What to Do When You Get a Video Job Interview

How to Handle a Video Job Interview

It comes as no surprise video job interviews have become the norm since the onset of the stay home order and social distancing, both due to the global pandemic caused by Covid 19.

Video interviews are not only safer because they allow everyone to remain safe in their homes, but they are also cost-efficient and convenient.

A 2012 survey by the staffing agency Office Team found that 66.7% of human resource managers say they often use video interviews in the hiring process. In 2020 the number has increased an additional 19.3% bringing the total to 86%.

Yet, studies also show that companies and job candidates rate each other lower when they meet on #video rather than face-to-face. Like any technology, this method has both pros and cons. Use these suggestions to make the most of a video job #interview.

Advantages of a Video Interview

1. Saves money. Video interviews can eliminate travel expenses for both you and the company you’re interviewing with. You also use up less of your personal time.

2. Speeds up the process. You may get a job offer more quickly. Companies use video technology to avoid delays in coordinating travel schedules for multiple people.

3. Demonstrates your technology skills. Invest in a good quality webcam and microphone. Ensure you know all the basic features of the meeting service you’ll be using. Impress your interviewer by being well-prepared and showing that you’re tech-savvy.

Steps to Take Before Your Video Interview

1. Get formal training. Talk with a #job coach if you think you require further assistance. If you’re a student, the career development office at your university may offer more resources.

2. Rehearse thoroughly. Practice with family and friends to see how you look on a webcam. You may even want to have a casual chat immediately before your real interview to give you a chance to warm up.

3. Dress up. Take a shower so you’re feeling your best. Put on your best suit just like you would for a live interview. It’s acceptable to apply makeup a little more vividly for the camera, but be careful not to overdo it. You still want to appear as you would on an average day. 4. Create a backdrop. Bookcases and plants create an attractive and flattering professional setting. Avoid any clutter and try sitting by a blank side wall for depth perception.

5. Arrange your lighting. Natural light is ideal so set up near a window. Facing a window will give you the best appearance. If your room has little sunlight or it’s dark in your time zone, try a desk lamp, or ring light instead.

6. Watch your body language. Sit up straight. Try to angle your body ever so slightly. It looks less stiff than facing squarely in front of the camera during the entire interview. Try to act naturally, while maintaining #professionalism.

Steps to Take During Your Video Interview

1. Prepare for glitches. Ask the interviewer in advance what to do if you lose your connection. It will reinforce the message that you’re proactive. You may be allowed to continue via audio-only if a video problem does present itself.

2. Make eye contact. Look into the webcam to give the impression of making eye contact. One of the most common mistakes with video interviews, and anytime a person is recording a video is looking at the image of the other person on the screen. That comes across as though you’re staring at the floor or out into space. If you are uncomfortable making eye contact you can look at the top of the interviewer's nose. A little trick I learned and suggest to my clients.

3. Monitor your facial expressions. You want to look lively even while you’re listening to someone else. You can nod in agreement to the interviewer and smile as you listen. Try reducing your own video image and line it up near the webcam. That way you can look at it inconspicuously without breaking eye contact and make adjustments to your demeanor as necessary.

4. Minimize note-taking. You may want to record the session so you can avoid having to take extensive notes. Memorize the questions you want to ask. Again, this will help you from having to look down a lot. If you must take notes or look at your questions, do so discreetly and only to make sure you remain on task and don't forget anything.

5. Work on your closing. It’s easy to get so excited that you lose track of the ordinary things you would do at a traditional interview. Remember to thank your interviewer and ask about the next stages in the process and when they expect to make a decision.

With all this said, it's very likely you may be meeting your next boss online. It’s natural to be a bit camera shy, but strategic preparation will help you light up the screen on a video job interview.