Video Call Interview Tips: Creating the Best Impression

Hurrah! You have been offered an interview, but crikey, you’ve now got to do a video interview for this dream Wealth Management role! We have become used to video in financial services with clients, post the Covid Pandemic, but even now, not everybody loves seeing themselves on camera! There is the extra pressure that this is for an interview as well. I can see the look of horror from here!

With our step-by-step video interview guide on making an excellent impression, this will give you peace of mind and you will be a pro at it in no time.

Right, first things first…

Are you prepared for the interview?

Just like any interview, face to face or on video, preparation is key. If you don’t prepare, how do you know you want the job?

First impressions count!

Financial Services is a competitive marketplace, in terms of wealth management recruitment. Showing how much you know about the company, could make the difference between getting that dream Financial Planner role, or it going to someone else who did their homework, before the video.

Don’t think of the video as “just a coffee-chat”, its your first impression – and first impressions count right?

Researching the company is essential:

Have a look at their website
Research the web for articles that mention them in the news
Check out any awards they have won
If possible, speak to peers who have worked there or have experience in dealing with them

Basically, immerse yourself in finding out as much as possible, check out their mission statement, their values and generally get a feel for the company as a whole and how you see yourself fitting in.

You will want to shine like the true star that you are!

Put yourself in their shoes, what will they want to see?

Someone who shows them that they have the skills and experience that they need!

Thoroughly read the job description; where do your strengths and skills align with specific tasks?
What evidence do you have where you have performed well in these areas?
People like evidence. Can you demonstrate how and why you are an excellent fit for the position and what you will bring to the company as a whole?

Someone who really wants this role!

Collate some questions around the job and the company
Insightful questions show that you have taken the time to do your research and are serious about the role

Someone who can answer questions clearly and with specific examples of what they have personally achieved

Have a think about questions they may ask you and prepare thoughtful responses that have particular relevance to the role and show off your skills and personality. Showcase how these awesome skills of yours align with the company’s values and goals
Take time to practice your answers to the questions you think they may ask
If you’ve not done many of these before, or are feeling nervous, enlist friends and family members to take the role of the interviewer
Ask them to be honest, and listen to their feedback and use it in your practice until you feel more confident

Someone who can answer competency answers well

Many companies assess candidates using competency questions, whether on video or face to face. On paper, these seem easy to answer
Basically, you answer using the STAR Method
Situation or Task
Action
Result

There are a lot of pitfalls in answering a STAR answer, which we will discuss in a later article. Should you need to pass competency questions and being put forward for a role via Truestar Talent, our competency assessors will help you prepare for success Meet the Team

Congratulations! You are now thoroughly prepared and you have put yourself in the shoes of the interviewer and have the information you need to wow them!

So, what is next in terms of the actual filming aspect of the interview?

What is the right environment for your filming location?

Find a quiet location, with minimal background noise that is distraction free – no pets wandering around, or children (or spouses!) running in
Natural, soft lighting works best, indirect if possible – but more about lighting later
The background space should be un-cluttered and should be clean, tidy and professional looking
Keep personal items in the background to a minimum, and all importantly don’t forget to silence your phone and if possible, remove it from the area altogether to avoid distraction
Ensure household members are aware of your interview timings and the need for undisturbed peace and quiet. Perhaps tell them it will last longer than you expect, in case it does indeed overrun or start late – a notice on the door that you will remove when you are finished, could be a handy safeguard

What are the technical considerations?

So, now you are thoroughly prepared research-wise and you know where you are going to hold your virtual interview, we need to make sure the filming is spot on and there are no technical hitches to ruin your moment:

It goes without saying that a dry run is essential, that you need to make sure that the microphone and camera work, and there are no foreseeable internet, software or other technical hitches
Check for any updates that are needed for the video software that you will be using and do the updates beforehand. There is nothing worse that clicking to start the video and then having to wait for the updates. It will make you late for the interview, on the backfoot and making a poor first impression!
If not plugged in, check your battery charge
We mentioned lighting above – it’s very important, as is the camera angle. Your face should be well lit with the light being in front of you and the camera being at eye level and there should be no harsh shadows. This creates a more natural feel to the filming, with the added bonus of being a flattering angle!

Dress to impress!

If in doubt, be the smartest person in the meeting. It doesn’t matter if they are dressed down, dress for the job you want. After all, if you are client facing as a Financial Adviser, you need to look smart
Remember you are the one wanting a new role, so show them that you are the person for this job
A smile is the best thing you can wear (but not the only thing!) – build rapport from the get-go on the video call and be warm and engaging in tone. It is important that the interviewer likes you as they will be assessing if you can build relationships with their clients to enable you to give great financial advice
During the interview, behave exactly as you would if you were in the same room as the interview panel. Be relaxed in your body language, nodding for example, to show engagement and understanding. Maintain eye contact and ensure you sit up straight – no slouching – show you are taking the interview seriously, that you want to be there
Just as you would face to face, ensure you have some energy in your delivery, yet at the same time be yourself, just as you would be in front of a client when meeting with them to help them with wealth management advice

Performance anxiety?

It’s natural to feel a bit nervous before any interview, let alone a video one, after all, this is a role that you want right?

Before the meeting, have a stretch, and do some deep slow breathing to relax yourself. Check out this NHS page for great tips on how to do this: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/breathing-exercises-for-stress/

Camera and action!

Think about what the interviewer can see through their screen…Position yourself so that your head and shoulders are visible to them
Ensure you are looking into the camera and not the screen, this can actually be quite difficult to achieve if using a laptop. Perhaps put a post-it note on top of your screen and practice looking at that while you are talking?
If you are using your laptop, make sure other programs are turned off to avoid unwanted pop ups, noises or distractions

Deliver! Tone as well as content is important!

In answering questions, take your time, speak at a pace that is slow enough you don’t sound like you are rushing through your answers, but not too slowly that the interviewer gets bored
Speak clearly, enunciate well and sound confident and enthusiastic
Make sure your responses are well structured and stick to the point
Your enthusiasm for the company and the role must shine through in your preparation, your body language, your words and your tone
The questions that you ask (that you have of course thoughtfully researched and prepared in advance), should also convey your interest, and help you confirm, or otherwise, that the position is perfect for you. You want them to offer you the role, but you also want to learn as much as you can, so you have no doubt that accepting it is the right thing to do

Five Interview Tips to Help You Land Your Dream Job

Research and Planning – you can never do too much of this
Be your best prepared version of yourself
Practice – the technical stuff and the interview itself
Don’t forget to relax and smile – take deep breaths to calm nerves before the video starts
Let your personality and your interest in the company and role shine through

After the Interview – the follow up!

Just as you would follow up with a wealth management client post a meeting with them to give them financial advice, send an email to thank the interviewer(s) for their time. Assuming you are still interested in the position, it can’t hurt to reiterate this. Keep the email brief, friendly, professional and to the point. It’s a great way to show your professionalism and engagement.

Then relax, rest and cross your fingers!

Video Call Interview FAQs

How do you land your dream job via video interview?

Research and Planning – you can never do too much of this. Be your best prepared version of yourself. Practice – the technical stuff and the interview itself. Don’t forget to relax and smile – take deep breaths to calm nerves before the video starts. Let your personality and your interest in the company and role shine through!

How to prepare for a video interview?

Just like any interview, face to face or on video, preparation is key as first impressions count. Showing how much you know about the company, could make the difference between getting that dream role, or it going to someone who did their homework, before the video interview