Why is it important to test tech for video interviews?
There are many reasons why it’s important to test tech for a video interview prior to entering the call, the most obvious of which is to ensure smooth communication throughout the interview. Applicants and you have limited time to dedicate to the interview call, so minimizing technical glitches allows you to make the most of your brief conversation and get the information you need to make a hiring decision. If the call is affected by a poor connection, inaudible audio or other issues, you may be too fixated on the problem at hand to pay attention to the answers the applicant provides and fairly judge their suitability for the role.
Besides the basic need to ensure effective means of digital communication with your interviewee, testing your video setup ahead of time is essential to making a good impression. Interviews are as much for candidates to assess whether they want to work for your business as they are for you to get to know the individual. If the call is littered with technical problems or inefficiencies, your company may appear disorganized or inefficient. For talented candidates interviewing for positions at multiple businesses, this can be a turn-off and may cause them to turn down a job offer from you.
Tips for video interview testing and preparation
Following these tech tips for video interviews will help ensure your team is ready to dive into the interview process uninhibited by technical problems on the day of the call.
Download the software and create an account
It may seem obvious, but having the necessary software on your computer before the interview date is a critical starting point. Once you confirm with the applicant what platform the video interview will be conducted on, it’s your responsibility to test your video setup on that specific platform.
Test your internet speed
Even if everything on your computer is working perfectly, you can’t have a flawless video interview with a slow internet connection. It’s easy to conduct an internet speed test from any device. Simply open the web browser on the computer and go to a website like SpeedTest. Then, you can check your upload and download speeds by pressing “go”.
If you’re connected to the internet wirelessly and aren’t seeing the results you need with the speed test, try hardwiring your connection to the network instead. Plug an ethernet cable into your computer and try the test again. If hardwire connection provides a better upload and download speed, be sure to use this setup for the interview instead of a wireless connection.
Check your audio input and output settings
The next step in testing your tech setup is to establish your audio input and output settings. On your computer, make sure the input is set to “Built-in” and the output is set to “Built-in” or, if you’re using speakers, that those speakers are selected. For the best audio output results, consider plugging headphones into the built-in output of your computer.
With software such as Indeed, you can test that your input and output are set correctly by connecting to a test call or playing the test audio. If you can hear it, your output is set up effectively.
Set up your lighting
The video component of the virtual interview is just as important as having reliable audio. Therefore, you should consider how you’re going to light your shot. In most office settings, the overhead fluorescent lighting will make you look washed out andpale and your features may be shadowy to the interviewee. Ideally, you want to be front-lit during the call for the best results. If you plan to conduct virtual interviews frequently, investing in a portable ringlight for front lighting your setup may be worthwhile. However, if you have a window in your office, you can simply position yourself so that you are facing the window during the interview. That way, the camera sees the natural light illuminating your face.
Check your camera placement
The angle of the camera during a video call alters the way your face looks. If you want to look your best and make a positive impression on the candidates you’re interviewing, preview what the angle of your camera looks like before connecting to the call. Simply open the video chat software to see a preview of what you look like on your device’s camera. If you’re using a laptop, you may want to raise the computer up to a higher level on your desk to avoid an unflattering low angle.
Consider what else is in the frame
While testing what the viewer will see in the shot, also consider what is behind you. If you’re in an office, be sure anything confidential is out of sight. If you’re conducting the interviews from home, check ahead of time that nothing inappropriate or unprofessional appears in the frame. You may want to curate a backdrop or background setup that fits the tone of your company if you’re interviewing from a home office.
Perform a test call with a colleague
After you’ve done as much work as you can to prepare yourself and your tech setup for the video interview, perform a test call with a colleague from your office. This person can be working from home or simply in another room. Connect with them using the same process you plan to use for the video interview with candidates. For example, if you are hosting interviews on Indeed, send them a link to test and then connect for a short call where you ensure you can hear each other. Ask them to confirm what your background looks like, if your audio sounds clear and test any other features you may need during the interview, such as screen sharing.
If everything is working properly on this test call, write down all the settings you’ve used, or take screenshots as a reference for how to set your computer up the day of the interview. If this tech test for a video interview reveals any issues with your setup, such as video lagging, you’ll now have time before the interview to search for alternatives or solutions.
