In our times of global pandemic, employers, as well as job seekers, are left with no choice but to move everything online, and video interviews are no exception. There has also been an uptick in video interview mistakes.
At VCV we make an AI-powered platform that facilitates the hiring process, making it ethical and smart. It’s used by clients mostly for video interviews with face and voice recognition technology. As you might have guessed, we have seen many video interviews of candidates.
Here are 7 major mistakes that a job candidate can make during the video interview stage.
1 | Dress Code
We know that style isn’t an issue anymore and some companies like Google wouldn’t even consider having a dress code at all. However, while interviewing candidates need to understand that being in a neat room and looking neat is crucial.
It is hard to believe that many candidates feel way too relaxed and sometimes they record their video interview topless reclining by the pool. We believe that the overall look is important and it also reflects the attitude of a job candidate during his or her job search, and to his or her future employer.
2 | Propping Up Your Chin with the Palm of Your Hand
It is probably hard to believe, but many candidates keep on making this mistake.
Propping up your chin signals that you’re tired and bored. This is something your future employer will not be keen on. Speaking generally, it’s an outdated gesture and it does not belong in the workplace.
3 | Answering the Wrong Question
Some candidates get overwhelmed and stressed out while recording their video interviews. They often see the question, but they fail to answer the question. It could happen because of stress, but most of the time it’s due to an unstructured perception of one’s own experience.
They say that a resume is like an oral cavity – one has to be taken care of twice a day. Editing a resume twice a day is a bit too much, but it’s important to know your experience and professional growth chronologically.
Some candidates can’t seem to answer what this or that experience has taught them, and that reflects their lack of ability to comprehend their impact. This is one of the key skills that a hiring manager looks for in a potential candidate. Once this skill is mastered, you’ll be a step ahead of your competition.
Ask your hiring manager these questions during your next interview!
4 | Not Looking into the Camera
We recommend that candidates look straight into the camera with moderate and natural gesticulation. Try imagining that a real person is sitting in front of you, so your polite “hi”, “thank you”, and “bye” never seem irrelevant. We also recommend practicing with a friend or a mentor first, so that your speech is clear and structured.
The most awkward mistakes we’ve seen include:
- candidates making corrections while looking at their own reflection;
- candidates frequently touching their hair,
- candidates texting while talking (their eyes were obviously looking down).
DON’T DO ANY OF THESE!
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5 | Being Unemotional
Just a friendly reminder: everybody wants to work with nice people. A job interview or a video interview is a great way to demonstrate not only your professional qualities but also personal ones.
No one will know how nice you are unless you actually show it. It is crucial to be natural but a mild smile never hurts anyone. Blinking at a normal cadence, moderate hand gestures, and positive facial expressions are all great ways to show the hiring manager that you are an actual human being.
6 | Too Much Movement
Some candidates get very nervous which is understandable, but some of them start shaking and overdoing their facial expressions. In most cases, they are moving their eyebrows up and down which looks weird once a hiring manager starts noticing the frequency of it.
While describing their backgrounds (for instance I am from a sunny city X), some candidates show the sun by raising their hands and clenching and unclenching it. Remember the advice from tip number 5? It applies here too. Take a deep breath, and be as natural as possible.
7 | Tilting Your Head When You Speak
Lois P. Frankel mentions this mistake in her book “Nice Girls Don’t Get The Corner Office: Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers”. This mistake doesn’t only relate to women, it relates to all candidates.
Tilting your head when you speak demonstrates the candidate’s uncertainty and insecurity. It is often associated with begging. We believe that a candidate should radiate confidence and keeping your head straight is a good start.
GOOD LUCK!!
Related Read: 4 Captivating Ways to Own Your Confidence
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