How to Stand Out in Telephone and Video Interviews
We have all gone through many interviews in our lives and will go through many more. From applying for my first ever job in a restaurant at 16 years old, to applying for this placement role at 21, I have taken part in loads interviews. Despite doing them many times, I still get nervous and worry about not making a positive and lasting impression. Particularly when trying to impress at a virtual interview, as showcasing your personality through a screen can be hard.
I have written this blog using my knowledge from experiences and feedback from interviews I have taken part in, as well as using SRS’s employability webinar - Tackling Telephone and Video Interviews.
This blog is going to show you how being memorable in a telephone or video interview can be a piece of cake. I’m going to outline what you can expect in a virtual interview, common mistakes to avoid, how to answer challenging questions, and my top tips to stand. I have also spoken to some of our wonderful assessors who are interview experts. Their valuable advice is included at the end of the page, along with links to other handy resources. A lot of the examples and tips stated can also be applied to in-person interviews.
What to expect from a telephone or video interview
Conducting telephone or video interviews is increasingly popular with employers. These virtual interview methods allow employers to meet potential candidates more quickly and economically. They can probe you on your CV and application form, measure your communication skills, and see your personality without either the candidate or employer having to leave their house - which is also very beneficial with any current travel restrictions due to COVID-19.
I have outlined the main things to expect in both a telephone and video interview in the images below.
In both telephone and video interviews, candidates may be asked competency-based questions. These interview questions require candidates to provide real-life examples and scenarios when answering the question. These questions ensure that the candidate is capable for the role.
Here are some examples of video interview providers that could be used when you undertake a video interview. Familirise yourself with the platform before completing the interview.
Common questions you may be asked in an interview and how to answer them
Why are you applying for this job?
What do you know about the company you are applying for?
What are your greatest achievements?
What are your career ambitions?
Big questions like these can be hard to answer, especially if you are put on the spot. Think about your values and experience and prepare some answers to the commonly asked questions in advance. To ensure your answers are detailed and precise, use the STARR Method. This technique can help you to structure your interview answers and make sure you don’t miss a chance to stand out to the employer. I have included a button link to SRS’s handy STARR Worksheet at the bottom of this blog. This worksheet can help you prepare for all your interviews.
The most common mistakes made in telephone and video interviews
The use of slang/jargon and swearing
Using formal language is important in an interview as it demonstrates your professionalism and shows the employer that you are serious about the job.
Taking part in an unsuitable location
Your environment is very important when taking part in a video interview. If you have an unmade bed with dirty dishes in the background, the employer may not get the best impression of you. Try to look for a professional and neutral background for the interview and make sure you organise your surroundings.
Being late
I get it, things happen. Your cat knocks water onto your laptop, the Wi-Fi cuts out or you forgot about a doctor’s appointment. However, it is vital that you turn up to your interview at the scheduled time. If you don’t think you can make the proposed time, make sure to contact the employer as soon as you can to re-arrange.. Being late or not showing up to an interview is one of the worst things a candidate can do. It not only wastes the employer’s time, but it comes across as though you are disorganised and disinterested in the role.
Interruptions and distractions
Taking part in an interview in a public or loud space isn’t the best idea as it can interrupt the interview. This not only distracts you, but it also distracts the employer. You don’t want to lose your train of thought mid-way through answering a question.
Chewing gum
Wanting fresh breath is understandable when attending an interview, virtual or in-person. It can help to calm your nerves and make you feel fresh. However, chewing gum during your interview can come across as unprofessional to the employer. So, make sure to take out the gum before your interview starts.
Device running out of charge
This is another indicator to the employer that you weren’t organised or prepared prior to the interview. You should make sure to fully charge the device you are using for the interview and try to keep close to a power source in case you run low on charge.
My top tips
When preparing for a virtual interview, you should treat it the same as an in-person interview. Below are my top tips to standing out in a telephone and video interview.
Do your research - Make sure you know enough about the company and role you are applying for, as you will most likely be asked questions about why you applied for the role or why you want to work for the organisation.
Have your CV and application form to hand - This can help make sure you reference your skills and experience as stated in your CV and application and ensure your answers are consistent.
Make notes - Having a notepad and pen handy is helpful for making important notes about the company or role and for asking questions at the end of the interview. This gives a positive impression to the employer as it shows you are organised, prepared and engaged in the role and company.
Prepare your answers - Think about what questions you might get asked in the interview and try to research and think thoroughly about your answers. This will ensure you are prepared on the day and less nervous.
Take your time - Don’t rush when you are answering questions. Take a deep breath and think about the question. If you are too quick answering questions, you can end up speaking too fast, making it hard for the employer to understand your answers. By taking your time, you will also come across as more relaxed and confident.
Test your equipment - Make sure you test any devices you will be using when completing the telephone or video interview. This includes testing the microphone, speaker and camera settings. Having technical issues during an interview can come across as disorganised and problematic, so it’s important you don’t let technology issues overshadow your great personality and skills.
Dress appropriately - It is important to dress in interview attire. This is usually smart casual and is what you would usually wear at work. Looking presentable is vital to show the employer that you are serious about the job and are respectful of workplace culture.
Be confident and professional - It can be hard not to get nervous and flustered in an interview. However, remaining calm and collected so you can present yourself as confident is important for employers. Being confident shows trust and faith in yourself. In turn, this shows employers that they can put trust and faith in you, particularly if they need you to do nerve-racking things like presenting to 100 people in a room. Being polite and smiling during your interview are great ways to show your confidence and professionalism.
Here’s some helpful advice from one of our assessors
“Research and preparation are key to virtual interview success. You should always research the role, organisation and sector so you are able to demonstrate your knowledge. Try practicing listing your key skills in advance so you are confident discussing them - also choose key skills from the Job Description and link your skills to the position. One of my biggest tips is when you highlight a development area (something that you would like to improve about yourself) also say what you are doing to improve it - don’t say the job will do this.”