Each year, video job interviews become more common. How can you be certain that your webcam interview will impress the recruiting manager? Check out our video interview checklist to make sure you’re ready to go on camera or scroll down to read more video interview advice.
Getting ready for a video interview
Take a look around you. Make sure your webcam is in a peaceful, distraction-free environment. Make sure there is no clutter or unsightly elements in the background, such as laundry piles. Avoid excessive background noise, such as passing cars or ticking clocks.
Checking the equipment
Familiarize yourself with the webcam and microphone, and learn how to use them. The audio and video should be clear, and the camera should be positioned at eye level. If you can enlist the services of a friend or family member to conduct a trial run, you will be able to avoid any potential equipment troubles. If you do a technical trial run before the video interview, you’ll feel more at ease.
Appearance
When it comes to preparing for a video interview, appearance is really important. Even if you are not interviewing face to face, you should dress professionally. Stick to solid colors that aren’t excessively dark or light, and avoid stripes and plaids to avoid contrast concerns.
Practice some video interview questions
A recording feature will be available on your video camera. Prepare your video interview questions and responses in front of the camera before the interview. It will give you valuable information into how you deliver your answers, allowing you to make improvements ahead of time and increasing your confidence in the interview.
Charge your battery
The night before, charge your laptop or tablet. If you’re using a tablet, make sure it’s on a stable surface so the screen doesn’t shake.
Checking the lighting
Your face will be lit if you place a light behind your computer. This will aid in the avoidance of shadows.
Tips for video interviews in general
Maintain a professional tone.
If you’re using Skype or another video platform, make sure your user name, like your email address and social network accounts, is professional.
Take a breather.
Allow the interviewer to finish before responding. Because digital video streaming can take a few seconds to load, wait a few seconds before answering.
Keep your resume in the vicinity.
Finally, keeping your CV close by is a good idea. Just make sure you don’t glance away too much from the camera. Having notes on hand can be useful for referring to in-between video interview questions.
Maintain eye contact with the other person.
Try to avoid staring into the middle of the screen by looking squarely into the camera. So that the interviewer can hear you clearly, speak directly into the microphone.
Keep in mind that they can see you.
The interviewer can see you, unlike a phone interview. It may seem self-evident, but it’s easy to forget that you’re being recorded when answering. Remember to smile and present yourself as friendly and approachable. In a face-to-face interview, you have more opportunities to interact and bond with the interviewer than you would in a phone interview, so take advantage of it.