How To Ace Your Video Interview
It’s no surprise that COVID-19 has affected all aspects of our lives. In an article from The New York Times, it’s noted that nearly 14 million people are receiving unemployment benefits, meaning that a large percentage of people are probably looking for a job.
Given that most companies probably will not be doing in-person interviews, the rise of the video interview has gained traction. While most people have had experience with video calls thanks to Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams and Google Hangouts, participating in a video interview is a different kind of experience.
Read on for some tips on how to ace your next video interview:
Setting and Location Matter
When you’re setting up for your video interview, you should think about the location. If you’re going to be in your room, make sure you clean up and don’t have anything that could potentially be embarrassing in view. Try to avoid rooms that have a lot of glass and do not sit facing a window as this can cause echoing.
If you are going to be in a shared area, it would be helpful to let others in your household know that you will be in a video interview and shouldn’t be bothered. In addition, any pets that may act as a distraction should be put in another room or blocked off area. Better yet, if you have a clothes closet that you can sit in, it will act as a natural soundproof space.
Be Mindful of Your Camera
Camera placement is something that should also be considered very carefully. You want the lens of your camera to be at eye level for the best and most flattering angle.
The camera should also be about four to six feet away and should capture your shoulders and head only. Your background should be a plain, solid color (no crazy patterns). Some companies might ask you to use one of their branded backgrounds for the interview, so if that is the case, go ahead and use that.
Dress the Part
No matter which company you are interviewing for, always dress professionally. Employers will want to see how you will dress for the position you are applying for. Your video appearance will portray how you feel about their company and new position.
You might be running errands in your sweats, but for a job interview, you want to impress your interviewer. This shows that you respect the company and the interviewer, who is taking time out of their busy day to talk to you.
Be Engaged and Focused
Even though the interview is being conducted over video, act as though you are sitting across from the person in real life. Make sure you are making eye contact (by looking directly at the camera lens) and smiling. A helpful tip is to put sticky notes on either side of your camera lens, so you know where to look when talking and listening.
