{"id":1817,"date":"2020-05-14T12:00:05","date_gmt":"2020-05-14T11:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/?p=1817"},"modified":"2025-10-22T15:16:28","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T14:16:28","slug":"6-tips-for-video-interview-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/2020\/05\/14\/6-tips-for-video-interview-success\/","title":{"rendered":"6 tips for video interview success"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Video interviews have been becoming more common in recruitment over the past few years. However, now that we are in the middle of a pandemic they are pretty much the only way job interviews are happening. So if you are like me, and the thought of a job interview via your webcam seems somehow even worse than the face-to-face version \u2013 don\u2019t panic. We\u2019ve compiled our top tips for video interview success.<\/p>\n<p>These tips have a two-way interview in mind. However, if you have been asked to complete a recorded video interview as part of the early stages of an application, many of these tips will still apply.<\/p>\n<p>Most of the resources listed here are accessible via <a href=\"https:\/\/unihub.bath.ac.uk\/s\/myfuture\">MyFuture<\/a> which is our online hub for all things careers.<\/p>\n<p>For\u00a0<strong>current students<\/strong>\u00a0use your single sign-on.<\/p>\n<p>For\u00a0<strong>graduates<\/strong>\u00a0choose log in as a graduate - your username will be the one you had at Bath. Your email address will be whichever personal one you gave SAMIS when you registered as a student. If you have any difficulty contact us via\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:careers@bath.ac.uk\">careers@bath.ac.uk<\/a>\u00a0and we can help you get access.<\/p>\n<h1>Before the interview<\/h1>\n<h2>1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prepare prepare prepare<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/business-composition-desk-eyeglasses-393044.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1822\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/business-composition-desk-eyeglasses-393044.jpg\" alt=\"A pair of glasses on top of a closed laptop\" width=\"418\" height=\"278\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/business-composition-desk-eyeglasses-393044.jpg 640w, https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/business-composition-desk-eyeglasses-393044-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/business-composition-desk-eyeglasses-393044-323x215.jpg 323w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 418px) 100vw, 418px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Preparation is the key to success with any interview regardless of how the interview is happening. We have lots of resources that can help you prepare for an interview in our get started guide.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/unihub.bath.ac.uk\/s\/myfuture\/workflows\/detail\/17\">Go to our resources on interviews<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Suss out your interview station<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1818\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1818\" style=\"width: 421px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1818\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/111919468_manford.jpg\" alt=\"Jason Manford with a background of sheets of paper that say bookshelves\" width=\"421\" height=\"237\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/111919468_manford.jpg 624w, https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/111919468_manford-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/111919468_manford-382x215.jpg 382w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 421px) 100vw, 421px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1818\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jason Manford appears on the Big Night In<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Almost everyone being interviewed via video-link on the news seems to have an impressive set of bookshelves behind them at the moment. Don\u2019t panic if you haven\u2019t got a background like this but it is worth thinking about what will be around you during an interview.<\/p>\n<p>Choose a location with good lighting. Have a think about the angle of your camera \u2013 seeing up your nose isn\u2019t very flattering! This video has some great practical tips on how to set up your camera for a video interview to make sure you and your location look their best. <a href=\"https:\/\/unihub.bath.ac.uk\/students\/videos\/detail\/34\">Watch how to look good in Skype (or video) interviews.<\/a>\u00a0You could also test out virtual backgrounds that some video platforms offer.<\/p>\n<p>At a bare minimum though, do your best to avoid being interrupted. Let your family\/housemates know what is happening so they don\u2019t burst in. If you have any pets, think about how you can keep them out of the room.<\/p>\n<h2>3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Test your tech and have a practice<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/a394841d08da55f893616b74e07f00a5.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1823\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/a394841d08da55f893616b74e07f00a5.jpg\" alt=\"Technical difficulties screen\" width=\"496\" height=\"279\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/a394841d08da55f893616b74e07f00a5.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/a394841d08da55f893616b74e07f00a5-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/a394841d08da55f893616b74e07f00a5-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/a394841d08da55f893616b74e07f00a5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/a394841d08da55f893616b74e07f00a5-382x215.jpg 382w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 496px) 100vw, 496px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>In advance of your interview, test out your tech set up. If you can, get a friend or family member to pretend to be the interviewer and call you on the platform your interview will be on. That way you can check for any technical difficulties.<\/p>\n<p>If you have the option you might want to try out different devices too to see which one works best.<\/p>\n<p>Once you are happy that the interviewer will be able to see and hear you, have a little practice of talking to the camera. It can feel really unnatural, but try to look into the camera so that you are making eye contact with the person you are speaking to.\u00a0 You might want to wear the outfit you are going to wear on the day too, to see how it looks on camera (ideally a full outfit - smart on top, pyjamas on the bottom could be risky!).<\/p>\n<p>You can practice answering video interview questions and watch yourself back with our Graduates First package. <a href=\"https:\/\/unihub.bath.ac.uk\/students\/infopages\/detail\/31\">Find out more about Graduates First.<\/a><\/p>\n<h1>During the interview<\/h1>\n<h2>4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Be careful with notes<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/sticky-note-lot-1629212.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1820 \" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/sticky-note-lot-1629212.jpg\" alt=\"Wall covered in different coloured sticky notes\" width=\"466\" height=\"262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/sticky-note-lot-1629212.jpg 640w, https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/sticky-note-lot-1629212-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/sticky-note-lot-1629212-382x215.jpg 382w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve heard some students take advantage of the video interview set up by putting notes up all around their computer screen or on the wall behind. If you think this might be helpful do give it a go, but be wary of going overboard. Reading off a note can come across as unnatural and the notes might end up putting you off if you are panicking to find that one note to illustrate your answer. If you are going to do this, stick to some key points. You could also try putting a calming picture or something that makes you smile near your cmaera to look at during the interview.<\/p>\n<h2>5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Account for the quirks of video<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/cheerful-surprised-woman-sitting-with-laptop-3762940.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1821\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/cheerful-surprised-woman-sitting-with-laptop-3762940.jpg\" alt=\"Girl speaking on a video call\" width=\"379\" height=\"252\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/cheerful-surprised-woman-sitting-with-laptop-3762940.jpg 640w, https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/cheerful-surprised-woman-sitting-with-laptop-3762940-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/cheerful-surprised-woman-sitting-with-laptop-3762940-323x215.jpg 323w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 379px) 100vw, 379px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Often there are delays on video interviews and it is very easy to talk over the person you are speaking to. You can reduce the chances of it happening by taking a beat before responding. If it does happen \u2013 smile and move on.<\/p>\n<p>Audio and video can also cut in and out. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask for your interviewer to repeat something if you couldn\u2019t quite catch what they said. Equally, keep calm if they ask the same of you.<\/p>\n<h2>6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Don\u2019t panic!<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1819\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1819\" style=\"width: 395px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/personal_space_bbc_dad_kids_1.0.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1819\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/personal_space_bbc_dad_kids_1.0.jpg\" alt=\"News presenter speaking to camera while his children burst into the room\" width=\"395\" height=\"263\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/personal_space_bbc_dad_kids_1.0.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/personal_space_bbc_dad_kids_1.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/personal_space_bbc_dad_kids_1.0-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/personal_space_bbc_dad_kids_1.0-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/personal_space_bbc_dad_kids_1.0-323x215.jpg 323w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 395px) 100vw, 395px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1819\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">BBC News interview<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Finally \u2013 don\u2019t panic. If your tech just isn\u2019t working or one of your household wanders around in the background (or in my case, my cats!) \u2013 it isn\u2019t the end of the world.<\/p>\n<p>Take the BBC News Interviewee who had his kids burst in during his interview - I'm sure your impression of\u00a0 him only improved because of this disaster! If anything, any mishaps will probably break the ice with your interviewer. Your interviewer will more than likely be understanding, especially as they will probably be interviewing you from home too. See it as an opportunity to demonstrate how you can deal with the unexpected \u2013 staying calm is definitely a desirable attribute.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Final thought<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>I hope these tips help you prepare for upcoming interviews. <a href=\"https:\/\/unihub.bath.ac.uk\/students\/infopages\/detail\/110\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">For even more tips check out our page on video interviews on MyFuture.<\/a>\u00a0 Remember, we in the Careers Service are still here for you and are happy to help you with any interview preparation or support.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/2020\/05\/06\/5-ways-you-can-use-the-careers-service-right-now\/\">Find out how you can use the Careers Service right now<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Video interviews have been becoming more common in recruitment over the past few years. However, now that we are in the middle of a pandemic they are pretty much the only way job interviews are happening. So if you are...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1174,"featured_media":2559,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[748],"tags":[552,44,11],"class_list":["post-1817","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-archive","tag-covid-19","tag-interviews","tag-video-interview"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2022\/12\/kari-shea-1SAnrIxw5OY-unsplash.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1817","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1174"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1817"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1817\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2559"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1817"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1817"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/careers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1817"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}