There was a time when job seekers could walk into a business unannounced and land a job. But times have definitely changed. From group interviews to corporate culture surveys, the hiring process continues to evolve. When it comes to the hiring process, one process is growing more and more popular in our digital age: the video interview.

A video interview can seem intimidating. On the surface, you don’t have the in-person touch you’re used to. Businesses are starting to favor video interviews because they can be a more cost-effective way to screen candidates.

But you have nothing to worry about. In this article, you’ll learn 4 key tips for video interviews that will have you make a good impression.

1. Test Your Equipment

If you have an upcoming video interview, the first thing you want to do is test your setup. There’s nothing worse than having a technical difficulty derail a good interview. Set aside time beforehand to download any necessary apps or video services and run a test.

Make sure your voice comes through crystal clear and the picture isn’t blurry or distorted. Getting these details down will help you look much more professional when it’s time for the interview. You can even run a test video call with a family member or friend. After you’re done, ask them for their feedback about how everything looked and sounded.

2. Keep Up Appearances

Preparing for a video interview should always include getting your appearances in order. You still need to dress as if you were going for an in-person interview. Dressing up not only helps you look professional, but it also helps you get into the right mindset for an interview.

The preparations don’t stop there. You also have to be mindful of everything the camera can see. For example, your interview doesn’t want to see your laundry basket or dirty dishes. Strive to make it seem like you’re doing your video from an office as much as possible.

3. Act Natural

One of the most important tips for video interviews is to act natural. What we mean by that is to be relaxed, smile and don’t be afraid to be yourself. Far too often, candidates let the pressure of a video interview psych them out. Remind yourself that it’s just like any other job interview.

How can you practice acting natural? Ask a friend to video chat with you and have them ask you a few standard interview questions. Your friend can give you feedback on your tone, voice and body language.

4. Make Sure You Follow Up

Following up after a video interview is a great way to set yourself from other candidates. Start by writing down short reminders for yourself of key points during the video interview. Be sure to get your interviewer’s contact information if you don’t already have it. Your next step is to send a follow-up thank you email within the next two business days.

In your follow-up email, you should include the following:

• Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity.
• Find natural points in the email to include the key points you wrote down earlier.
• Ask about the next steps in the interview process.

Labor Systems Can Help You Build Your Career

Now that you’ve learned the essential tips for a video interview, it’s time to find a trusted partner for your career. At Labor Systems, our team of recruiters will work with you to find job opportunities that match your unique skills. Contact our team today and learn how we can connect you with great companies in our area today.