Video job interviews are increasingly becoming part of the recruitment process. In order to have a successful interview, it is important to prepare yourself. In this guideline you will find useful tips to have the perfect video interview.
#2. Dress the part
When it comes to what you wear, treat your video interview like an in-person interview and dress professionally from head to toe (or at least from head to waist!). A professional dress code with video interviews is expected, not excused.
#3. Prepare your surroundings
Pick a quiet place to interview without an elaborate backdrop so that you can be the focal point on the screen. Remove anything distracting behind you and keep it neutral.
#4. Practice and testing makes perfect
Doing a run through interview with a friend beforehand is helpful because your first few video calls are likely to feel awkward, especially if you have to train yourself to watch the camera and not the screen. Play around with everything beforehand and test the technology. When it's interview time, you can shine without being distracted.
#5. Close other programs on your computer
Getting Facebook notifications during your interview is distracting and unprofessional. Before your interview, make sure all other windows on your computer are closed (especially if they make noise) and mute your phone.
#7. Avoid interruptions
If you are interviewing in a house with multiple people or pets, be sure to let everyone in the house know ahead of time that you will be in an interview while securing any animals away from your interview space.
Nothing is less professional than having to tell your potential employer to hang on while you shoo your dog away from the camera.
#8. Keep your profile professional
Unlike an in-person or phone interview, your first impression during a video interview doesn't actually involve you. The first thing your interviewer will see is your username and picture, so double check that they are both interview appropriate (or create a professional Teams account — after all, they're free!)
#9. Watch your body language
Not all physical cues translate from in-person interviews to video interviews, which make the ones that do even more important. Be sure to have good posture and relax your shoulders to avoid stiffness.
#10. Smile!
When you are focused on the technology, you easily forget to smile. Make sure you show engagement and show a smile now and then.