Video Interviews; The Passport To Your Next Expat Job In the Netherlands

Research tells us that video interviewing is very much on the rise; a report from the Aberdeen Group reveals that while in 2010 only 10% of firms were using video as part of the hiring process, by the end of last year that figure had jumped to 42% and we can expect it to be much higher now.

The main reason that companies use video interviewing is to save costs and time as it is a very convenient way to do first round screening of candidates without them coming to the office.

But, for international companies, who are recruiting international candidates, video interviews take on a whole new level of importance; they can save the company and candidate considerable travel expenses and travel time as the company can first and second screen candidates and even make job offers on the strength of video interviews.

This is why most companies who recruit internationally rely on video interviews as part of their interview process, which means that video interviews are in many ways the passport to your international job – and if you are an overseas applicant looking to secure an international role in the Netherlands, you must master the video interview.

And below we have set out several tips on how you can video interview more effectively and land your dream international job.

1. Turn your bedroom/home office into a TV studio

You need to optimize the viewing environment for a video interview so that the image that the camera presents to the viewer is of excellent quality. To do this, you need to make sure that the viewing area and room is well illuminated. You can provide extra lighting in the local area around the desk by placing a lamp on the desk in front of you, which should then light up the viewing area.

Also, just like in a TV studio, remove all external distractions which means locking the door, (so you are not disturbed), and closing windows and blinds so you are not disturbed by outside sounds.

2. What to wear

Make sure to dress as you would in a normal face to face interview which should be formal attire. Also, follow the rules of TV presentation and avoid wearing stripey shirts or clothes with tight woven patterns – as these can create a strange, distracting effect for the interviewer.

3. Prepare the Viewing/Presentation Area

In advance of the interview, set up the viewing area and make sure your upper body appears to be at the centre of the camera's views and that you are looking directly into the camera.

Also, make sure that your desk, (which forms part of the viewing area) appears tidy and ordered. Ensure that the camera is positioned close enough to your face so the interviewer can read your facial expressions as this will aid communication. However, also make sure that the viewer can see your upper torso, arms and hands so that the video interviewer can assess your body language as in a normal interview – which makes for an enriched communication experience

4.During the interview...

Make sure that you adopt a good posture during the interview which means sitting with back straight and not slouching and make sure that you regularly look into the camera as this appears to the interviewer that you are making eye contact which is a important part of effective interviewing.

Finally, we strongly recommend that you use/borrow a good quality, HD camera for the best possible viewing experience and we also suggest that you practice the video interview in advance with a trusted friend – and ask them for feedback on your performance and the overall presentation.