In today’s post, we sit down with Lenka Filipovicova, our Customer Service Representative. During Lenka’s recruiting process for the role, she participated in our one-way video interview. She knows first-hand the nerves that can come along with recording a video interview, so she collected her top tips for getting your best take.
My name is Lenka. I’m from Slovakia, and I joined GetYourGuide on March 1st, 2019. I work as a Customer Service Representative.
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I had completed an online video interview with a company before, and the experience had been a bit awkward. So, I had mixed feelings when I received the invite. I was happy I could start the recruiting process on my own time and stay in Lisbon, but I was also nervous about the task ahead.
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I prepared for this interview exactly how I prepare for a traditional interview: I did my research about GetYourGuide, I thought about and established which of my experiences, qualities, and characteristics I wanted to come across during the interview, and I made sure I was comfortable with my surroundings and wouldn’t be disturbed while completing the interview.
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I was very nervous, but I’m always nervous before an interview. That being said, I did get a little bit more relaxed as the interview progressed and felt like I could more easily express myself. However, at the same time, I also became more anxious about my previous answers knowing there was no way back.
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It was a simple question and answer structure. The first few questions I answered by speaking, mostly in English, but also in my chosen second and third language.
Since I was applying to join the Customer Service team, I had to write a few responses as well — these questions were designed to check my writing skills and speed. Both the written questions and the spoken questions allowed me to demonstrate my role-specific skills.
There was a timer counting down my response time underneath the questions while I was responding, which made me nervous, but also helped me keep my answers on-topic and to the point.
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I was very relieved when it was over.
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Honestly, I would probably practice a little less, because the more I tried to answer the questions in a perfectly-structured manner, the more stuck I became on the wrong points. I did my interview in the evening after I put the kids in bed, but if I were to do it again, I would complete the interview in the morning when my brain is more alert. I might also switch my mirror camera off since I felt a bit weird looking at myself while pitching what an amazing fit I would be for GetYourGuide.
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Be yourself.
You can never go wrong by being honest and straightforward. If you are honest, you feel good, when you feel good, you look good, and when you look good, you do good.
Do your research.
Learn about the company’s culture and values. If they match your own, then you will feel excited and motivated, and this positive energy can be felt through the screen.
Don’t take it too seriously.
Of course you want to come across as a professional and represent yourself well, but just like in a face-to-face interview, there are real human beings on the other side who will watch your responses. Show them you can smile even under pressure.
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