How to Ace a Video Interview

So you have passed the first round of the graduate programme and now you have been invited to an FDM Group video interview. Follow these 8 steps and you’ll be sure to ace the interview and progress to the assessment centre.

How to Ace the FDM Video Interview

1. Preparation is key

Treat your video interview the same way you would a face-to-face interview and do your research beforehand. Find out everything you can about FDM Group, research the role you are applying for and prepare for the most common interview questions. It’s also important to practice for non-verbal communication to help you get your point across via video chat. For this, we recommend standing in front of a mirror and practicing your interview answers, focusing on your eye contact, posture, facial expressions and hand gestures.

2. Mock interviews

Ask a friend or family member to help you prepare for the interview with an online mock interview using Skype or Zoom. This is a good opportunity to shake away the nerves and gain valuable, honest feedback from your peers.

3. Test your equipment

Don’t let a last minute technical problem ruin your interview and cause you unnecessary stress. At least one hour prior to your interview, take some time to test your webcam, microphone and speakers to make sure they are working on your device. Our video interview system will also offer you a test question, which will not be viewed by anyone else but you, so we advise you to use this as an opportunity to adjust your camera, microphone and lighting but also calm your nerves before you begin.

4. Show yourself in the best light

Take into consideration your interview background, lighting and positioning to ensure the recruiter will be able to see you clearly in the video and won’t be distracted by anything else in the room. If you are unable to find a neutral background, we recommend that you either blur your background or download a virtual backdrop.

Although it may not be a face-to-face interview, it’s important to dress the part from head-to-toe to make a good first impression but also help you feel your best and get in the right mindset

5. Be confident and show your personality

This is your opportunity to show the recruiter that you’ll make a great fit for the programme so remember to be yourself! When you give your answers, be confident in what you are saying even if you’re nervous. You’ll have a limited amount of time in which to give your answer so keep it concise, relevant and positive.

6. Give the interviewer your full attention

Remember to remove all distractions during your FDM video interview. Put your mobile phone on silent, turn off your laptop notifications and leave a ‘do not disturb’ sign on your door so that you can give your interviewer your full attention. If you’d like to take notes during the interview, it may be a good idea to let your interviewer know so they don’t think you’re avoiding eye contact when you’re looking down at your notepad.

7. Ask questions

In addition to preparing answers for potential interview questions, it’s also important to prepare some questions for your interviewer. Asking questions gives you the chance to find out more about the programme and decide whether it’s right for you while also showing the interviewer that you are actively listening and are engaged in the conversation.

8. Give examples as part of your answer

If you are able to expand with real-life examples, it will significantly improve the quality of your answers. You can draw upon scenarios from university, work experience, extra-curricular activities or even a hobby. If possible, try to use different examples for each question. This is particularly important for strength-based interviews.

FDM Video Interview Questions and Answers

Here are some common questions we may ask you during the FDM video interview with some example points to elaborate on in your answers:

1. Why do you want to work with FDM?

Working with FDM gives you access to a variety of unique offerings. Prior to the interview, familiarise yourself with these opportunities, for example:

• Our diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Our support and development programmes
• The opportunity to work with wide selection of esteemed clients
• Our award-winning training programmes with real-world training methods

2. Tell us about a situation where you overcame a challenge working as part of a team.

Overcoming challenges is a significant component of growing and succeeding in the workplace. Subsequently, it’s useful to have some examples you can reference in your interview. Possible situations to address, include:

• Completing a group project at university
• Solving a problem under pressure during work experience
• Facing a challenge in your extra-curricular activities

3. What most interests you about the role you are applying for?

When interviewing it’s important you are able to convey why you’re interested in the role, and give specific reasons and reference points. When you are prepping, take into consideration:

• A specific industry you are passionate about
• A company that your are interested in
• Something you have read recently that sparked your interest

4. What do you like to do in your spare time?

While highlighting your passion and interest in an interview is essential, it’s also beneficial to provide a well-rounded image, letting the interviewee know who you are as an individual. Therefore, it’s great to touch on what you do in your spare time, such as extra-curricular activities:

• Sports
• Charity fundraising
• Job-related hobbies e.g. coding.

5.Where do you see yourself in five years?

Asking ‘where you see yourself in five years’ is essentially asking what your career goals are, and how you see yourself progressing. When answering, consider answers relating to:

• Specialising in a certain industry
• Beginning a new role
• Training in a niche technical field

For more information, check out our FDM interview questions blog.

To join the FDM graduate programme you will be taken through four stages by your recruiter: a pre-screening phone call, the video interview, online tests and finally an assessment centre.  Check out the roles we offer and kick-start your career in tech today.