You’ve booked a video interview — it’s a cause for celebration. So why does it feel like a cause for panic? After all, making it to the interview phase means you’ve already put in a lot of hard work, crafting your resume, researching your ideal companies and visiting career fairs.
As much as you might dread the occasional awkwardness that comes with the video interview process, it’s worthwhile to embrace the format. A recent survey of more than 500 human resources managers showed that more than 66 percent were using video interviews “very often.” Chances are a video interview is in your near future.
Get ready for your close-up by following these simple tips:
- Research the company and recruiter. It’s still important to know quite a bit about the company during a video interview, because you’ll likely be asked what interests you about the position and company. Just because you won’t be exchanging actual handshakes doesn’t mean you can skimp on actual research about what you’re seeking from an opportunity.
- Dress for the occasion. This is applicable for both in-person and video interviews, but people tend to let it slide on the latter. Putting on a nice outfit is like putting on your confidence armor. Dressing the part from head to toe (not just the top half) will help get your brain in interview mode. Solid colors read better on camera than white or patterns.
- Select your location wisely. Consider what the recruiter will see — and hear — during your interview. Blank walls aren’t necessary, but consider of posters, pictures and objects in the background that might prove distracting. Natural lighting is best, but if that’s not an option avoid lighting right above or behind you. Eliminate background noise by turning off televisions and radios, setting phones (mobile and landline) to silent and sending roommates, dogs and other potentially noisy interruptions out of earshot.
- Practice, practice, practice. Pitchers can’t throw a perfect strike without years of practice. So how can you expect to nail a video interview if you’ve never tried it? Most people don’t speak on camera often, so having an understanding of how you look and sound can help improve your game. Practice talking to other people using your computer or tablet webcam. (It’s the perfect excuse to Skype your mom.)
- Test your tech. There’s nothing more awkward than fumbling with your technology or internet throughout the first several questions. Most software companies give you an opportunity to test the sound and camera before you press record or begin the interview. Take an extra fifteen minutes before the interview to ensure everything is operating smoothly, giving yourself enough time to contact the software’s help line if you run into issues.
- Make eye contact with the camera. It can be hard to focus during a recorded interview, but eye contact and great posture will set you up for success. When you glance at the image of yourself onscreen instead of the camera during an interview, it can make you look distracted. Place your camera at eye level and make the image of yourself on your computer thumbnail sized.
- Reach out after the interview. This one is an obvious one. If you have access to contact information, feel free to reach out with a thank you for the opportunity to be considered. A little basic courtesy goes a long way.
- Don’t be nervous! As recruiters, we realize it isn’t the easiest thing to record yourself as you talk to no one on the other end of the camera. Be confident, and if you make a mistake during a question, move on and regain your composure. We won’t hold it against you — Just smile and show us your personality and your passion for the work.
Do you look forward to video interviews or dread them? What tips have helped you through the process? Tell us what you think down below or on our Careers Facebook page!
Julie Hoch is the Intern Program Manager at Burns & McDonnell with more than 8 years of experience recruiting in the engineering, architecture, construction & environmental consulting industries. She helps seek out the best and the brightest intern and new grad candidates on campuses nationwide.
photo credit: Producer/Director setting up the camera via photopin (license)
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