Preparing for a Video Interview? According to Software Advice 60% of hiring managers and recruiters have turned to using video technology when they need to carry out remote job interviews;
In a survey of 506 companies, 47% use video interviewing to shorten the time it takes to make a hire, and 22 percent say that they would use video interviewing to help them reach candidates from other geographic regions.
What does this mean? It means it’s time to prepare yourself for video interviews. Below are 8 tips to prepare for a video interview
1. Test your technology
According to a study completed by Northeastern University, technical savvy is one of the top 10 competencies employers look for in new hires, and one that a hiring manager can test via a virtual interview. Avoid any technical issues by doing a test run well in advance. Ensure things like Internet connection and sound and video connection are working properly. Doing a test run before hand gives you time to iron out any glitches before the real interview.
2. Update your Login Information
In today’s virtual world, your email address or Skype name can be your first impression. Meaning the Skype name you created in high school or college that contained words like “princess” or “football” might not be the most professional name to use for interviewing purposes. Keep your email address and Skype name simple trying different combinations of your first and last name or leverage industry related key words.
3. Sound
Having good sound is just as important as having good video. Keep in mind, an empty room, especially one with no carpeting, produces an echo affect on video. Basically the more stuff you have in the room the fewer echoes. Also, be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you are in a quiet place with no loud noises in the background. Turn off the TV, silence your cell phone, and close the window to muffle any honking horns or blaring sirens.Office noises, construction or kids playing inside will make your interview difficult to listen to.
4. Background
Don’t forget about your background! The last thing you want is for your potential new employer to see that you’re a slob! The messier the background, the harder it is to convince a hiring manager of how detail-oriented and organized you are.
Instead, make sure to set up a nice backdrop at home maybe a bookshelf, piece of art or a houseplant instead of just a plain wall. If you’re at the office make sure your desk is clean and simple.
5. Lighting
Good lighting can be the difference between looking like your telling campfire stories, an anonymous source on the news or looking like you are conducting a professional interview. The key is to make sure the light source is directly in front of you not to the side or behind you. When possibly using a natural light source from a window is ideal however, placing a lamp in front of you will work as well.
6. Set up your camera properly
If your doing a virtual interview chances are you are using a laptop or monitor with a built in camera. Just having the laptop on your desk or table puts the camera several inches below eye level. So in order to get your face in the shot you have to angle it up towards the ceiling. Instead stack your laptop on top of some books or boxes to bring the camera up to eye level. This is how people are used to seeing you. Place your chair far back enough so that you are about arms length away from the camera and your eyes are about two thirds of the way to the top in the video frame. This will make you fit the frame of the video perfectly.
7. Dress Appropriately…
at least from the waist up! Although you are not meeting in-person the interviewer can still see you on video! Dressing for success is still a major factor of virtual interviews so make sure you don your most professional attire. Consider wearing makeup, yes, even some men do it., to help with shine on camera.
8. Monitor Your Body Language
A virtual interview does not give you the opportunity to walk into a room with confidence or shake hands with your potential employer. On video one of the main ways to convey enthusiasm and confidence is with your body language. Sit up straight, smile, and keep the camera at eye level to avoid looking up or down. It’s been shown that employers are more likely to remember what you said if you maintain eye contact, so stay focused, not on the screen image of the employer, but on the camera itself.
