Whether we like it or not, the world has changed and unfortunately, it’s probably not going back to how it was anytime soon. With this, we’ve had to adapt in our personal lives (with the attempt to continue to socialise with the seemingly endless amount of Zoom quizzes we all did) and we’ve had to adapt in our professional lives too.  I can now have a meeting with my work from the comfort of my own living room and only be dressed from the waist up and no one’s any the wiser (A LOT of complaints from the neighbours though).

From a recruitment point of view things have evolved.  You can apply, interview and secure a job without leaving your house and that’s the wonder of modern technology when embraced well. Video interviewing is the new norm, at the least in part or even the whole process being updated in this way.

We have been using video interviews for our interview and screenings for a while, but this has multiplied massively as people have become more used to it and comfortable with Zoom, Teams etc.  We find we get an even better understanding of candidates by doing this.

We have also launched 1st stage video interviews as a replacement for traditional face to face interviews for most of our clients, it’s a service that has been hugely well received by our clients and candidates alike. Our clients see the best people, saving time and at a time that is convenient to them and also for our candidates are loving it too as it gives them a chance to showcase their personality as opposed to someone having to guess what they are like from their CV. It’s certainly worked well with us over the past few months and it will only go from strength to strength.

Check out a link to this process here: https://www.loverecruitmentgroup.com/pages/video-interviews

I’ve seen some pretty amazing people over the past few months and I’ve learnt some really easy and simple tips to help make sure you nail the video interview for your next job, here are my top 3.

1. Dress for an interview still

This may sound simple and obvious, but you would be surprised! Even though you’re in your home, dress appropriately for the role, if the job description is casual clothes go smart casual if its smart casual go for a shirt. It’s a minor detail but it will make a difference, I’ve had interviews with people who have worn pretty scruffy un-ironed clothes and my first thought is they’ve just got up or they aren’t taking this seriously. I would extend this to the rest of your appearance, this is your only chance to make a first impression so think how you want to be perceived, look presentable and dress to impress.

2. Avoid distracting backgrounds

My best bit of advice for this is have a plain wall in the background if possible, in a quiet well-lit room. If you are the only thing to focus on during the interview then you will hold your interviewers attention, if there is a TV on in the background or people are walking passed it becomes increasingly harder to concentrate on you and therefore increasingly harder to do yourself justice. Keep your pets out the room, tell your other half to stay out and in general just minimise distractions to give yourself the best chance

3. Get your camera at eye level

Let’s be honest, no one particularly wants to look up your nose! Line up your camera so that you are directly in front on a non-moving level surface and treat your laptop as if you are looking directly at your interviewer. It makes it easier to keep eye contact and engagement throughout the interview.

These are pretty simple tips and they probably won’t make or break every interview that you have but they will certainly boost your chances and give you a better showing!  You can read further tips on face to face interviews and also CV preparation as well as other topics in our blog section.

Also why not head straight to our current jobs to see if anything you are interested in is there.

Thanks everyone

Cam