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5 Top Tips to Acing a Video Job Interview

With the UK, and other parts of the world planning to get back to some form of normality, many businesses are still looking to take extra precautions when it comes to face-to-face contact. One of the safety measures in place are video interviews, and we’ve got some useful tips to help you smash it out of the park when it comes to your next job opportunity.

1. Test your technology

First things first, ensure technology doesn’t let you down. A good way to test everything works ok and there are no connection issues is to do a trial run with a family member or friend using the software your interviewer will be conducting the interview with. If you’re not sure, don’t be afraid to ask them. There are a few programs hiring managers may use to conduct interviews; Zoom, Skype, VidCruiter and MyInterview are amongst the most popular. Making sure your audio is clear is the most important thing to test, and that your webcam works in conjunction with your audio.

2. Assess your surroundings

If you have children at home at the moment, which many of us do, try to set up your video interview in a separate room so that the background noise is kept to a minimum. Sometimes though, that’s simply not possible, so give your interviewer a heads up beforehand to make them aware that there will be some background noise. We’re only human and many people are fighting a similar battle during the current situation. The key here is to reduce as much background distraction as possible. Another thing to consider is your background setting. If, for example, your setup is in the kitchen, ensure the background is tidy and there are no major distractions to take away the attention from yourself. Also, experiment with the lighting. Does the “big light” add too much contrast to the point your face is no longer clear? If so, try placing a lamp next to your desk to add a touch of ambience instead. As in all interviews, even face to face ones, you want to come across as warm and friendly, so setting your surroundings up to get that message across will help.

3. Dress the part

This point doesn’t need much explanation. We all know, as with any interview, first impressions count. With that being said, you should treat a video interview just like any other. Regardless of the fact you are sitting in your lounge, dining room, or study, make sure you dress appropriately for the interview. It may also be worth asking the hiring manager beforehand what the usual dress code is for the company.

4. Don’t rush it

Face to face interviews are relatively easy to have a straightforward conversation, however, video interviews, depending on which programme you are using, can sometimes cause a slight lag in conversation. This is understandable, and the interviewer will empathise with the situation, but to make things easier, be sure to stay conscious of the fact by talking slightly slower than usual and speak with confidence… don’t shy away from the camera!

5. Don’t forget the basics

Whilst testing your computer or laptop works correctly may be a big factor, the most important thing to remember is to stay focused on the actual purpose of the call. This is an interview for a job you really want, so as with any interview, be prepared with questions about the role, how the work will take place in the current situation, is it homebased/site based? Ask about their plans on how they will adjust to returning to work. Don’t forget to do your research on the company, take a look at their Social Media pages to find out what they’ve been up to lately, and have a notepad and pen to hand to make notes. Treat it as you would a regular interview, slightly adjusted, and you can’t go far wrong!

Here at First Recruitment Group, we are still actively working within multiple sectors to help fill our client’s requirements, adapting our approach to ensure the safety of our candidates in the process. If you are currently looking for work, please email your CV to recruit@firstrg.com and our team of friendly Recruiters will be in touch to offer a helping hand.

Until next time…

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Global Engineering Consultancy

"We have a good working relationship with First Recruitment and they always put every effort in to filling our positions whether it's on a permanent or contract basis. First have an honest and open approach to recruitment and their clients which is refreshing. First offer an excellent payroll service which compliments their overall delivery service to MWH Treatment."

MWH Treatment

“As the biggest services supplier to the nuclear industry our demand for personnel is significant, when I have an urgent requirement I know I can rely on First Recruitment to rise to the challenge.

“As a preferred supplier for temporary labour and a fundamental part of our permanent recruitment process we get the right people at the right time. Whether its highly technical/specialist resources or back office support personnel the approach is to the same high standard.”

Veolia Nuclear Solutions

"It’s great to work with a recruitment agency we trust. The team at First Recruitment Group are friendly and straight talking and they continue to provide an excellent service. We’re proud to still be working with them after 20 years."

Simon Carves Engineering Ltd

"First Recruitment are on the 1st Tier of Sweett Europe’s preferred supplier list. We have found First recruitment to be hugely supportive and value adding partners to Sweett, helping us source a wide range of roles. The consultants at First are hugely knowledgeable and have a real desire to listen to, and understand, our needs. They have shown an unrivalled desire to work on hard to fill roles using innovative methods to ensure they always supply us with CVs.

"I have been hugely impressed by their willingness to support us, even when we have simply been after guidance which would not attract them a fee. I would be more than happy to recommend First Recruitment Group to any prospective organisation, and to discuss in more detail their capabilities."

Sweett Group

“We’ve worked with First Recruitment for over 12 years and have built up a great relationship with their team. They’ve helped us in sourcing contractors for our chemical division, maintaining consistently high standards in delivery, and we hope to continue building on this relationship in the future. I have no hesitation in recommending First to others.”

Haden Freeman Limited

"We have used First Recruitment to support the recruitment of several key roles within our business. The quality of the candidates put forward were extremely high which helped enormously in our ability to fill all roles, also the candidates have all been a success since joining our business. They were prompt, knowledgeable and very professional and made the recruitment process for us extremely simple. The service we have received has been first class and I would highly recommend the services of First Recruitment to any Company looking to fill a vacancy."

Meadow Vale Food Group

“I have worked with First Recruitment frequently over the last couple of years. Their ability to understand our business and support me in terms of recruitment has been excellent. Candidates are screened initially to meet our requirements and taken through the process in a professional way. I would have no hesitation in recommending First Recruitment to any employer who needs that little extra support in their recruitment process."

Bokomo Foods (UK) Limited

“I have found First Recruitment to be very efficient and professional in their approach to recruitment. They were able to gain an in depth understanding of the needs of our business and source high quality candidates. I would highly recommend their services to anyone with a recruitment need.”

AAK

"First Group are one of the key suppliers to Cobham. The team are quick to respond, friendly and professional, and as such have made a massive difference to the account. The team have supported and filled a variety of roles. Without hestitation I would recommend First."

Cobham

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