Preparing For A Video Interview In The STEM Field
Preparing for a video interview involves several key steps to ensure you present yourself confidently and professionally. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
Test your technology: Ensure that your internet connection, webcam, and microphone are working properly. Test the video conferencing software or platform you'll be using for the interview. Familiarise yourself with its features and ensure you know how to join a meeting and adjust your audio and video settings. Many of the common video conferencing softwares let you do a test run before you go for your actual interview. I would highly recommend that you do this as you might see something that you need to fix.
Choose a suitable location: Find a quiet and well-lit space for the interview. Consider the background that will appear on camera and ensure it is professional and free from distractions. Remove any clutter or personal items that may detract from your presentation. Many video conference softwares offer virtual backgrounds that you can use if keeping your background neutral is difficult. Personally I like to mix it up and put in interesting backgrounds for when I do my video calls, it often helps someone relax when they realise that you have a personality!
Dress professionally: Dress as you would for an in-person interview, even though it's a video call. Wear professional attire that reflects the company culture and the position you're applying for. Dressing professionally helps create a positive first impression. Though it must be said that the need to be suited and booted are not so essential anymore. Often wearing a nice shirt or blouse is more than adequete. They will not see your pants or skirt and so you won’t need to put as much effort. However I have personally found that by dressing the part, it can boost my confidence, even if they cannot see my full outfit. Do what works for you.
Prepare your answers: Review the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Prepare answers that highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Practice your responses to common interview questions, focusing on providing clear and concise answers. If there are key points that you want to get across, there is nothing to stop you from putting your notes in front of you. So long as you are not obvious and the camera lense cannot see the notes, your interviewer will be none the wiser.
Research the company: Gain a thorough understanding of the company's background, mission, values, and recent news. Visit the company's website, review their social media profiles, and search for any recent articles or press releases. This knowledge will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate your interest in the company. In this article here I speak about how to start a job search in STEM. If you want to see how to best utlise research and networking for the benefit of you career, make sure to check it out.
Prepare questions to ask: Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your interest in the role and company, as well as your preparedness. Ask about the company's future plans, team dynamics, or any specific challenges related to the pharmaceutical industry. If you are looking for a more information on how to prepare for interviews in general, make sure to check out my article on how to do just that here.
Practice non-verbal communication: Pay attention to your body language during the video interview. Maintain eye contact by looking directly into the camera, sit up straight, and avoid fidgeting or distracting gestures. Practice speaking clearly and at an appropriate pace. Remember to keep your voice steady and to breathe. Nothing is worse than knowing that you are speaking a million miles an hour and not sure if the other person is keeping up. Confident people are able to take their time while speaking, so it’s ok to just breathe and take your time!
Conduct a mock interview: Practice with a friend or family member by conducting a mock video interview. Ask them to provide feedback on your presentation, body language, and responses. This practice will help you feel more comfortable and confident during the actual interview. If you are looking for a more hands on approach, feel free to check out my consultative services here.
Have supporting documents ready: Prepare any supporting documents, such as your resume, cover letter, or portfolio, and have them readily available during the video interview. This allows you to refer to them if needed and showcase relevant work samples. Similar to my advice above with regards to the cheat sheets, it’s good to be prepared with your portfolio. Also make sure you know how to share your screen and/or tabs if you are looking to do a presentation.
Test your audio and video: Right before the interview, double-check your audio and video settings. Make sure your microphone is clear, and your camera is properly positioned. Test your lighting to ensure your face is well-lit and visible. Practice smiling before going live with your video, opening an interview with a bright smile is always a great start.
Remember to be yourself, stay confident, and show enthusiasm for the role and company. Good luck with your video interview!
