Virtual Interviews - Zero confidence!!

[SoStressed!!]

I've applied for a firm and progressed to the VI, I haven't really done such pre-recorded interviews before and I feel so out of my depth. There was an initial 'practice' question that didn't count towards the assessment, but would be used to 'get to know me'. I felt it so stressful to see the timer go down and then being put on the spotlight!! I had 2 whole minutes to just talk about me, but used up about 40 seconds only. My mind went somewhat blank, and now I feel I have zero confidence to continue with the actual assessed questions! I have watched videos on youtube on how to prepare with VIs, so I know what I'm supposed to do, and how, but the confidence isn't there at the moment. The funny thing is, in real interviews, I'm not like this at all, I like talking to people, but this VI feels so impersonal, robotic and you're essentially talking to your laptop. *sighs* I realised this is a rather sad and self-depreciating post, but please share your initial VIs experiences and how you've risen above challenges since...

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I've applied for a firm and progressed to the VI, I haven't really done such pre-recorded interviews before and I feel so out of my depth. There was an initial 'practice' question that didn't count towards the assessment, but would be used to 'get to know me'. I felt it so stressful to see the timer go down and then being put on the spotlight!! I had 2 whole minutes to just talk about me, but used up about 40 seconds only. My mind went somewhat blank, and now I feel I have zero confidence to continue with the actual assessed questions! I have watched videos on youtube on how to prepare with VIs, so I know what I'm supposed to do, and how, but the confidence isn't there at the moment. The funny thing is, in real interviews, I'm not like this at all, I like talking to people, but this VI feels so impersonal, robotic and you're essentially talking to your laptop. *sighs* I realised this is a rather sad and self-depreciating post, but please share your initial VIs experiences and how you've risen above challenges since...

Hi!

I really relate to what you’re feeling, and video interviews used to be the most challenging part of the assessment process for me due to the reasons you listed above. It feels unnatural and I remember focusing so much on the timer that I would get sidetracked from my answer.

The initial practice question throws a lot of people off, especially when you realise that two minutes is actually quite long! The important thing to remember is that it’s not a performance - it’s just a chance to let your personality and interests come through, even if only briefly. Whilst I would try and speak for at least a minute and a half of the two minutes, quality trumps quantity!

You could try incorporating more of your experience and background into your answers to fill more of the required time, linking it back to the firm when you can. I would always make sure that you are answering the question they are asking - I used to want to talk about a really great experience in detail, but it often didn’t quite relate to what I was being asked for and this meant I scored quite low!

It’s also completely normal to feel a dip in confidence after a rocky start, but don’t let that moment define the rest of the process. The fact that you’ve already watched prep videos and know what’s expected shows you’re taking this seriously and giving yourself the best shot.

You mentioned that you usually enjoy real interviews and talking to people - use that to your advantage! Try to channel that version of yourself into the VI, even if it feels a bit strange. I would always imagine that I was explaining the concept/situation to a friend behind the camera, which made it feel like less of a ‘performance’. It’s also okay (and encouraged) to take a moment before answering, and if you go blank, just pause and re-centre - these moments are more common than you’d think!

Don’t let the practice question shake your confidence. The fact that you have been invited to the VI stage shows that graduate recruitment see potential in your application, and each time you do one of these, you will feel more confident!

All the best !!!