One of the key elements of preparing for an internship in Australia is taking part in an interview with your future Host Organisation. As most of our candidates are overseas, video interviews are a great way to connect with a potential host. However, such interviews are full of potential pitfalls. So, before you participate in a video interview, make sure you’re ready - the stakes are high – if you’re successful, you will be coming to Australia on the next flight (almost)!

Here are seven things you must do to prepare for a video interview:

1- Research the company

Just like before any other interview, in order to be well prepared you need to research the company. It is the best way to learn about what the company does and what they look for in a candidate. You’ll also be better prepared to answer questions and position yourself as the best candidate for the internship position that they have available.

2- Ensure you have a sensible Skype ID

Even if that means setting up a second Skype account just for interviews. You don’t want to be poorly judged before the interview even starts because your username is inappropriate.

3- Check your tech

Make sure that you set up everything you need well before the interview is scheduled to start. This includes turning your computer on at least ten minutes beforehand, and checking your webcam and audio. Also, check your battery and internet connection, and make sure that you’ve got any notes or documents you might like to refer to (such as your CV) close to hand. It is also important to remember that the camera should be at eye-level so that you are looking directly into the camera.

4- Prep your surroundings

You may think the only thing the people on the other end of a video interview can see is your face, but they will see some of your surroundings too. The room that you are in should look neat and professional - be aware of what your background says about your candidacy. Please also try to avoid any other distractions such as a barking dog or a crying child at the background or other people in the room.

5- Dress to Impress

Choose your clothes carefully. Dress just as professionally as you would for a face-to-face interview. Try to avoid busy prints, as they often don’t come across well on video. While only your top half is likely to be visible to the interviewer, it is not a great idea to wear something inappropriate on your lower half. Dressing appropriately will help you get in the right mindset for the interview. Of course, make sure your hair looks neat too.

6. Be aware of your body language

Ensure you make lots of eye contact with the interviewer, as this can help build rapport. Try to relax and smile, even if you feel uncomfortable.

Speak clearly and concisely, and remember there may be a slight delay (due to internet connection) between you and the interviewer. Make sure that you are giving them time to speak and not interrupting them.

Don’t try and do anything else while you’re being interviewed (such as googling to find the answer to a question, for example). The interviewer will almost certainly notice and it may ruin your chances of success.

7. Practice makes perfect

It's always a good idea to practice your interview technique - and one of the real advantages of video interviews is that you can record yourself, watch it back and improve next time. Asking someone else to interview you via video can be even more useful, as you can get their feedback too.

Another helpful exercise you might wish to consider is to practice interviewing someone else over video, as you get to see what it looks like from the other side of the table. This can be a useful way to see what works and what doesn't.

We hope you find the above useful!

Good luck with your interview and please remember that our helpful team is always here to assist and support you!