How to Have a Successful Video Interview

The pandemic has changed the way we do business including recruitment practices. Face to face interviews have been phased out in favour of video interviewing, and with numerous benefits to employers and candidates alike, their popularity looks set to continue.

Whether you are looking for new staff or searching for your next role, investing time and energy into the job interview process is crucial to success. Key Appointments are here to help make video interviewing both efficient and enjoyable with our video interview tips.

How Video Interviews Work

Even the most digital-savvy among us might still be wondering ‘what is a video interview?’. Simply put, video interviews are recruitment meetings conducted online. They can help employers assess and select the right person more effectively and create greater flexibility for job seekers.

There are two types of video interviews: one-way and two-way. It is worthwhile knowing the difference as they involve distinct techniques that can affect the whole recruitment process.

A one-way video interview is asynchronous and involves asking questions using text or video. The candidates then record and return their answers within a specified time.

A two-way video interview uses live streaming to allow recruiters and candidates to communicate in real time. Online tools can be used such as shared presentations, interactive whiteboards, pre-recorded material, and even artificial intelligence (AI) candidate analysis.

Video Interview Tips

Once you have understood the basics of video interviewing, you can start planning the important part – your performance! Here are three key areas to prepare:

Video interview practice: with a limited amount of time available, interviewers need to keep questions concise, and candidates should use short answers that show skills and experience.

Video interview questions and answers: whichever side of the desk (or screen) you are on, your communication needs to reflect you/your business and the role. Again, research is key to being able to demonstrate your knowledge and professionalism.

Video interview dress code: while video interviews may seem more informal, first impressions still count. For two-way interviews, dress smartly and remember to use eye contact and appropriate body language.

Where to Conduct a Video Interview

Video interviewing has come a long way from Zoom and Skype with a range of innovative software now available. If you are conducting the interview, think about your key requirements and practice thoroughly with your chosen option. 

Here are four examples we would recommend.

At Key Appointments, we use Hinterview. We like Hinterview as the software allows you to interview candidates with one click – no need for downloads or logins. The use of this software is included as part of our service to our clients.

Interviewstream can be used for both one-way and two-way video interviews and comes with additional features such as an Interview Builder and Interview Scheduler.

Spark Hire offers user-friendly video interviewing whether you are running regular recruitment campaigns or just starting out with online job interviews.

VidCruiter allows you to share pre-recorded material and assess candidates more effectively, making it a great alternative to telephone job interviews.

Whatever stage of recruitment you have reached, Key Appointments are here to provide practical advice and support. Contact our team on 0844 504 4666 or email info@key-appointments.co.uk.