QBE commits to being an inclusive, flexible, and supportive employer that provides its employees with the opportunity to work flexibly. This page is designed to support you to navigate our virtual recruiting and onboarding processes.
Video Interview Tips
In this case, you’ll be responsible for finding a quiet location with a good internet connection and a computer or laptop with a webcam. Specifically, you’ll need to:
- Find a quiet, private, well-lit place, where feasible, free from possible interruptions from people, pets or noises
- Ensure your internet connection is stable.
- Check that your computer or tablet device audio is working. Record yourself on a computer or phone video app in advance answering mock questions or practice with a family member.
- Test your computer or tablet’s webcam.
- Close any unnecessary web browser tabs and applications.
- Have a pen, notepad and copy of your resume on your desk. It’s fine to take notes during the interview.
- Place your phone in silent mode. Be fully ‘present’.
What to wear for a video interview?
QBE have a ‘Dress for your Day’ dress code policy, encouraging people to think about their day ahead and what makes them feel comfortable and confident at work. For your video interview, typically smart casual will be appropriate but it’s a good idea to check in with your QBE Recruiter on this subject if you are unsure.
Be Prepared
Position the camera so that you are looking up slightly and centred on the screen. While it’s likely that the interviewer will only see your upper half, it’s still a good idea to pay attention to the bottom half in case you need to stand up for any reason.
Video interview body language
Eye contact is very important during an in-person interview, and you want to convey that same level of connection during a video interview as an in person one. Therefore, avoid the instinct to look directly at your interviewer on the screen while you’re answering a question. Instead, when you speak, you want to direct your gaze at the webcam. When you do this, your eyes are more likely to align with the interviewer’s eyes on the other end. When you’re listening, you can look back at the screen.
When you’re listening, nod and smile when appropriate to communicate that you’re giving them your full attention. Use hand gestures when it feels appropriate and keep your movements close to your body. Avoid fidgeting or letting your gaze drift away from the device. Use positive body language ie. Sit up straight and try not to lean into the camera.
When the technology goes wrong
Here are some backup plans to have ready just in case.
- If your video or audio stops working: Before the interview, ask the interviewer for a phone number where you can reach them if you experience technical difficulties. If the video cuts out, call them at that number. Ask if you can continue the interview by phone or reschedule.
- If noise interrupts the conversation: If noises (sirens, construction, etc.) interrupt your video interview, apologise for the interruption and ask for a few moments until the noise has subsided. You may want to mute the microphone if the noise is severe.
- If someone enters the room unexpectedly: If family members, housemates or pets enter the room while you’re interviewing, apologise to the interviewer, ask for a few moments, mute your microphone and turn off your camera, and then step away to deal with the interruption. Make sure that the room is secure before beginning the interview again.
Onboarding
It’s fair to assume that starting a new job and joining a new company is going to be a new and different experience for you (not least because it’s unlikely you will be attending the office for your full working week) and it’s important that you adjust your expectations accordingly. Our People Leaders and People Teams will be focused on ensuring you have as smooth an experience as possible, but even with the greatest of efforts and best of intentions, your QBE onboarding experience is likely to feel different to what you (and we) are used to. You will need to work closely with your Manager to ensure you get up to speed with your new role as soon as possible, but even then, it’s generally accepted that virtual onboarding takes longer than normal.
In order to commence the background checks required to join the business, we will need to verify your right to work and an acceptable proof of address. This may involve you travelling into the office with the physical documents. The onboarding team will work with you to arrange this verification. Please do let us know as soon as possible if you foresee any issues with this.