In the post-pandemic world, video interviews have quickly become the norm for most industries, including in Biotech.
This is largely because they can be highly convenient for both interviewer and interviewee, but also because they help to speed up the hiring process significantly for businesses.
But virtual interviews bring with them a new set of challenges and can understandably feel tricky to prepare for. For instance, what do you wear to a video interview? Should you switch your camera on? Isaac Smith, Talent Executive at Singular, answers these questions and more, and explains how you can put your best foot forward.
If you’re after information on how to prepare for a more traditional telephone interview, click here.
Your prep
Video calls give you a distinct advantage over the traditional face-to-face. This is because you can easily bring your preparation notes onto the call without necessarily being noticed.
Of course, you can’t just read directly from these notes, as it would a) be very obvious to your interviewer, and b) prevent you from coming across naturally. However, you can have prompt notes ready to go, to help you in your call.
Make sure you’ve done thorough research on the company, your interviewer and that you have deciphered the job spec, matching your previous experiences to what the company are looking for.
A good recruiter will want to actively support you with your preparation. At Singular, we always ask to have a prep call with you before an interview – so make yourself available for this. We can help answer any last-minute questions you might have and give you more insight into what your interviewer will be looking for.
Your setup
All video calls will require a stable, reliable internet connection – make sure you’re in an area where you have good WiFi access.
It’s also important to be somewhere quiet, where there are no distractions for either you or your interviewer, such as people coming in and out the room or walking behind you.
Double-check your video settings on whatever platform you will be using – we’ve all seen the horror (albeit often quite funny!) stories of funny filters and weird backgrounds appearing in the worst moments for people. Lawyer Cat springs to mind!
It’s also a good idea to double-check your audio settings to ensure you can hear your interviewer, and they can hear you. Perhaps have a practice call with a friend ahead of time, to give you chance to adjust settings and make sure everything is working as it should.
An often overlooked aspect of setup is camera positioning. Make sure your camera is at a good height, centred on your face – you want to appear head-on to your interviewer, not looking to the side or up/down. You should also look directly into the camera from time to time, to give the impression of eye contact.
Your appearance
As with any other type of interview, you will need to be dressed appropriately – remember, it’s always better to overdress than underdress. From the interviewer’s perspective, professional attire shows respect and effort. For candidates, dressing well can boost your confidence, helping you answer questions more effectively.
In most cases, a shirt or blouse and smart trousers will do just fine. While your interviewer can only see your top half in a video interview, it’s a good idea to wear full professional attire from head to toe to avoid any unnecessary embarrassments!
Check the lighting on your camera to ensure your picture is clear – it’s best to have your light source facing you, rather than behind you (nobody wants to interview a silhouette!).
Last but not least, keep your body language in mind – smile, sit up straight, be present and use positive body language, such as keeping your arms uncrossed (crossing them can make you appear closed off), and nodding your head as the interviewer speaks to show you’re listening.
Need help to prepare?
At Singular, our passion is to connect talented people to jobs and companies they love. We’re here to support and advise you as you navigate the search, hiring, and onboarding process for your next role.
You can check out more of our top tips and guides to interviewing for Biotech here. Or, for advice tailored specifically to you and your situation, please get in touch.
Join our Talent Community
Would you like to join the Singular Talent Community? Your free membership will provide unrivalled support for your career progression and growth within the biotech sector; from interview prep and application advice, to transition support and salary reviews. Become a member today.
Leave A Comment