Types of Video Interviews

Typically, video interviews (or virtual interviews) will either be:

• live communication with the employer or recruiter (just like an in-person interview) or
• a set of pre-recorded questions to answer.

Live video interviews

• You will be connected to the employer or recruiter by:
  • joining a video conference from a link that the employer shares with you, or
  • receiving a call via a video conference platform.
• Examples of platforms used for live video interviews are:
  • Skype
  • Zoom
  • Google Hangouts
• Once connected, you’ll be able to see and speak with an interviewer on the other end.

• In-office video interviews
  • Some live video interviews may be done at the employer’s office. This could happen if the person interviewing you is based in another location.
  • Prepare like you would for an in-person interview.
  • When you arrive at the office, you’ll be taken to a room with all the equipment you’ll need.
  • Ask the staff member to help you set up the interview and make sure everything is working before they leave.
  • Get contact details of who to contact if your audio or video connection stops working at any point.

TIPS:

• If you’re using a personal Skype or Google account, make sure that you have a professional username (for example your name) and check your privacy settings.
• If you haven’t used any of these platforms before, ask the employer or recruiter which one will be used. Once you have that information, visit the official website for the platform and follow their installation instructions to ensure you have everything ready.
• Close all other apps, windows and notifications on your computer that could interrupt the conversation or slow down the internet connection. Don’t forget to set your phone to silent before you begin the interview.

Pre-recorded video interviews

• Instead of seeing a person, you’ll answer interview questions that have been pre-recorded or appear in writing on the screen. You will get instructions on how to join the interview – this is usually a link.
• Examples of platforms used for this kind of video interviews are:
  • myInterview
  • Wepow
  • Screening Hive
• You will be asked to record answers to each question. The employer will then review the recording later. There is often a time limit for your answers, and you may be given more than one chance to record each answer.
• Practise and prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions before your interview.

TIPS:

• If you’re using a personal Skype or Google account, make sure that you have a professional username (for example your name) and check your privacy settings.
• If you haven’t used any of these platforms before, ask the employer or recruiter which one will be used. Once you have that information, visit the official website for the platform and follow their installation instructions to ensure you have everything ready.
• Close all other apps, windows and notifications on your computer that could interrupt the conversation or slow down the internet connection. Don’t forget to set your phone to silent before you begin the interview.