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Spirehouse

Telephone and Video Interview Advice


Man and woman on a video conference call

Telephone and video interviews are becoming a more common way of conducting interviews, particularly first stage interviews.


The following tips are relevant to both telephone and video interviews:


Smile


This is a hugely important part of all interviews and telephone/video interviews are no different. Even on a telephone call it is easy to tell someone's facial expressions and likely mood. Smiling will help you sound positive and help build rapport with the interviewer.


Test the technology


If you are using video software, ensure you are familiar with the software so that you don't have issues and/or arrive late. With video technology becoming part and parcel of many roles, you need to show you won't have issues when it comes to dealing with clients. Ensure you have a good signal / internet connection - it goes without saying, it's best if the interview runs smoothly without any technical issues.


Be in a quiet place with no distractions

A child joining you briefly on a video call can be a humorous and relatable event, however we would advise avoiding this if possible.


If the worst does happen, use the opportunity to show your humility and personality; try not to let it frustrate or anger you. Not everything is in your control and the interviewers know this.


Print any notes you require


On a telephone call, it is easy to tell if the person you are talking to is using a computer and on a video call, it is important to keep eye contact. For a telephone interview, we would advise printing/writing any notes you require and laying them out in front of you, so that the only thing you need to move is your eye gaze.


For video interviews, again write or print anything you require so that you have it to hand if required, but also consider sticking any pointers onto the wall behind your camera/laptop so they can be read at a quick glance with little eye movement.


Address all of the interviewers


Much as you would in a face to face meeting, try to address all of the attendees when possible. On a video call, try to make eye contact with each individual as you would in a face to face setting. This is particularly important when asking any questions, so try where possible to address questions to everyone on the call.

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