The Just Recruitment guide to video interviews

If you've been selected for an interview, there's a high chance it will be via video; so you need to be prepared for when the time comes. Luckily, Just Recruitment has you covered with a handy guide:
 
1. Good eye contact is key

Eye contact will let your interviewers know that you're confident, telling them that you'll be able to transition confidently into whichever job you're applying for. Treat your webcam like a human eye and make sure you're talking into and looking at it, rather than your computer screen.

Always remember that an interviewer wants you to succeed, that's why they asked you to attend in the first place!  

2. Smile, just not too much

Smiling indicates that you're interested as well as enthusiastic, which is just as important in a video interview as it is in a regular one. Just remember not to smile too much or you may come off as creepy.

3. Pay attention to your body's nervous responses

Your body's movements can very easily let an interviewer know that you are feeling distressed or nervous. Try not to fidget or let your hands wander, as it's both distracting to you and your potential interviewers.

4. Stay calm

As well as keeping your nervous giveaways in check, you need to remember to calm yourself down—showing your potential employers that you can calmly deal with pressured situations will immediately make you much more employable. Always remember that an interviewer wants you to succeed, that's why they asked you to attend in the first place!

5. Make sure you're positioned and postured right

Don't slouch and make sure to sit up straight; a confident posture is just as important as confident answers and confident movements. If you don't have one already, invest in a quality office chair which will stop you from leaning back too far. 

6. Be professional

Keep your username professional and smart—using your personal account called "rosebunnyx" doesn't communicate a smart and formal personality to future employers.

The Just Recruitment guide to video interviews7. Let’s get technical

Choose a good webcam and try to avoid using your laptops built-in webcam if possible. Remember that the higher the megapixels (MP), the better the quality.

Webcam placement is as important as the webcam itself. You want to make sure that the webcam is positioned around eye level, so that it will look more natural when you're talking into it and you won't look warped in perspective.

Finally, all your setup is pointless if your employer can't hear you properly, so use a headset or microphone that can pick up your voice well.

8. Set the scene

Setting the scene means more than just the right room. Ensure that the area behind you is clutter-free and clean; you can take a picture of yourself with your webcam and check the background to spot any clutter you may have missed.

Investing in some lighting goes a long way. For best results with minimum lighting, place a light either side of your screen. Make sure that your face isn't in shadows and that the lighting is flattering.

9. What to wear

As you would in a classic interview, you should pick the right clothes and wear the right makeup. It's recommended that you wear smart trousers and shoes too, as if you need to get up to adjust something your legs and feet will be on camera.

10. Practice makes perfect

You'll want to make sure that your setup works overall, so a tech rehearsal beforehand will point out any problems you might have. Rehearsals minimise the possibility of problems during your actual video interview.

Go through your practice interview questions and answers again and again until you’re 100% happy with your answers. You can practice your interview conversational skills in combination with tech rehearsals if you're strapped for time.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
Five things to do after the job interview
Training: the best investment opportunity we have

 

Published: 22 August 2024
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2024

Jobs currently available

New job
Accounts Administrator
Sector: Accountancy, Banking and Finance
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913707
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded and long-standing family business based on the outskirts of Colchester, looking to add an Accounts Administrator to their team.

Please note that due to the location, you will need access to your own transport.

Working hours:

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm. 1 hour lunch break. The company can be flexible and offer a 4 day week.

Free parking is available on-site.

You must have a minimum of 3 years’ experience working with Sage 50 accounts and Sage payroll, with the ability to work on your own initiative.

This role is focused within the remit of bookkeeping up to trial balance using Sage software.

Duties will include:

  • Ensure timely and accurate recording of financial transactions.
  • Daily financial operations, including posting of supplier invoices, reconciliation of supplier accounts, accounts payable management, creation of customer invoices, accounts receivable management, etc.
  • Perform bank/credit-card reconciliations, including a factoring banking account and Petty cash accounts.
  • Quarterly VAT returns and analysis. (including RTI submission to HMRC).
  • Prepare weekly aged creditors reports and process weekly supplier payments, run accordingly.
  • Prepare monthly aged debtors reports and provide credit control where required.
  • Maintain cashflow forecast for the Finance Director to review.
  • Process monthly payroll, payments, journal entries and year-end procedures (including RTI submission to HMRC).
  • Manage auto-enrolment pension contributions, submissions and legal returns to the pensions regulator.

Skills required include:

  • Significant experience in finance or accounting.
  • Proficiency with accounting software, Sage 50, and payroll.
  • Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet software such as Excel.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in data entry.
  • Effective decision-making and problem-solving techniques within a finance environment.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Factory Operative (Nights)
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £15.27 per annum
Location: Hadleigh, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-HAD-FO-0625
About the role

Just Temps seeks reliable and hardworking Factory Operatives for a hands-on role in a fast-paced environment, within a well-established food manufacturing company, based in Hadleigh, Suffolk.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 11pm to 7am.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Heavy lifting – regularly handling up to 50kg
  • Ripping and tipping of raw materials
  • Maintaining a clean and safe working environment
  • Working in a dusty environment with appropriate PPE
  • Supporting general production and manufacturing tasks

Role requirements include:

  • Comfortable with heavy lifting on a continuous basis
  • Previous experience in a factory setting is desirable
  • Good attention to detail and strong work ethic
  • Reliable and punctual

What’s on offer:

  • Competitive hourly rate
  • Consistent Monday to Friday hours
  • Long-term opportunity with a reputable local employer

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into a vital role in the food production industry, we want to hear from you.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.~
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Quality & Compliance Manager
Sector: Business, Consulting and Management
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913704
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a company based on the outskirts of Colchester to recruit a Quality & Compliance Manager.

You will be responsible for managing and overseeing the company’s compliance and quality assurance activities, ensuring the effective implementation and maintenance of ISO standards and internal controls across the business.

Duties will include:

  • Expand the ISO 9001 system to cover all areas of the business, ensuring comprehensive documentation of workflows that accurately reflect business processes and activities.
  • Assist in the implementation and maintenance of ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and ISO 27001 (Information Security Management), ensuring ongoing compliance with the standards.
  • Collaborate with the Finance Director to implement robust controls and internal audits related to all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.
  • Ensure ongoing compliance with FCA regulations, including record-keeping, reporting, and adherence to guidelines.
  • Monitor regulatory updates and ensure that all processes are updated in line with FCA requirements.
  • Assist in preparing reports for submission to regulatory bodies and ensure proper documentation of all compliance efforts.

Role requirements include:

  • Proven experience in a compliance or quality assurance role, preferably within a regulated industry.
  • Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex regulations and data effectively.
  • Exceptional attention to detail with strong organisational skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organisation, both verbally and in writing.
  • Proficient in using compliance management software and tools.
  • A relevant degree or professional qualification in a related field is advantageous.
  • Six Sigma certifications.
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
  • PRINCE2 or PMI.

Additional pay:

  • Bonus scheme.
  • Performance bonus.

Benefits include:

  • Company events.
  • Company pension.
  • Free flu jabs.
  • Health and wellbeing programme.
  • On-site parking.
  • Profit sharing.

Hours:

Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.30pm.
Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Plastic Moulding Technician
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913703
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a long-standing manufacturing business based in Sudbury to recruit a 'Plastic Moulding Technician' to join their team.

The key purpose of this role is to set moulding machines under the direct supervision of the Supervisor/Manager and to ensure the smooth running of the production process and guarantee that all products are produced to the stated specifications.

Key duties include:

  • Setting the correct tool into the moulding machine as required, using clamps, bolts and hand tools as necessary.
  • Setting machine controls to regulate temperature, moulding pressure and cycle time according to the specification/procedures for each job card.
  • Ensuring the correct raw materials are added to the hopper and then commencing production.
  • Being responsible for ensuring that the machine operator is aware of the necessary work required of them for the correct quality of the finished product.
  • Carrying out all repairs and maintenance as required throughout the shift.
  • Liaising with the General Manager to ensure the smooth running of the shop floor and organisation of the work schedule.
  • Reporting any problems, breakdowns, staffing issues, etc., to the General Manager or Administrator in a timely fashion.
  • Ensuring that all machines are set and ready to run for the Operators to commence their shift.
  • Ensuring that each operator is completely aware of all aspects of the work that they are given to do and understands the importance of Quality Checking and hourly checking procedures.
  • Ensuring that all product is correctly labelled and identifiable, including anything in the regrind room.
  • Ensuring that good housekeeping is maintained at all times.

Key requirements for this role include:

  • Previous experience in a similar role.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to plan and organise within strict deadlines.
  • Excellent team worker, with the ability and self-discipline to work alone effectively.
  • Positive approach to production support and customer service.
  • Highly driven and self-motivated.
  • Maintains a professional attitude, keeps calm and controlled.
  • Confident working in a demanding and pressurised environment.
  • Adaptable and flexible in approach to change.
  • Proactive decision-making and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to use conceptual thinking and awareness to generate new ideas.

This is a Monday to Friday role, working on a split shift schedule.

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Area Sales Manager (Leeds)
Sector: Sales
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913702
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting a Regional Sales Manager to establish new distribution networks and relationships for a company in the West Yorkshire area.

The role will involve:

  • Strategic Deployment: Propose development strategies aligned with SBU strategic axes, translate them into action plans, and ensure their implementation.
  • Develop the commercial policy, product offerings, and pricing conditions; prioritise and allocate resources; develop sales forecasts for PIC (S&OP); monitor margins on direct costs.
  • Facilitate decision-making and resource coordination, ensure efficiency in expenses and investments, monitor regulatory changes, evolve organisation and procedures, establish and update performance indicators, and monitor service effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Facilitate decision-making and resource coordination, ensure efficiency in expenses and investments, monitor regulatory changes, evolve organisation and procedures, establish and update performance indicators, and monitor service effectiveness and efficiency.

Preference will be given to applications with business-to-business direct sales experience in the electrical / tools / PPE sector.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more