2024. This can greatly enhance your chances of being recognized as the top candidate for the job. It’s how to stand out in a video job interview in 2024.
With these five tips, you can confidently navigate the online market and present your best self to potential employers.
You can contact some employees of the company you’re applying to to get insights into the recruiters’ preferences and expectations. You can also ask them what skills they’re looking forward to and prepare accordingly.
All that’s left is to find that perfect opportunity.
Author Bio – Gaurav Sharma
Gaurav Sharma is the founder and CEO of Attrock, a results-driven digital marketing company. Grew an agency from 5-figure to 7-figure revenue in just two years | 10X leads | 2.8X conversions | 300K organic monthly traffic. He also contributes to top publications like HuffPost, Adweek, Business 2 Community, TechCrunch, and more.