9 tips for succeeding at video interviews for mining jobs

Career Services

April 14, 2023

Pre-recorded video interviews are becoming increasingly common. Here's how to ace yours.

If you're applying for a mining job today, it's likely you'll be interviewed by video, instead of face to face. Most likely during the earlier stages like pre-screen questions and first job interview.

It's become an increasingly common practice over recent years, with mining companies streamlining processes, reducing costs and saving time.

Often these interviews are prerecorded, rather than “live”.

We’ll explain how you can do well in your video interview and secure the mining job. First, let’s take a quick look at the benefits of these kinds of interviews.

The benefits of video interviews for mining jobs

For many, video interviewing is an unfamiliar experience. Sitting down in front of a blank screen with questions appearing at timed intervals, or asked by a person on-screen, feels challenging.

As a job applicant, you have the benefit of being able to record your interview when and where it's convenient. There’s no need to take time off work or arrange appointments around existing rosters. For fairness, you’re being asked exactly the same questions as every other applicant.

When there's consistency in the questions, it can speed up the hiring process, so you can hear back sooner.

Top tips for a great mining job interview on video

We spoke to a group of people who had experienced a video interview, to get their tips and advice on how to prepare and record a video interview.

Here's what gave them the best chance of winning the job:

1. Find a quiet location to record

Find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted during the recording (remember that expert whose kids burst into the room during his TV interview? You really don’t want that to happen!)

2. Look directly at the camera

Although eye contact is not possible because you’re talking to a screen, look directly at the camera, rather than at the person or questions on the screen. This is what people do when they’re interviewed on TV. It’s called “looking down the barrel” of the camera. It looks more professional and is less distracting for the viewer (your employers).

3. Smile and sit up straight

If you look comfortable in front of the camera, you’ll come across better at the other end. But you should also look professional. Sit up straight. A good posture helps you look more confident (and you’ll feel more confident when you speak, too). And smile. It creates a connection with the viewer and makes you seem warmer, more human, and more relatable.

4. Spend time getting your set-up right

It’s worth taking a few moments to get things looking right. Set up your camera or laptop so you are face-on (and can easily talk “down the barrel”). Make sure your camera is not angled upwards or downwards or at any kind of awkward angle. It’s preferable to film during the day, with natural but not too bright light. Make sure there are no shadows on your face. Too dark? Add extra lighting.

5. Keep it still

If you are using your phone to record the interview, put it on a stable surface or use a phone mount, so the image is steady. Don't hold it at arm’s length. (It's not going on TikTok).

6. Think about your background

Think about what's visible in the background. Many people choose a plain white wall, as it provides less distraction for the viewer. But remember, your “viewer” is your recruiter. So, if there’s anything in your background, make sure it’s nothing inappropriate and nothing that might reflect badly on you.

7. Your clothing is important

A white shirt could be too bright. Patterns can be too distracting (fine patterns can often do crazy things on camera, which can make the tape really hard to watch). Black can sometimes make you “fade” into the background. Aim for smart, neutral clothing.

8. Check your technology and your batteries

Before you start to record, ensure:

Your connection is strong (good wi-fi or bluetooth signal if you need it, nothing downloading, no updates running or scheduled, etc.)
Your battery has enough juice to last the recording
Your camera and microphone are working
You’ve closed down any programs you’re not using (like email programs that tend to “ping” when a new message comes in)
You’ve put your phone in aeroplane mode (if you’re recording on it, to stop incoming calls interrupting you) or turned it off (if you’re not recording on it, so you don’t get interrupted or distracted by it).

9. Be prepared

Preparation isn’t just for Boy Scouts; it’s for job interviews, too. And that goes for video interviews as well as face-to-face. You’ve been given the questions in advance, so you’ve got time to think about your answers. Your recruiters will expect you to be prepared, and it will come across very quickly if you’re not.

When you were sent the request to record a video interview, you should also have been told the time it should take, how long you have to answer each question and a date the recording needs to be submitted by. Some systems allow applicants to practice an answer to ensure their system is working; others commence the interview immediately.

Video interviewing and prerecorded interviews are here to stay. Spending the time at the beginning to prepare for a video interview will pay off in the long term for you.

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by Dan Hatch