MASTERING YOUR NEXT VIDEO INTERVIEW

For prospective employees, trying to make a pitch via video conferencing software, such as Skype, Zoom, or Google Hangouts, can feel a bit daunting.

Here are some tips on how to master your next video interview:

Test your technology
Check your internet connectivity, and confirm your camera and microphone are working. If the picture is grainy or you’re experiencing an echo, you might need to buy a mini webcam with a built-in microphone which is hard to do five minutes before the interview, so don’t procrastinate.

Set the Scene and Minimize Distractions
Determine where to take the interview. Find a room with optimal lighting, preferably near a window, or a blank wall to guarantee you’re the focal point of the conversation. Whether you sit on your living room couch or in your home office, tidy up your surroundings. It’s hard to convince employers your detail-oriented and organized when there’s laundry visibly piling up in the corner.

Be prepared
Research the company ahead of time and jot down notes for easy reference. Also print out a copy of your resume, so that you don’t forget key talking points.

Monitor your body language
The main way to communicate confidence is to sit up straight, smile, and keep the camera at eye level.

Make a connection
It’s not easy to connect with everyone, but it’s a crucial part of a virtual interview. You want the interviewer to be able to remember a personal story you told or a common interest you share. This is the best way to prevent yourself from blending in with the other applicants.

Be yourself
A key task for a recruiter is determining whether you would be a good fit for the company’s culture. This can be challenging during a virtual interview because there is a physical disconnect. It’s more difficult for the interviewer to understand your enthusiasm through the screen, so make sure you’re expressive when answering questions.

Ultimately, the key to acing a video interview is proper preparation. From ensuring your technology is working to conducting research before the meeting, sitting down at your computer poised and ready for any and all questions will help set you apart from other applicants.

Source: Extracts from: Harvard Business School Online