Tips for video case interviews

Hi there,

This is what I usually recommend for video interviews:

1. Prepare the place for the call. A quiet environment is a must-have. Also, be sure that you have an appropriate background.
2. Test audio and webcam. Check in advance that they work properly.
3. Prepare on the wall in front of you all the material you need (eg structures). So you won't have to look for it during the interview/ won't make it clear you are reading it
4. Smile during the call. It is an excellent way to show energy.
5. Use numbers when communicating your structure. Important as well in a face-to-face interview but even more in a video one. This will make it easier for the interviewer to follow you since they probably cannot see your notes. As an example:“In order to help our client, I would like to focus on three main areas. First, I would like to focus on [FIRST TOPIC], secondly on [SECOND TOPIC], finally on [THIRD TOPIC]. Let me start with the first one."
6. Prepare your own questions. Relevant questions at the end are a great way to show your interest in the company and get additional points. This is particularly important in a phone/video interview, as the interviewer will naturally connect less with you. In the first reply at the link below you can find some tips on the ideal questions to ask at the end of your call: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/open-house-at-bcg-311.
7. Bonus: record yourself using Zoom before the interview, simulating the call. You may notice a few things to correct.

You don’t need to have “smaller” structures for video interviews. Just be sure that you have good communication and list the steps as recommended in 5, so that the interviewer can follow you.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

Great question! A few thoughts here:

1. Have the right setup
   1. Good audio
   2. Good/clean/neutral background
   3. Good visual (your face centered, properly lit, etc.)
   4. Good internet connection
2. Keeping them engaged
   1. Gesticulate (particularly to show what bucket/level you're in)
   2. Change your cadence / tone
   3. Pause at key moments
3. Communicating clearly
   1. Gesticulate (yup, very important)
   2. Signpost
   3. Be concise + precise with your wording

Happy to take you through how to do this - I spend a lot of time with candidates “editing” their communication skills.

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the (presumed) invitation!

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

• Generally speaking, since virtual interviews swallow parts of the communication and interaction, I would advise you to over-communicate and over-engage:
  • Communicate precise, concise and use numberings (especially when presenting any structural components)
  • Use gestures and selective pauses
  • Prepare your own questions with a focus on the interviewer's perspective or experiences
  • Ensure a proper setup, both for the technical part and the background, and test it at least once

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best approach your upcoming interviews, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

In addition to Francesco's brilliant answer, please feel free to read this article. There are some additional tips you can borrow for optimal performance on the interview day- preplounge.com/en/articles/job-interview-stress

All the best!

Hi there,

I believe that you with good communication techniques you can easily communicate a complicated structure.

You always need to provide a proper structure, no matter what the interview type, and I would not choose a different one just because of the interview type. That's a recipe for failure.

My advice is to use numbers and letters to differentiate between the different buckets and levels of your structure and continuously refer back to these numbers and letters and you move down and across.  

Also, I know we all like to think our answers are unique and special, but you can be 95% sure the interviewer has seen the structure before and, therefore, will find it easy to follow.  So really don't worry about that.

Hope this helps!

Allen

Yes, you are correct - more than 2 layers becomes complicated to follow - it is also usually not necessary, you only go to the third layer on an analysis you find particularly critical.

How to build rapport - just like you do in real life. Smile, have a good energy level, make a bit (just a bit) of small talk, share a bit about you (just a bit) while being professional.

Also pay some attention to the video logistics. Being in a nice setting, with the right ammount of light, with the camera focusing on the right area (i.e., not cutting part of your head, not showing your Heavy Metal shirt collection, …), and a good microfone don't hurt…

Hope this helps, and good luck for the interview!

Hi,

The reality is that video interviews are a sub par experience for everyone. There is limited interpersonal awareness and it is very hard to pick up on important non verbal cues etc.

To make the video interview process better, focus on the basics.

1. Ensure you have the right equipment. It is hard to build rapport with poor equipment - often I find candidates have very poor headphones or use their laptop mics which are of poor quality and it affects the entire vibe of the interview. Buy a good webcam and light ring if your current setup isn't great. It goes a long way towards establishing rapport
2. To maintain ‘eye contact’ look towards your camera (or in the direction of it) AND make sure you are communicating non verbally as well. For example, nod if you agree with a statement, smile if something is light hearted etc. All of these help build trust and show that you are listening to the interviewer
3. Repeat things often to ensure you are both on the same page. Many times, it is hard to understand each other in a video call due to all the distractions. Make sure you consistently repeat important information and are on the same page with your interviewer
4. Always communicate what you are going to do clearly. For example, be clear you need a few mins to structure, say you would like the interviewer to repeat some information etc. DO NOT ASSUME they will pick up on things like is common in an in person interview.

Interviewers are more distracted on video calls. However the answer is not to create ‘simpler’ structures but to communicate better. So speak slowly and clearly and be succinct in your communication style. There is limited patience for rambling answers given the shorter attention span.

All the best with your interviews,