What is a Video Interview?

A video interview is an evaluation method used by employers to interview candidates online. The digital transformation in recruitment processes over recent years has led to the widespread adoption of video interviews. Companies prefer this method to evaluate large numbers of candidates more quickly and efficiently.

Advantages of video interviews:

• ✓ Recruitment teams can conduct screening without meeting candidates physically.
• ✓ It eliminates costs associated with travel and logistics.
• ✓ It provides opportunities to interview candidates in different cities or countries.
• ✓ Especially in internships and new graduate recruitment, it shortens the screening process for thousands of applications.
• ✓ In recorded video interviews, candidates can complete the process at a time convenient for them.
• ✓ Candidates' online communication skills, use of technology, and professional presence can be evaluated as part of their digital competencies.

Today, many companies use video interviews not as a final assessment tool, but as an effective screening method to narrow down the candidate pool and advance the most suitable candidates to the next round. Consequently, gaining experience in video interviews provides students and new graduates with a significant advantage in their career journeys.

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Types of Video Interviews

Video interviews can be conducted in two ways:

1. Live Video Interview

• A real-time interview is conducted with the recruiter over Zoom, Teams, or similar platforms.
• Questions are answered live, and two-way interaction is established.

2. Asynchronous (Recorded) Video Interview

• Questions asked by the system are displayed on the screen.
• The candidate records their response in front of the camera after a specified preparation time.
• The recordings are evaluated by the recruitment team at a later stage.

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Dos in Video Interviews

Perform Technical Checks in Advance

• Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection.
• Try out the platform (Zoom, Teams, etc.) beforehand.
• Connect to the interview from a computer rather than a phone, and ensure it is plugged in before the session starts.

Select an Appropriate Environment

• Choose a quiet and well-lit environment.
• To maintain concentration and express yourself comfortably, choose a quiet, private, and uninterrupted space instead of public areas like cafes or restaurants.
• Ensure the background is tidy and free of distractions.

Maintain a Professional Appearance

• Wear clean, simple, and professional attire.
• Style your hair neatly and ensure your face is clearly visible.
• Grooming for men and modest use of makeup/jewelry for women support a professional presentation and positive first impression.

Research the Company and the Position

• Prepare for the session just as you would for a face-to-face interview. Research the company's activities, vision, and mission beforehand. Prepare points explaining why you prefer this company.
• Examine the job description. You can review the job posting you applied for or analyze similar roles.
• Prepare to articulate clearly why you applied and why you are suitable for the position.

Establish Eye Contact with the Camera

• Look at the camera lens rather than the screen when speaking. This has the same effect as establishing eye contact and builds a stronger connection.
• Avoid constantly checking your own image on the screen. You can minimize or hide your self-view window to stay focused.

Speak Clearly and Concisely

Focus on the question. Avoid unnecessary details and structure your thoughts logically.

Prepare to answer competency-based questions just as in face-to-face interviews. Structure your answers using the STAR technique:

• ► S (Situation): Explain the situation or context.
• ► T (Task): Describe your responsibility.
• ► A (Action): Detail the action you took.
• ► R (Result): Share the outcome.

Tip: To practice this technique and experience a mock competency-based interview, you can schedule a one-on-one interview advising session with our Professional Development Advisors.

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Don'ts in Video Interviews

• ✖ Do not be late; ensure you are ready at least 10 minutes before the interview.
• ✖ Do not connect from noisy cafes or shared public spaces.
• ✖ Do not forget to silent your phone and turn off computer notifications before the session.
• ✖ Do not look distracted; remain engaged and focused, and do not turn off your camera or look at other screens.
• ✖ While preparation is important, avoid delivering robotic or memorized responses.
• ✖ Do not give one-word answers, but also avoid over-elaborating.
• ✖ Do not make negative comments about previous internship experiences, teammates, or your education.

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Summary

Preparation, professionalism, and effective communication lie at the core of a successful video interview. Conducting a short practice run for frequently asked questions before the interview builds confidence and helps you express yourself more clearly.

Remember: A video interview is an important opportunity to evaluate not only your knowledge and experience, but also your communication skills, motivation, and professional stance. The key to success is to express yourself naturally, sincerely, and with preparation.

If you want to receive advising on interview preparation, you can book an advising appointment via LinkProfessional. If you have any questions regarding logging into the system, you can contact us via our professional@ozu.edu.tr email address.