What are some of the biggest video interview mistakes to avoid, according to recruiters?
According to a 2020 Jobvite survey, the top mistakes are inadequate internet connectivity (per 37% of surveyed recruiters), inappropriate attire (25%), and poor eye contact (23%).
It’s not me, it’s my internet service!
That excuse doesn’t work these days. Even if you won’t be working from home, an internet connection fraught with freezes won’t make a good impression. And if you’re going to be working remotely, inadequate internet connectivity may give a bad impression of your basic work readiness and professionalism.
Make sure you have at least 1-4 Mbps (you can test your device at Speedtest.net). You may also want to close other apps and windows that could slow down your connection.
An alternative is to see if you can do your video interviews at the home of a friend who has a better connection, or your local public library, which may offer private rooms you can schedule.
Interview attire is still required.
You may hear that “business is more casual these days.” That’s true in some companies and not in others. The rule of thumb hasn’t changed: dressing for an interview means dressing somewhat more formally than you would for the office or routine Zoom meeting. When in doubt, ask the recruiter who scheduled the interview.
See eye-to-eye with the interviewer.
Who likes talking to someone who won’t look them in the eye?
Focusing on the image of the person you’re talking to may be comfortable for you, but it doesn’t feel right to the other person because they won’t experience eye contact. Look at the camera!
But here’s an effective way to “cheat”: Minimize the teleconference window, then move the now-small image of the interviewer so it’s right under the camera. That way, looking at the interviewer will have almost the same effect as looking at the camera.
Alternatively, put a sticky note with a smiling face on it right next to the camera to remind you to look there–and to smile.
