7 tips for video interviews on Microsoft Teams | Taylor Hopkinson (2024)

Video interviews aren’t going anywhere – theyhave become an everyday part of the recruitment process for employers and candidates looking forjobs in renewable energy.So whether you are interviewing for a role as anoffshore wind Client Rep, agreen hydrogenelectrolyser expert or adata and digitalisation specialist, here are our seven top tips to help you own your video interview.

1 Find the best environment and video background

  • Find a private, quiet location where you won’t be interrupted. Switch your phone off, close windows to block out any outdoor noise, and lock the door if needed –we all know distracting our kids can be!
  • Find a simple, neutral background and ensure that your shot is well-lit. It’s best to have the light source coming from in front of you. Adjust the lighting if required once the shot is set up.

2 Technology & Microsoft Teams

  • You will need a laptop with a webcam, a monitor (not essential but can help with positioning) and some headphones – these can cut out any echo.
  • Ensure you have a strong internet connection.
  • Make sure you haveMicrosoft Teams downloadedonto your computer, and familiarise yourself with the system.

3 What to wear for your video interview

  • Dress as you normally would for a face-to-face interview. Research the company and decide what is appropriate to wear.
  • Avoid patterns or distracting jewellery and ties. Opt for simple, softer colours and dress fully – not just from the waist up! This will help you to psychologically feel ready for the interview.

4 Organise your desk for a stress-free video interview

  • Clear your desk space, and simply lay out your prepared notes, your CV and the job description, so that you have prompts to refer to.
  • Have a pen and paper to hand for any questions that spring to mind or any key details you want to note down.
  • Also make sure you have a glass of water to hand – interviews can be thirsty work!

5 Find the best shot for success

  • Set up the shot so that you’re positioned in the centre of screen with some clear space above your head, and don’t sit too close to the screen.
  • Raise your camera to head level to avoid looking down on the interviewer and to make it more natural – use a laptop stand, or a pile of books.
  • Within Microsoft Teams, turn off the box that shows you, this avoids distraction and too much self-consciousness and allows you to focus more fully on the interviewer and the questions.
  • Once set up, check again for lighting – coming from in front of you. If you wear glasses, try to position the lighting to remove any unwanted glare.

You’re almost ready to go!

6 Test!

This is a really important step.

  • Test your setup. Do a dummy interview using Microsoft Teams with a friend. You can record it and watch it back to identify any adjustments you need to make.
  • Test the audio, the video and internet speed. Does the background look ok? How is your positioning?
  • What about your body language? Try not to fidget or move your hands too much, this can be distracting, and can interfere with the microphone.

It’s crucial to test your set up before the interview. Don’t miss this step!

7 Back-up plan

  • Inevitably, technology can let us down. Be prepared in advance. Ask the interviewer for a number to call, should you run into difficulty. Apologise, but make sure you proactively offer a solution – to call them and continue by telephone, or to reschedule.

Prepare, prepare, prepare!
Video interviews are no less formal than regular face-to-face interviews. So, it goes without saying that preparation is your key to success. Do yourresearch, make sure you understand the role, and find ways to evidence how your experience aligns with the role.

Once you’ve done this, the above tips will help you present yourself and your expertise in a confident, adaptable and professional way.Good luck!

7 tips for video interviews on Microsoft Teams | Taylor Hopkinson (2024)

FAQs

How to ace a Microsoft Teams interview? ›

Prepare as if you are doing an in-person interview

A professional appearance sets the tone for the interview and reflects on your entire team. And be aware of your body language. Looking directly into the camera to keep eye contact during the call also helps foster connection.

How to pass a Microsoft interview? ›

During your interview
  1. Be yourself. We value authenticity and unique perspectives. We invite you to come as you are. ...
  2. Demonstrate your thinking and curiosity. We want to see not only what you know, but also how you think. ...
  3. Be specific. We recommend you use the STAR(R) model when answering questions.

How do I pass an online video interview? ›

16 online interview tips
  1. Practice. It's also important to practice your interview technique on camera. ...
  2. Take notes. ...
  3. Prepare your own questions. ...
  4. Practice active listening. ...
  5. Have backup ready. ...
  6. Make sure you're prepared for the interviewer's questions. ...
  7. Arrange for children and pets.
Feb 14, 2024

How to answer tell me about yourself? ›

Provide a Brief Highlight-Summary of Your Experience

The best way to answer "Tell me about yourself" is with a brief highlight-summary of your experience, your education, the value you bring to an employer, and the reason you're looking forward to learning more about this next job and the opportunity to work with them.

Can an interviewer see my screen on Teams? ›

No, they cannot!

How do you test your Teams background before a call? ›

Change your background before a meeting starts
  1. While you're setting up your video and audio before joining a meeting, turn on your camera and select Effects and avatars. > Video effects.
  2. Select Blur. to blur your background. ...
  3. Select a Teams background to apply it to your video feed, or upload and apply your own.

How do you test what your camera looks like on Teams? ›

  1. In Teams, on the topmost window bar, locate the three-dots menu icon in the upper right. Select three-dots menu icon > Settings.
  2. The Teams Settings screen appears. In the left column, select Devices.
  3. Click or tap the "Make a test call" button.
Mar 20, 2024

How do I use Microsoft Teams for video interview? ›

Attendees with an Office 365 subscription may connect through their own Teams app. Those without Office 365 or Teams will get an email invite to be a guest through their web browser. In your calendar, click New Teams Meeting in the Home top ribbon. Boom — a link to your call automatically pops up in the invite!

What is the star method when interviewing? ›

The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioral-based interview question by discussing the specific situation, task, action, and result of the situation you are describing.

What is the star method of Microsoft interview? ›

Microsoft technical interview questions

The STAR method is a technique of asking questions to get specific answers. First, you explain what the situation was, what your task was in the situation, what actions you took and the result of your actions.

What do you think are the three qualities necessary to work at Microsoft? ›

Whilst we all need to invest in technological trainings, developing soft skills are increasingly critical in helping us navigate the jobs of tomorrow.
  • Analytical thinking. ...
  • Adaptability and continuous learning. ...
  • Digital skills.
Sep 27, 2019

How to crack a video interview? ›

Answer : Candidates should focus on their surroundings, opting for a professional background or a blank one. Additionally, they should dress professionally, maintain eye contact by looking into the camera lens, and exhibit positive body language and facial expressions.

Can you look at notes during a video interview? ›

An advantage of virtual interviews is that you can have your notes and questions handy on your computer screen during your conversation. Connect: At the beginning of the interview make sure to greet the employer and ask how their day is going.

How to ace a video interview? ›

Make sure you:
  1. be clear when you speak.
  2. do not talk too fast.
  3. pause at the end of a question so that you don't talk over the interviewer (there is a slight delay online)
  4. smile and look interested.
  5. sit up straight and have good body language.
  6. keep up good eye contact – look at your camera rather than at the screen.

What to wear for a Microsoft Teams interview? ›

Dress as you normally would for a face-to-face interview. Research the company and decide what is appropriate to wear. Avoid patterns or distracting jewellery and ties. Opt for simple, softer colours and dress fully – not just from the waist up!

What is the best background for a Microsoft team interview? ›

A neutral background or a virtual background that's appropriate and not distracting can help maintain a professional image. Remember, your environment reflects your commitment to the interview process and is noticeable to an employer.

How early should I join a Microsoft Teams interview? ›

We recommend joining the meeting about 5 minutes early to make sure your settings work properly. 2. There can always be connectivity problems, so check that your network is strong, the app is updated. Close out of any other programs that might be running on your computer, so you can ensure a strong connection.

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