In this day and age, it’s likely that you’ve already experienced a video job interview. If you haven’t, I can almost guarantee that at some point you will have one in the job search process throughout your career. Video interviews are becoming increasingly more popular due to technology improvements and the amount of time it can save for the interviewer. That being said, treat a video interview as important as you would an in-person interview because this is likely your first opportunity to shine with the interviewer, whether that’s a recruiter or hiring manager. So whether this is your first video interview or you’d like to improve on previous experiences, here are some of my top tips to ace your next one like a champ:
Test the connection.
This could seem silly, but this is a necessary step to take prior to your video interview. Make sure you have tested out the connection with ample time before the scheduled meeting. Ensure that both the audio and video quality are good so you can avoid any awkward first impressions with your interviewer. You want to show them that you are prepared from your initial interaction.
Prepare your surroundings.
This is your time to shine, therefore you don’t want to have any potential distractions during the session. Pick a quiet place to interview without an elaborate backdrop so that you can be the focal point on the screen. Remove anything around you that could detract attention away from what you have to offer.
Dress the part.
When it comes to attire, dress for your video interview like you would in an in-person interview. Dress professionally from head to toe, regardless of if you’re taking the call from the comfort of your home. Just because you’re on a screen doesn’t mean the interviewer isn’t taking note of how you present yourself.
Look at the camera, not at the screen.
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of making a connection with the interviewer during video call. Looking directly at the video camera is the only way to maintain direct eye contact with your interviewer and therefore show them your confidence and eagerness for the job.
Check in with the interviewer at the start.
At the beginning of the interview, verify that they are able to see and hear you. It can be very uncomfortable if you dive in from the start and the interviewer isn’t able to catch it all and you have to repeat it over again.
Close other programs on your computer.
You want to show them that 100% of your focus is on this video interview. Getting notifications during your interview is distracting and unprofessional; make sure before the interview begins to close out the other windows on your computer and to silence or turn off notifications.
Watch your body language.
Not all physical cues translate from in-person interviews to video interviews, which makes the ones that you can relay even more important. Sit upright, relax your shoulders to avoid stiffness, and remember they can see your face, so show off that smile of yours!
End it on a high note.
As you would if you were interviewing in person, show your appreciation for them taking the time to do a video interview with you. Afterwards, send a follow-up thank you note to express your interest in the job and how you would benefit the company if you were to get the position. If there’s something in particular that you connected with them on during the video interview, include that as well.
Bring the same energy and preparation to a video job interview as you would in person and you’ll put yourself in the best position to secure a follow up interview. You got this!
