Don't Buy Into These "Trends" About Video Interview Questions

Video interviews are the new norm. These are utilised by companies more than ever. But with this change, a lot of misguided advice circulates on the web. People have been spreading false trends of video interview questions. Let us bust these myths and help you prepare properly!

The Problem with Following Trends

Everybody wants to be up to date. We see articles about the latest interview trends and think we should follow those. But here's the catch: many of these so-called trends are just ideas that sound nice online. They don't actually help you in getting hired.

Some writers describe video interviews without ever conducting one. Others share information that worked 10 years ago. This confuses good candidates who want to put their best foot forward.

Myth 1: Video Interviews Are Just Like Telephone Conversations

This is totally wrong. Some people think video interviews are casual because they may be conducted from home, so they treat them like quick and informal phone conversations. Big mistake.

A video interview is a full interview. The employer needs to see your face, even the level of reaction you express, the background you have, all of these are taken into consideration as to how you present yourself, just like they do in person. The questions asked are serious questions; the answers need to be provided with serious input as well.

The companies often decide to use video interviews instead of first-round meetings. So this means they have the same expectations of professional behaviour as they would expect in their office. Do not have fun or take it too easy just because your surroundings seem comfortable.

Myth 2: You Need to Use a Virtual Background Every Time

This has been a growing trend since the pandemic struck and everyone went home to work. People started to think that having fancy backgrounds made them appear professional, but this is not always true.

Virtual backgrounds might, in fact, distract people. They might sometimes glitch and behave weirdly-all these make the person on camera seem awkward. Someone's head may disappear, or their hands' movements may vanish suddenly. And this draws attention away from what you are saying.

Opt for a neat and simple spot in your home instead. A blank wall with nothing on it will do just fine. Good lighting beats fancy backgrounds any day. Natural light from a window in front of you is the best.

Myth 3: So Much for Scripted Answers

Another awful trend has people writing out every answer to the interview questions word-for-word. The rationale is that if everything is memorised, one should sound perfect. When forced to do exactly so, it usually backfires.

Scripted answers sound robotic. The interviewers know when you are reading from a sheet or reciting something you have forcefully memorised. Forgoing natural intonation essentially disrupts the free flow of conversation, which is essential for interviews to thrive.

Myth 4: Technical Problems Don't Matter

Here is some trendy advice that rightly recommends: stay calm and laugh at technical problems. However, don't just "ignore tech issues". An interview with audio cutting out or poor video quality is the last thing anyone wants.

Test everything beforehand. Test the Internet, the camera, and the microphone. Have alternatives when something does go wrong. Learn how to cancel video software so you can restart it immediately. These preparations show professionalism, not paranoia.

If the problems happen during the interview, fix them in a polite manner. If the person interviewing you can't hear you well, do not pretend everything is all right.

Myth 5: Casual Dress Is Perfectly Fine

The trend referred to as "dress for comfort" encourages wearing pyjama pants or any casual wear since only the top half is visible. This is a risky line of thinking that can backfire.

One, you may be asked suddenly to stand. Maybe you have to pick up an item or show a paper. The casual bottom is thus perceived as unprofessional.

Secondly, attire affects behaviour and feelings. Dressing well puts you in a professional mindset, giving you straight posture, confidence to speak, and a sense of preparedness.

What Works? Real Video Interview Test Tips

Let's talk about what really counts as video interview test tips:

Prepare the space carefully

Select a quiet environment where you will not be interrupted. The camera should be eye level, so you do not look down on it or look up from it. The light should come straight at you, not from behind.

Talk to the camera

This is strange the first few times, as you are used to making eye contact with people, not lenses. Record yourself answering common questions. If you watch the recording again, you will see how you present yourself on video.

Have water nearby, but drink carefully

The microphone may pick up gulping sounds. Have the most important papers in hand, but please do not shuffle through them during the interview.

The Right Way to Prepare

Do away with chasing trends. Focus on the basics. Find out as much as possible about the company. Simply get used to answering standard interview questions out loud; never learn scripts by heart. 

Prepare real-life examples of your skills and experiences.

Inspect your internet connection, lighting, and audio quality. These technical basics matter more than a fancy background or trendy tip.

Never forget that a video interview is still an interview. The questions are serious. The evaluation is serious. Your preparation ought to be serious.

Going Forward Successfully

Don't let the latest Internet trends distract from preparing for your interview. Concentrate on presenting yourself professionally, answering questions thoughtfully, and showing genuine interest in the role.

Organisations like RightPeople recognise that for video interviewing to be done effectively, both candidates and employers must transcend trendy myths and fixate on what really works in virtual hiring situations.