If you’re looking for work right now, you’ll almost certainly need to conduct some virtual interviews.
Video interviews are frequently faster, easier, and less expensive than in-person meetings or phone interviews. The rise of video interviews has resulted in a significant increase in users for companies such as Zoom.
Fortunately, interviewers have grown accustomed to meeting candidates online. But if displaying your talents on a laptop screen seems strange to you, you’re not alone.
These eight tips will assist you in improving your video interviewing skills and increasing your chances of landing the job.
- Check that everything works before you begin.
Always test your video and audio before an interview to ensure that everything is in working order. Just because it worked a month ago doesn’t mean it will work today, and it’s best not to take any chances. A stable wireless connection is also required, so select a location where the connection is unlikely to fail.
- Select a background that is free of distractions.
The emphasis should be on you and what you’re saying, so a light background that’s professional and free of distractions is essential.
Avoid having windows and walls covered in photographs or paintings. Attempt to keep your desk tidy; in general, remove anything that might divert the interviewer’s attention. A smooth wall makes the best background.
“When doing a video interview, you want a clean environment,” says Paul J. Bailo, digital executive and author of The Essential Digital Interview Handbook. The main goal of an interview is to communicate on a human level, so you should make it easy for people to focus on you.
- Make sure you’re in a well-lit room where the interviewer can clearly see you.
Take note of the lighting. The interviewer must be able to see you clearly, so test your camera first to ensure that the lights are not casting shadows on your face. It is always preferable to have natural light, such as a window, in front of you. Typically, ceiling lights cast unflattering shadows on the face. Another option is to install lights on both sides to improve visibility.
- Angle and eye contact are important.
Where do you look during an online interview? It is one of the most frequently asked questions. You may not feel at ease at first, but you should speak to the camera because the interviewer will believe you are looking at him.
Always keep the camera at eye level, not higher or lower.
- Frame the image from the chest up.
For video interviews, it’s best to show yourself from the waist or chest up so you don’t look like a floating head. A wider plane is preferable to being too close.
The triangle formed from the top of your head to your shoulders, according to Bailo, is the focal point because all of your communication will come from your face: your emotion, expression, and smile.
- Dress appropriately for the job you’re interviewing for.
Yes, it can be tempting to interview in your best shirt and without pants, but resist the urge. Dress as if you were going to an in-person interview. It is a method of re-centering yourself that can influence your attitude.
You always want to present your best self in an interview, so wash your face, brush your teeth, comb your hair, and prepare as you would for a face-to-face meeting. Your attire and level of formality should be appropriate for the position for which you are interviewing. If the job requires you to wear a suit every day, you should dress appropriately for the video interview.
When it comes to makeup, the more natural the better. Wearing too much jewelry can be distracting and catch the light from an unfavorable angle. Choose clothing colors that complement your skin tone and ensure that your clothes stand out against the background.
- Watch your body language.
To make a good impression on the interviewer, use the same body language you would in a face-to-face interview.
It is acceptable to make gestures while speaking, but be careful with your hand movements and make sure they are within the frame of the video if they are going to be your support to express yourself. Keep in mind that your gestures may not always translate as well on video as they do in person.
Maintaining a pleasant facial expression is also essential during the interview. “As soon as you turn on the camera, you’re creating an image of yourself.”
- Make sure your battery is charged.
Check that all of your devices – laptop, computer, cell phone – have a fully charged battery and are plugged in to avoid losing connection in the middle of the interview.
If you follow the eight tips above, you will be more confident and relaxed during your online interview, and you will receive more job offers!
In the end, it’s just like any other interview. You must provide excellent responses. You, too, should ask excellent questions. Just make sure you’re familiar with the technology before jumping into the conversation so you can focus on the tasks at hand.
