12 Tips for Acing Your Video Interview
Posted on February 01, 2021 by Jeff Rothman, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
With more people than ever working from home, video interviews have become increasingly common. Preparation is key, so here are a few tips.
1. Camera position: Make sure your camera is positioned close to eye level.
2. Your position: Don’t sit more than 36 inches away from the camera and microphone. If you can use a headset, all the better.
3. Lighting: Position yourself so your face is clearly lit but not washed out. If your face looks washed out after you’ve adjusted room lighting, try reducing your screen brightness.
4. Check your tech: Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection well in advance.
5. Background: Set up where you’ll have an uncluttered, professional background that’s free from visual distractions. Avoid using the green screen and virtual backgrounds.
6. Test drive: Click the link you’ve been provided to make sure it works and familiarize yourself with the video platform’s on-screen controls, especially how to mute and unmute the audio.
7. Practice. Then practice more. Don’t underestimate the importance of taking time to practice well before you have the interview. Get feedback, incorporate and integrate that feedback, and practice again. It’ll have a big payoff!
8. Dress professionally: Research the company culture before your interview so you have a good idea of what’s appropriate. Even though you may be at home, dress from head to toe just as if you’re having an in-office interview—you never know when you’ll have to stand up to deal with an interruption.
To look your best on camera, avoid bright colors and patterns and opt for softer colors. If you are wearing a tie, wear a solid color rather than a patterned one. If you wear glasses, adjust the lighting in the room and brightness of your computer screen to reduce glare from the lenses or remove them altogether.
9. Eye contact: Don’t treat your video interview like a Zoom happy hour. Eye contact on a video interview is just as important as during an in-person interview, and you want to convey the same level of connection as you would sitting across the desk from someone. Avoid looking directly at your interviewer on the screen while you’re answering a question. Instead, direct your gaze at the webcam. When you do this, your eyes are more likely to align with the interviewer’s. When you’re listening, you can look back at the screen.
10. Body language: Throughout the interview, keep your mood upbeat and convey optimism with your body language. One way to achieve this is to have good posture, so sit with your back straight and shoulders open. Feet should be planted on the floor and arms can rest in your lap or on the desk. When you’re listening, nod and smile when appropriate to communicate that you’re giving the interviewer 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 your device.
11. If things go wrong: With technology, there’s always a chance that things could go 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 if you can reschedule. • If noise interrupts the conversation: If noises (sirens, construction, etc.) interrupt your video interview, apologize 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, apologize 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.12. If you’re using a personal Skype or Google account, make sure you have a professional username and check your privacy settings. If necessary, set up a new account.
You’ve got this! But if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give me a call.
