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Laura, 26 years old, asks: "I recently completed my master's degree and am now in the application phase. Now I have been informed that the next step in the selection process will be a video interview, during which I can" sit comfortably from one place and at a time of my choosing "can imagine. How can I prepare well for it?"
Dear Laura,
First of all, congratulations on your successful master’s degree!
When talking about a video interview, you should first think of a classic conversation situation that has been relocated to the Internet.
But the hint "at a time of your choice" has rightly made you sit up and take notice: You cannot choose any date for the interview with the company representatives.
Rather, it is a so-called time-shifted video interview.
This has nothing to do with a conversation situation in which there is a mutual exchange.
Rather, you should introduce yourself to company representatives in a video using given questions so that they can get a personal impression of you.
Basically, it is a closely timed self-presentation that is based on given, job-related questions.
With the invitation you will receive a link to a platform where you will be asked the relevant questions and where you can also record your video.
In most cases the procedure is clearly described and you can test the whole thing first.
However, once you have started the real process, you can usually no longer interrupt or repeat it.
When you record the video is up to you, as long as you observe the specified deadline.
The company representatives can now watch your video flexibly and independently of each other and decide whether you will advance to the next selection level.
Briefly timed individual questions
Assume five to eight questions that are displayed one after the other on your screen.
You get a short preparation time of one to two minutes for each question.
The response time immediately following is then between one and three minutes.
So little time, which means you have to get to the point quickly.
The questions are based on the classics from job interviews with a focus on the specific requirements of the position.
At the core, they are about why you fit the position.
It's not just the content that counts
The decisive factor is how you affect the people involved in the selection process.
Essentially, three factors are decisive:
Your convincing substantive argumentation
Her voice
Your body language, i.e. gestures and facial expressions.
They are then perceived as authentic when all three factors send the same message to the addressee.
Good preparation pays off
First of all, you should read the respective description of the procedure very carefully and use the test option.
Make sure the Internet is stable and check the lighting conditions and the position of your video camera, including the visible background.
Try to look directly into the camera at eye level, i.e. not up or down.
It can be helpful to have a real person right behind the camera while recording.
Many people find it easier to put themselves in a real conversation situation when they have someone to talk to.
This is especially important for gestures and facial expressions.
Speak in pictures and examples
Think carefully in advance which specific strengths you bring with you to the position and which examples you can use to prove this.
Why are you interested in the job?
What do you think will be the greatest challenges for you?
Where do you see your particular strengths?
Try to speak in pictures.
"I keep my boss's back free" has a stronger effect than "I am a committed and well-qualified assistant."
Get to the point quickly
Since the time available is short, you should convey your message briefly and concisely.
If you find that there is still "air" afterwards, resist the temptation to fill it up by repeating arguments.
That is boring and takes away a lot of the impact of your key messages.
Use the voice as a medium
In the artificial situation of a time-shifted video interview, in particular, there is a risk of focusing too much on the content.
The modulation of your voice is an important medium with which you can reinforce the spoken word.
Think of radio hosts who "can smile with their voice" and bring a good mood.
Don't record the video early in the morning when your voice is still sleepy and rough.
Smiling makes you sympathetic
In the end, what counts is what reaches the recipient.
Body language has the biggest impact on the impact - don't forget that.
So no petrified, serious expression.
Smile in between is required, so you will become a popular figure.
And finally, one more tip: Be as natural as possible.
You shouldn't put yourself under pressure to "put on a perfect show".
After all, you don't want to leave your personality at the cloakroom every morning and slip into the role of a hero after your job.
Good luck with your further application activities!
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