Video Interviews for Training Contracts: What You Need to Know

Mar 23, 2023

Written By Nandini Jadeja

As more and more firms use video interviewing, it is highly likely that you will experience one at some point in your application cycle. While a video interview is similar to an in-person one in many ways, there are a few crucial differences. Here we take you through all you need to know about them.

Setting and Distractions

Wi-Fi: Having a good network connection is not always something you can control, but there are a few things you can do:

- Turn off other devices around your house that are not using Wi-Fi.

- Have a back-up Wi-Fi option available. For most people, this will be using their mobile hotspot.

- If your connection is particularly bad, see if you can get a plug in Wi-Fi provider, or use an ethernet cable. Alternatively, arrange to complete your interview in another location.

- Set up a video conference before the interview with a friend or family member who does not live with you. This way you can test your technology and Wi-Fi, and fix any issues as they come up.

- If any issues crop up, don’t panic! Try to reconnect as soon as possible, using backup Wi-Fi or another device. Explain the issue clearly, but don’t fixate on it. Try to move on as smoothly as possible.

Training Contract Application Season | Virtual Event Series on AllAboutLaw

Looking to secure a training contract? Attend a range of informative presentations with training contract application experts.

Reserve Spot

Background

- Make sure that whatever is in your video frame is clean and tidy. You don’t need to create an aesthetic background - a plain wall is usually the best.

- If you cannot sit in front of a wall, ensure that there is nothing in the background which will be particularly distracting for your interviewers, like posters or photo frames. Some video conferencing tools may also have a ‘blur’ option to blur your background, but the best policy is to have a clear background.

- If you can, sit in front of a window or position a lamp in front of you so that the interviewers can see you clearly.

Distractions

- If you live with others, ensure they are aware that you will be in your interview and to not disturb you. Close your door, and turn off any devices that may produce unnecessary distractions - like an Alexa.

- If you have pets, arrange for them to be taken care of by a friend or family member, or place them somewhere safe where you will not be worried or distracted by them during the interview.

- Leave your phone outside your room, and turn off notifications on the device you are interviewing on. You need to devote 100% of your attention to the interview in order to perform your best, and every notification that you glance at is more of a distraction than you might think.

- Water or other beverages are best in a bottle or flask of some kind, just to minimise any chance of spillages during the interview.

- Charge your devices in advance of the interview so you do not have to panic to find your charger mid-way.

Dress Code and Habits

- Dress just as you would for a face-to-face interview. It will make a good impression, and make you feel more confident.

- Video conferencing apps often allow you to record yourself, so you can set up an interview for yourself and record yourself answering some questions you anticipate. When watching the video back, notice if you touch your face or hair, wring your hands or fiddle with anything around you. Noticing these nervous habits makes you aware of them early, so you can try not to repeat them in an interview setting.

- Recording yourself answering questions is also a good way of getting used to seeing yourself in the eyes of the interviewer. Pay attention to the tone and speed of your voice.

Body Language, Eye Contact & Speech clarity

- Sit in a chair which allows you to maintain a straight posture. The top of your laptop screen (or the camera on the device you are using) should be roughly at eye level, and you can create this height by simply placing your device on a stack of books. Try this beforehand to ensure the stack doesn’t fall!

- Try and look at the camera as much as possible to mimic eye contact, particularly when you want to emphasise a particular point, or when the interviewer is asking you a question, to show you are listening carefully.

- Many video conferencing platforms now allow you to remove the view of yourself on the screen. This can help those that feel self-conscious or can’t help but focus on their image.

- There can sometimes be a speech delay online, so ensure you pause after a response so you are not talking over the interviewer. Speak clearly, and not too fast.

- As with an in-person interview, breaking down your points can be helpful. E.g., ‘There are two ways to approach this question’

In short, treat a video interview much as you would a physical interview, but make sure that all the things that you are in control of (technology, background, body language) are the best they can be, so you can focus on performing at your best and not on anything else. Our article about training contract interviews here provides even more advice on answering interview questions.

Best of luck!

Selection & Assessment