Blog ▸ Candidates ▸ Best Practices for Successful Video Interviewing

Best Practice for Successful Video Interviewing (Zoom, Skype, etc)

30th March 2020

By Vahid Haghzare, Director Silicon Valley Associates Recruitment &

Victor Chen, Senior Recruiter, Silicon Valley Associates Recruitment

One of the top IT Recruitment Agencies in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Japan, Singapore, and Dubai and recruiters in Hong Kong SAR, SVA Recruitment is an IT and employment agency that provides jobs, executive search, and recruitment services.

Video interviewing for jobs is becoming standard practice for many employers and candidates, particularly when applicants are being interviewed from overseas or in another part of the country, and especially more so in the light of the current Coronavirus crisis.

At Silicon Valley Associates Recruitment, most interviews arranged by us over the last few weeks have now been video calls, and we have received numerous requests for coaching and training candidates for their first-ever Video calls.

Below is are some of our best practice tips for success, that we would like to share with all job seekers.

1. Get your kit setup

You'll need a webcam and you need to know that everything is working in advance of the interview. Place the camera slightly above your eye-level for a flattering angle and experiment with the best source of light.

2. Check your surroundings

Ideally, set up a space that has nothing distracting in the background. A plain wall or a window is ideal. Don't let any embarrassing lighting resolution, photos or scenes of clutter creep in.

3. Test in advance

Slow internet speeds can make the experience choppy, so check your internet connection in advance. A wired connection will be more reliable than a wireless one.

Microphones can also randomly be disabled, especially with Microsoft devices, so double-check that by making a test call beforehand.

4. Check that you won't be disturbed

Turn devices on silent. You also don't want your partner or your children walking in mid-interview to ask if you want a drink. Place a big 'do not disturb' sign on your door if you will be at home. Alternatively, book a meeting room somewhere for privacy.

5. Dress appropriately. And Body language still matters

Treat this as a regular interview and dress smartly and appropriately. Bear in mind that makeup can appear differently on camera, so keep it low-key.

Sit up straight, don't fiddle, and keep the temperature in the room cool so that you don't start to sweat!

6. Be on Time and Engage first

Make sure you are on online and ready a few minutes in advance. If you notice the other person has also connected/joined, start the conversation over message immediately by confirming you are ready to go as soon as they are.

Should you not get a reply or call a minute after the start time, don't be shy and send another message, and call the person yourself- there is the possibility the interviewer person is not seeing your prior messages.

7. Speak clearly

You will have practiced with your mic in advance so speak up, speak clearly, and don't mumble. You may need to speak a little more slowly than usual and be prepared to be asked to repeat yourself if the interviewer doesn't pick up everything.

8. Keep notes in front of you

Keep your CV in front of you and don't be tempted to Google online or play with your phone during the interview. Remember that this isn't the same as a telephone interview; the interviewer can see everything!

9. Use the STAR technique

This technique can help you to give better answers in an interview. Describe the situation, or context, to your example, explain the specific task that you carried out, describe the actions that it is involved in some detail, and then finally give the results of what you did. Remember to always give relevant and concise examples. The interviewer will ask you to expand on certain areas if they are of particular interest.

10. Be memorable

It's harder to come across in a memorable way on the screen and arguably more difficult to build rapport, so be on your A-game. Smile, speak up, and remember too that the interviewer may feel a little uneasy too. Give rich, personal answers that don't feel rehearsed, and don't be afraid to include a little gentle humor provided that it is professional!

Follow these tips, stay calm if things do go astray, and be patient, and you'll be in a strong position to give a great video interview for those jobs in Hong Kong - and to be remembered for all the right reasons!

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Silicon Valley Associates is ideally positioned to support the continual demand from tech companies and IT Departments looking to hire in Hong Kong, Asia, and Worldwide. Please let us know if you would further advise on the above topic or your hiring needs