How to pull off a video job application
Along with your CV and cover letter, you are required to send us a video telling us why you’d be a great fit for this role!
The job interview will be conducted via video link.
If these sentences give you a bit of anxiety, then you’re in the right place. Recording yourself as part of a job interview is becoming a lot more common now that we have cameras in the palms of our hands.
You may be asked to complete your interview via platforms such as Zoom or Skype, or record a short video further explaining your desire for the job that you’re applied for. This sounds straightforward— you will have expressed this in your cover letter. But often, filming oneself or speaking via link can be a nerve-wracking experience.
We’ve rounded up a quick checklist so you can breeze through the video with ease:
LOOK NATURAL AND PROFESSIONAL
We suggest dressing as you would for any regular job interview, or as you would going to work. Looking polished and natural is the simplest part. Don’t overdo it with grooming and make-up as the recording may only take a couple of minutes, and depending on the interview length, may not go for as long as you might think. However, if you are dressing up to go out somewhere and there is time to squeeze in your self-recording, this could definitely work. Thinking about the industry is important too— combining your going-out outfit with your interview or recording may work great for fashion and beauty, for example.
ACT NATURAL
Be yourself! Companies and recruiters want to see who you are and whether you’re a good fit for the workplace or environment that you’re hoping to get into. If you laugh, stumble on words or falter minimally, don’t keep restarting the video. This will throw you off and you may lose track of key things that you have previously mentioned.
CHECK YOUR TECH
Ensure that any technology is updated and of good quality prior to your interview or recording. This includes the quality of the video camera that you’re using on your phone or another device. Clean the lens and perhaps figure out a position where you can mount it or prop the phone so you don’t need to hold it.
Got wifi? Make sure that the connection is strong and reliable going into an interview, so it doesn’t cut out during the all-important minutes you have to get your words out.
It could also be a good idea to consider using headphones or earphones, or even a headset, to ensure the conversing is clear between you and the interviewer. Using earpieces is probably not necessary for self-recordings though.
BEHIND YOU!
You don’t want to be sitting down for your video interview or recording to then send it off to a potential employer with something inappropriate in the background… Find a space in your house or workplace that is clear of too much unnecessary junk, including posters, piles of clothes, or a stash that is meant to be secret!
You need to be the focal point of the video so position yourself in the middle of the camera frame. Imagine you are a portrait and sit straight in your seat! No slouching allowed.
BE HONEST:
Adding on to the ‘Act Natural’ tip, be yourself and be honest. Avoid using cliches to describe your desire to work for the employer, and don’t tell them exactly what they want to hear. Sometimes, in job interviews especially (and perhaps generally too!), being honest is appreciated. Tell them why they need you, rather than the other way around. Are they not doing something that you could help them do? Check out our blog post about acing job interviews for more tips.
LIGHT UP:
It may be a good idea to organise and plan for a time when you have good lighting in your house to do a recording so the quality of the video is better. If you can’t help the light situation, make sure you’re in a good spot where there are not too many shadows being cast across you or that interrupt the video quality.
Another way to light up in your interview? Smile! Look enthusiastic about the job you’re going for, otherwise your poor mood and expressions will be picked up immediately.
Good luck!