Click on any of the links below to view our tips and advice
Tips for a seamless video interview
1. Test your internet connection as well as the sound and microphone on your device to ensure everything works correctly.
You don’t want to be dealing with technical issues at the start of your interview, reducing the limited amount of time you already have to showcase your skills and experience.
By doing a quick test, it will prevent you (and your interviewer) from becoming stressed and irritated before your interview has even begun.
Check that your device is connected to a strong internet connection and that it is within good range. This is important to prevent your call from freezing or being slow or unstable.
You want to be confident that there will be no glitches, and that you can fully focus on the interview itself.
2. Research the company and thoroughly read the job description.
There’s nothing worse than ‘going in blind’ and getting stumped by simple and commonly asked questions because of lack of preparation.
Spend some time reading and researching beforehand so you have good knowledge about the company, what the role entails, and most importantly, how you can add value to their business.
You will then feel confident and be able to answer their questions positively.
3. Have your CV in front of you.
Even if you’re unable to print it out, it is a good idea to have it on a different device or another screen so you can refer to it. If this is not possible, write down some of the most important key facts about your career that could prompt you when questioned (such as dates, figures, achievements, etc.)
4. Sit in front of a blank background (such as a wall). If this is not possible, remove clutter or blur out the background on your video to ensure the focus is only on you.
Don’t let your interviewer be distracted by children’s toys, laundry, mess, or anything else behind you.
5. Make sure you are in a quiet environment.
Background noise, whether it’s at home, your current place of work, in a coffee shop, or in a noisy outdoor area, is very distracting and off-putting to both you and your interviewer, so it’s a good idea to make sure you have a quiet location available for the duration of the interview.
6. Dress smartly.
Even though you are not physically attending an office, you are still attending an interview! First impressions always count, so don’t throw that away by dressing casually or sloppy.
Make an effort! Wear smart business clothes and be well presented. It will make you feel good and confident too!
7. Ensure your voice is upbeat, make eye contact and use hand gestures.
It can be difficult to be ‘engaging’ over a video call, but these are the key areas where you can show your interest in your interviewer(s) and the role you are interviewing for. Through positive energy and body language, you will make a great impression.
Practise beforehand if this does not come naturally by watching yourself on your webcam or role-play a video call with a friend or relative.
8. Listen and keep your answers clear and concise.
We cannot stress this enough. It is even more important when communicating via video call to be conscious of interrupting the interviewer or ‘waffling’ when answering questions. Wait until they have finished talking, pause, and provide a straight-forward answer. Give examples of your experiences where possible. Speak clearly so they can hear you properly.
Coming soon...
How to write and present your CV so you get noticed
How can social media help me?
How to deliver an impressive telephone interview
Face to face interviews – how to stand out against the competition
Negotiating the best salary you deserve
What to do if you’re counter-offered
Resigning from your current employer – do’s and don’ts
How to prepare for your new job before you start
…and much more!
How to write and present your CV so you get noticed
There is a lot of conflicting information and advice available about what your CV should look like, how long it should be, how it should be presented, and what information you should and should not include.
None of this information is right or wrong as your CV is a personal representation of you. How you decide to portray yourself, your skills, and experience to prospective employers is entirely up to you.
However, after many years of experience screening thousands of CV’s and presenting them to clients, we have become well acquainted with what employers look for.
It is worth noting that a first impression can be made in just a glance. Within just 5-10 seconds of viewing the first page or paragraph of your CV that first impression is made, so you really do have to make that initial glance count!
We have answered some of the most commonly asked questions below and included relevant information that will help you write a CV that will get you noticed!
1. How long should your CV be?
There are so many articles available that state your CV should be no longer than a page, or two pages, and so on. But the reality is, it doesn’t matter. Your CV can be as long as you need it to be to present all the skills and details about your background that your prospective employers will be interested in. As long as your CV doesn’t read like a book, and that it is concise and relevant, your CV length will not hinder your employment prospects.
2. How should your CV be laid out and presented?
ABC
3. Should you include a photograph of yourself?
ABC
4. Should you have different versions of your CV for different job roles?
ABC
5. Do fonts, sizes, margins, spelling, and grammar really matter?
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6. What do employers and recruiters search for? How do they find my CV?
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SECTIONS ON YOUR CV
Personal information
ABC
Summary
ABC
Skills
ABC
Achievements
ABC
Employment
ABC
Education and qualifications
ABC
Voluntary work (or any other work experience that may be unrelated to the career/role you are applying for)
ABC
Hobbies and interests
ABC
References
ABC
How can social media help me?
1. XYZ
ABC
How to deliver an impressive telephone interview
1. XYZ
ABC
Face to face interviews - how to stand out against the competition
1. XYZ
ABC
Negotiating the best salary you can (and deserve)
1. XYZ
ABC
What to do if you're counter-offered
1. XYZ
ABC
Resigning from your current employer - do's and don'ts
1. XYZ
ABC
How to prepare for your new job before you start
1. XYZ
ABC