Video interview are becoming more and more common. There are many reasons for this. The biggest being that these interviews are more convenient for both employers and employees. And while video interviews are similar to real life interviews, there are a few key differences. These mostly have to do with technology. For example, here are a few things to keep in mind when doing one of these interviews:
What to Do When Conducting a Video Interview
1. Test Your Set-up
The biggest issue with video interviews is technology. You want everything to run smoothly, with no problems or delays. If there’s a problem with your computer during the interview, then you’ll probably destroy your chances of getting the job. Unless you’re giving the interview of a lifetime, it’s unlikely that you’ll hear back from the company. Most employers will simply move onto the next person.
This is why it’s so important that you test everything before the interview. Do not wait until it’s time to interview, and then discover that something is wrong. Test everything beforehand. This should include your webcam and speaker, as well as your computer itself. If you’re having problems with your PC, then take care of it. Also make sure that your internet is working. It’s not always possible to stay connected during the entire interview, but do as much as you can.
You’ll also want to make sure that your software is functioning correctly. Check that you actually log into Zoom, Skype, or whatever you’re using. You don’t want to miss the interview because you’ve lost a password. This is why it’s best to do a test call on the day of the interview. Get in touch with friends and family and make sure that everything is working correctly.
Make sure that nothing is scheduled to auto-run. For example, you may have a virus scan, or Windows update schedules. If things happens, it can interrupt the flow of the interview and also reflects poorly on you. Check this before-hand and disable this software.
One last thing to think about is your computer desktop. Clean this up and make sure there’s nothing that makes you look bad. This should also include your wallpaper. Some video chat programs also allow you to use a virtual background. If you have one of these then disable it. These backgrounds are unprofessional and must be avoided.
2. Think about Lighting
Lighting is extremely important when it comes to video interviews. This is something which very few people pay attention to, but it can make all the difference in the world. For example, the best advice we can give you is to avoid taking the interview in a dark room. If your room is lit by lamps, then move to another room.
It’s best to go into a room where there is bright, overhead lighting. This could be your kitchen or another room. Another option is sitting somewhere which has natural light. This will probably be near a large window. If you’re going to do this, then turn off all lights. You don’t want to be over lit, because this might cause a glare.
Something else you need to avoid is lighting yourself from behind. This will cast shadows, which are unwanted. The best policy is to take a look at your lighting before the interview. This is something you should do when testing your set-up. Open up your webcam and take a look at how you are lit. How does it make you appear? Do you look attractive and appealing? You may want to experiment with the lighting to find the best affect.
3. Think about What’s Behind You
A critical component of all videos and video interviews is the room. What is going on behind you and how does it reflect on you as a person? When testing your setup take a look at your screen and look at everything which can be seen in the video. To start with, your room should be neat and clean. If it isn’t, then do something about this. Make sure to remove all clutter and rubbish.
Also think about what’s on your walls, shelves etc. You don’t want anything which makes you look unprofessional or which is embarrassing. This could potentially cost you the job.
Very few people think about this. That being said, you don’t want to interview against a blank wall. This can also reflect poorly on you. You need to find a happy medium between too much and too little clutter.
Along with this you should remove all distractions. It’s best to take the interview in a room which you can lock. Inform your family and roommates. Tell them that you’re having an interview, and that they need to keep quiet. You don’t want your kids walking into the room during the interview. Pets should also be shut away. Your cat walking across the screen might seem cute, but it will actually make you look bad.
4. Dress Right
You should put as much effort into your appearance as you would with a real world interview. Although this is true, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to wear formal clothing. Wearing a suit to your video interview might make you look like an idiot.
The best rule of thumb is to wear something casual, but not too casual. Also take care of your grooming. Take a shower, get a haircut, and if you’re a woman it will help to wear make-up. Remember, you want to do all of the usual things you’d do for a normal interview.
Something else to take care of is your posture and body language. You don’t want to slouch in your chair or lean back in it. Ideally you should be upright and practice good posture. Sit up straight and make sure to look as if you’re interested, active, and engaged with what is going on. With these tips you should have no trouble getting through your video interview.
