Video Game Interview Tips for Video/Remote Interviews

As the pandemic is ongoing, long gone are the days of traditional face-to-face interviews. Instead, video interviews are the new norm. These take place via video conference apps, like Google Meet, Skype, or Zoom. Here are some of the topmost interview tips. Follow them to land your next video game job opportunity. 

Before the interview:

• Bandwidth, bandwidth, and bandwidth. You certainly don't want to lose your internet connection during the interview because someone is streaming Netflix or Hulu next door. And try to close all browser tabs and background applications on your computer too. 
• Appropriate location. I get that you may not have a home office yet, but that doesn't mean that you need to take your laptop to the coffee shop. What you should do is have ample light and a simple background. So, keep that Azeroth Map frame away from the camera. 
• Make sure your audio and video camera work correctly. Also, I would suggest you use a headset. And no, do not use the in-ear headset your Playstation 4 came with.
• Be and look professional. A suit would be ideal, but a plain white collared shirt would also get the job done.
• Keep notes. A pen and a piece of paper are always useful during interviews. You can keep notes or write down questions you can address to the interviewer. 
• Smartphone. Keep your little loved one silent or enable airplane mode. 
• Do your research on LinkedIn. Know who you're talking to, what their position is and try to search on LinkedIn for any posts they've published.

‍During the Interview:

• Stay calm even if things or the conversation does not go your way.
• Remember to pause. Don't rush to reply to a question. Take your time, a long breath, and then reply. By doing so, you also avoid talking over people, which is a sign of good etiquette.  
• Mind your body. Try to sit up straight and without making too many gestures. ‍
  

After the Interview:

• Questions. Check out your notes and ask away whatever you need to get a better sense of the situation and the job position. 
• Thank the interviewer. Just before you close the video call, thank the interviewer for their time and indicate that you're looking forward to hearing from them soon. 

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Before the Interview‍

First and foremost, you need to take your interview in the most serious possible manner. You cannot be sure when you're going to have another one. So, failing to prepare is preparing to fall, leading to your doom. Take extra care to verify that your setup is up and going. Test everything twice. If your microphone is not transmitting any sound to the interviewer, what's the point of it? Or if your camera flickers, how would you be able to see the person you're talking to? Be super careful, then. I understand that you may not live alone. However, that doesn't mean that it's alright if your bandwidth is low and your connection weak. Kindly inform the rest of the house members to catch up with their favorite sitcoms after your interview is over. There's nothing more frustrating than poor connection. And it shows the interviewers a lack of preparation on your behalf. If children (particularly toddlers) or pets are around, do tell your significant other to take them for a walk. That way, you can concentrate better. Further, try to dress smart. A standard office suit is recommended, but if that's not possible, do try to wear a collared shirt, or, at very least, wear a nice long sleeve polo shirt. And don’t forget to take care of the lightning. Sit under natural light or next to a lampshade. That way, the interviewer can see you clearly. Regarding your phone, put it on silent or airplane mode. Don't keep it close to the computer as it may distract you. On top of that, bring a pen and a notebook too. You can write down any questions you have during the interview and then address them to the interviewer later on.

Lastly, use LinkedIn to your advantage. LinkedIn will give you a ton of information on who the person is that's interviewing you. You can see their posts, job history and even school that they went to. Not only that, but you can see the gaming studios same information, giving you great insight before the interview even begins. Here's an article where we breakdown some other to use before the interview.‍

During the Interview ‍

As a video interview is similar to a face-to-face one, you should mind your body language. Sit up straight but make sure you look relaxed, as you don't need to look like a robot either. Be professional. Now, having an interview for a video game job, it's not the same as being interviewed for a standard office or clerk position. For example, if you are being interviewed for a video game programmer position, the interviewers will not expect you to express yourself like a CEO of a multinational company. I mean, they will not judge you based on your speaking ability.That said, do try to communicate clearly and concisely, without interrupting. Leave also a pause between each sentence and don't reply hastily to the questions. And look straight down the camera rather than the computer screen when speaking. In this way, you show respect to the interviewer and attempt to establish honest eye-to-eye contact. You're showing confidence, and that's something interviewers are looking for in prospective employees, no matter the field. ‍

After the Interview

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After the interview is over, you can finally relax. But not for long, as it's time to pose your own questions—the ones you noted during the interview. 

You could also spend time reflecting on what went well and what didn't, but I wouldn't fret over it. It's best to forget about the interview and move on with your life. 

Don't forget to thank the interviewer for their time and stress how eager you are to proceed to the next level. ‍

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong?‍

You cannot avoid things taking the wrong way, especially when it comes to technology. What you can do, though, is to be prepared for every possible situation. If during your interview, someone enters the room, kindly apologize for the disturbance. After, inform that you will sort it out immediately. Then, mute the mic and solve the issue. Now, be one-hundred percent sure that the interviewer will ask you if it's the right time to continue the interview or to postpone it for another time. That is tricky. Personally, I recommend completing the interview without transferring it to another day. But if it seems impossible to concentrate, ask to reschedule. The best thing is to stay calm and to show you're in control. Interviewers understand the current situation and realize that we're living in a transition period. As a last note, remember that it may be a weird period due to the ongoing pandemic, but that doesn't mean that there are no ways of getting a job. 

Think of it like this: Video interviews are the new norm, and the sooner you master them, the closer you will be to your next career step. We hope this article can help you ace your interview and land your dream job in the gaming industry! 

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