Video interviews are, for many job hunters, a necessary evil. The Covid-19 lockdown means that remote interviewing has quickly moved from being a novelty to the norm. 

It’s a format that isn’t without its issues. Technical difficulties, poor connection and talking when someone on the screen in front of you hasn’t finished speaking are all challenges faced by many interviewees.  

But it isn’t all bad. Despite some negative coverage on websites and social media, there are a host of benefits to being interviewed via Teams, Skype, Zoom are any other video conferencing service. 

You’ll be on Time 

In addition to the interview itself, one of the biggest causes of stress is planning your arrival at the venue. What bus or train do you need to get? Or where you can park your car? 

A video interview, from the comfort of your own home, means one less thing to worry about. Instead of rushing to make your appointment, you can be relaxed, getting in some last-minute practice, double checking your laptop or taking some time to relax and compose yourself. 

You Can Decide on the ‘Venue’ 

When it comes to where interviews are held, some organisations do it right. Large, air-conditioned rooms with comfortable seating and tasteful décor. Unfortunately, not every employer can provide such luxuries, with some companies struggling for space and interviews being held in what feels like no bigger than a broom cupboard. 

Being at home, you can choose a comfortable room with plenty of natural light and set the room temperature to your own preference. Just don’t get too comfy – be in a chair looking directly at the screen and don’t be tempted to lounge around on the couch or your bed. 

It’s Less Intimidating 

Sitting across a desk from one or more people who are firing questions at you while watching your every move can be a scary (traumatic?) experience. The room feels small no matter how big it is, you’re sweating, and your voice sounds croaky. 

While a remote interview can’t stop the questions, it can at least put a bit of distance between you and the interviewer(s). That might put you a bit more at ease and make the whole process just a little less frightening. 

You can Cheat 

Now, hold on. This doesn’t mean that you can tell blatant lies about your achievements, experience or skills. But there are a couple of sneaky shortcuts which could make a difference to how well the interview goes. 

A couple of post-it notes on the edge of your laptop screen would allow you to recall key points or examples you want to put across, without making it obvious that you are referring to your notes. Also, while you need to adopt the same dress code for a video interview as its face to face equivalent, the interviewer will only see your top half. So, if shorts, pyjama trousers or slippers make you more comfortable, then go for it.