Video Interview: everything you need to know

But, many candidates fear this phase, because they don’t know very well how to create content that catches the recruiter’s attention. So, check out in this article everything you need to know about the video interview.

Understand what a video interview is

With the digital transformation and advancement in technology, people are constantly involved in taking pictures or recording anything they believe to be interesting. And this trend is growing more and more for the recruitment of people.

Therefore, it is very common for the candidate to find, between one of the stages of the selection process, a video interview where he will have to present himself spontaneously to the recruiter.

The advantage is that the image makes everything even clearer for the evaluator. And this is not only an opportunity for the candidate to show all his potential, all his skills, but also a strategy that facilitates the decision-making process on the part of the recruiting team.

Unlike video conferences, where contact with the recruiter is in real time, in the video interview the candidate needs to record himself and send his professional presentation to the recruiter. They usually happen after the initial screening of candidates, and the recruiter can create quick scripts to send to candidates.

However, it is necessary to make a difference when answering the questions. Candidates have an average of 3 to 5 minutes to answer all of them and to prove that they are the ideal candidate for the company. And believe me, in these 3 minutes the recruiter can already see if the candidate has the desired profile or not for the vacancy.

Benefits of Video Interview

Certainly, the video interview is a current and future trend in recruitment. In addition, it offers numerous benefits, both for the candidate and for the company. Understand what they are:

cost reduction

The advantages already start in terms of financial resources, both for candidates and for the company. In a process that is innovative and includes a video interview among the stages, each side is responsible for connecting, the company for receiving the video on the chosen platform, and the candidate for submitting his video presentation.

In addition, it eliminates the costs involved in moving the candidate to the company, as in the case of face-to-face interviews.

In-depth analysis of the candidate

In a face-to-face interview, the candidate usually has access to one or two HR professionals, limiting the participation of others. In a video interview, however, more than one professional can evaluate, generating a deeper analysis of the candidate.

With this, the process becomes more assertive, giving the candidate the opportunity not to be disqualified based on just one opinion, as the professionals will properly discuss all the points presented in the video interview.

Possibility to share the video interview within the company

This benefit is linked to the previous benefit. If more people are going to analyze the content of the video interview, then it must be easily accessible to all involved. Thus, more than one department can have access to the content, exchanging impressions so that the ideal candidate is chosen.

In addition, the video interview can be archived in the company’s database. In this way, the candidate may have future chances for other vacancies, if his evaluation is positive not for the current vacancy, but which has the possibility of another area in expansion in the future.

The process gains agility

The duration of the processes is an important issue not only for the company but also for the candidates, who go through moments of anguish and anxiety as a result of long and time-consuming processes.

In this sense, the video interview offers more agility to the selection process, making it faster.

Greater reach of candidates

Finally, this is a special advantage for candidates, who can participate in selection processes for vacancies in other cities and even in other countries. Thus, the candidate will save money and time spent on commuting.

And for the company it is an advantage, as it has a wider range of candidates, ensuring a more agile and assertive process.

How to record a video interview and win over recruiters

Surely, you’ve been through this experience, and if you haven’t, you probably will. So, it’s important to prepare for this day. And believe me, video interviews require just as much preparation as traditional and face-to-face interviews.

Some precautions need to be taken, and just because you are going to record a video in the comfort of your home does not mean that the process is no longer informal. Quite the contrary, it is at this time that you need to pay attention to the smallest details so that everything goes as planned.

With that in mind, check out the points we’ve separated below to help you prepare for your video interview.

Check the technical aspects of your video interview: camera and audio

You don’t need to use a professional camera to record a good video interview. Currently, the market offers excellent cell phone cameras, which shoot in high definition.

In addition to the cell phone, you can also use the webcam, but be careful that the image does not come out much lower than expected.

If your cell phone is very simple, borrow a cell phone from someone you trust so you can record the video. Or even ask this person to record you, so they can help you with this task. Use supports or tripods for the cell phone, in search of stabilizing the image.

And don’t forget to check how the audio capture is going. After all, there’s no point in investing in a quality image if the recruiter can’t hear you properly.

Prepare the environment to record your video interview

Preparing the environment will ensure a more adequate and uninterrupted evaluation of your video interview.

Therefore, look for a silent place for the recording, a neutral environment, without too much information in the background. After all, who should draw attention is you and your personality.

But, avoid very empty spaces, as the sound can impair the quality of your recording.

Organize the place and ask for the collaboration of the people who live with you at the moment. Any noise such as children, pets or people talking in another room can make it difficult to pick up sound.

And take advantage of daylight to record. If you can, record facing a window, the ambient lighting is also important. If you can’t take advantage of daylight to record, you can use light fixtures. The ideal is to include one on each side, so you avoid shadows that can change your facial expression.

Test distances, and positions until you find the best angle, the best background and the best lighting.

Concentration and an environment away from distractions is all you need when recording your video interview.

Pay attention to the length of your video interview

Your video interview should not be as extensive as a face-to-face interview. It is recommended that you have a maximum of one to three minutes. It also varies from company to company. Some recruiters will not only prepare the interview script, but will also specify the maximum duration. Therefore, read all the rules before recording.

Your video interview will be a way to arouse the recruiter’s curiosity to have a face-to-face and final conversation with you. Be objective, clear and never exceed the time.

Take care of appearance

As we’ve already said, just because you’re recording your video interview in the comfort of your own home doesn’t mean you should act unprofessional. Your appearance and clothing should be similar to that of a face-to-face interview.

For men, with well-groomed hair and beard, formal wear, depending on the company, even a suit is suitable. For women, beware of very low-cut clothing and heavy makeup. And even if the video is for a startup, the ideal is not to get too formal.

Also avoid very colorful clothes or very flashy accessories, as this can distract attention from your speech, which is the most important thing at this moment.

And never forget: your video interview should be as formal as the face-to-face one. This will demonstrate that you’ve taken care, prepared to be as professional as possible, and are ready to make decisions with the company.

The same goes for your posture in front of the camera. The posture is responsible for the image that you will pass and can help you both to demonstrate security, as well as the opposite. Certainly, posture can help you get a good opportunity. As well as it can harm you and end all your chances.

Be careful not to make your video interview too relaxed or too relaxed.

Dedicate yourself to your presentation in the video interview

Before submitting your final version, rehearse a lot. Your speech should be spontaneous and not forced. Testing in front of a mirror or recording several times is a way to get used to the content you are going to talk about, in addition to making your speech even more relaxed.

No need to read your speech or memorize it, you need to be confident when you introduce yourself.

Also, pay attention to the framing of the image, if the camera is not crooked, if the video is focusing on your face, the distance you are from the camera is also important.

Frame roughly around your navel and leave a space over your head, as this is how the interviewer would see you in person. So record it as if you were face to face with the recruiter.

Focus on quality content for your professional presentation

As the main objective of the video is to stimulate the curiosity of the recruiting team, the content must be interesting and of high quality. In this way, write a simple and objective script, be careful to answer all the questions sent by the recruiter clearly.

If the interview is free and without a previously sent script, you need to say everything that will demonstrate your qualities quickly and safely.

Therefore, the tip is the following: start your video interview by introducing yourself, talk about your academic background in a summarized way, and about the main points of your professional experience, highlighting your main skills and competencies.

Inform your goals and values ​​in a natural way and choose a project that you are very proud of. Show what you’ve learned in the main moments of your career, and don’t forget to base your speech on the open position.

Finally, research the company and comment on your contributions, and make it clear why you should be chosen for a final, decisive interview.

Also, be careful with Portuguese mistakes, slang. Speak calmly, be transparent, demonstrate excellent posture and don’t forget to smile.

Dedicate time to editing your video interview

Editing involves checking every point of the presentation and then some. Check if you managed to pass the correct message, if the recruiters will be able to hear you correctly.

And unless you’re looking for a creative role, video editing, design or any other career that involves creativity, don’t include extraordinary effects in your video. Excessive effects will take the recruiter’s attention away from what really matters: you.

Now, if the position is focused on the arts area, use and abuse your creativity, as this will count many points for you. Otherwise, less is more.

See and review

It’s okay if the video doesn’t look good the first time. As this is an important step, dedicate yourself to it as much as possible and record as many times as necessary until you demonstrate confidence when speaking.

If possible, record multiple versions and choose the best one to edit and send. And ask for help from friends and/or family, that is, ask them for feedback on what you need to improve.

With everything edited and checked, send your video interview for approval, and without fear.

In conclusion, the video interview is an excellent opportunity for the candidate to expose his personality more precisely. If the traditional resume does not offer space to describe some aspects, the video interview will ensure that you show your full potential.

And even if you are not looking for a job at the moment, use these tips and record a video with your professional presentation, describing your positions and put it on social networks intended for your professional profile, such as LinkedIn, for example.

This will make a huge difference, especially in the future, if you start looking for a job or if a recruiter sees your profile. It’s an opportunity to get an even bigger position within what you want.