Preparing for a pre-recorded video interview

If you are on the hunt for a new job and scouring job postings on the web, you may have come across one or more job listings that mention that a pre-recorded video interview is part of the recruitment procedure.
 
Have you ever been asked to do a pre-recorded video interview? This type of interview usually takes place in the early stages of the interview process when employers want to get a sense of who you are and how you'd fit in their organization. The difference between this and a regular video interview or meeting is that you're not actually talking to anyone. Instead, you'll be responding to a set of questions while recording yourself and then sending the video to a link that the hiring team will review. Sounds intimidating? You bet it does!
But there’s no need to worry – many thousands of people have had to undergo pre-recorded video interviews, and here are some tips that will help guide you.

Research

Before you begin your pre-recorded video interview, read up on everything you can find about the company you are applying to. Company websites usually have mission statements, media links, and other valuable information about the company. Take time to look into the company’s history and culture, read recent news stories or press releases, and get to know the management team. Having a good understanding of the company can give you an edge in the interview. Once you have these at hand, think about how your own qualifications, skills, expertise, and values align with the company. Consider the ways your personal experience could add value to their team.

Rehearse

 Despite the fact that it is natural to feel uneasy when talking into a recording camera, you should remember that you are only human. To reduce the feeling of uneasiness and make the process easier, you should practice in front of a mirror. When you are recording, make sure to maintain eye contact with the camera and not with your own image. Additionally, keep your head up, relax your shoulders, and don't forget to breathe. Doing this will make it easier to expand the size of your content without making it seem like a copy.

Speak clearly

 Pre-recorded video interviews can come in two formats: you may receive a set of questions to answer on camera, or you may be asked questions during the course of the conversation, similar to a face-to-face interview. Despite your preparation, it's natural to feel some level of uneasiness when it comes to answering questions. Unless you're a media professional, feeling a bit awkward is to be expected, so just accepting that fact can help you stay relaxed. Make sure to take a moment to construct a response to the question that is relevant and delivered in a clear, tranquil way.

Stay on topic

 When you are providing an answer, it's important to keep the question in mind. This helps you provide a response that is thought out and reflects your knowledge. Staying on topic is critical in order to address the question at hand. Going off on a tangent about something that is unrelated to the question will not help you make a favorable impression. It is important to consider the question and provide an answer that is relevant and useful.

Be selective for the place for recording

 It is essential to keep in mind that having a tidy and quiet recording environment without any noise interruptions is a must to make a positive impression during a video interview. Moreover, it is also important to position the camera at eye level while sitting. To do so, if the camera is on a laptop, one should consider putting a few thick books underneath it to give it the necessary elevation. Additionally, it is also important to make sure that sufficient lighting is available. A table lamp behind the laptop camera, a light ring, or a seat facing a window that lets natural daylight in can be of great use for lighting the face and avoiding shadows.

Finally – Make an impression!

 Are you looking to take your career to the next level or explore new job opportunities? In order to be successful in your venture, it's important to be appropriately dressed for the position you are applying for, has a reliable internet connection to avoid disruptions, and turn off your cell phone so that you can stay as relaxed and positive as possible without getting sidetracked. After you have submitted your pre-recorded video, be sure to send a follow-up email to thank the interviewer or hiring manager and demonstrate your genuine interest in the job.
 
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