You’ve just been asked to interview for that job you’ve been trying to land. This could be your big shot.
Just one thing: It’s a video interview.
No problem, right? You use Google Hangouts all the time. You chat with your girlfriend, your mom, you even took an online class once where the professor gave each lecture through a live video stream.
This is different. Whether you’re interviewing for a trendy new startup or job with a more established company, they’ll be looking for you to put your best foot forward. They’ve already read through your resume, so they’re familiar with your work history, education, and skill set. But the impression you give during this Hangout will mean the difference between “Can you start next week?” and “We’ve decided to pursue another candidate.”
Here are a few tips to help you handle your video interview like a pro.
1. Look the part
I know what you’re thinking. “It’s just a Hangout. Just an informal way for the company to get to know me a little better. It’s no big deal.” Wrong. This is the first real chance you have to make an impression. And as Forbes points out, 90% of the cues we give to others are non-verbal. In other words, your appearance says more than your words.
To start, try to familiarize yourself with the dress code at the company you’re interviewing with. You can do this by checking the company’s Facebook page or Twitter account, since there is a good chance they’ve posted photos of employees from a company party, meeting, or other event. If shirt and tie is the norm, take note. If t-shirts and hoodies are more common, don’t be afraid to dress down. But remember, this is their first impression of you. Whatever the level of dress, make sure that your clothes and hair are neat and well-kept.
2. Check your surroundings
When holding a video interview, your background makes a huge impression. Take a quick look at this product review. The background is a colorful, organized workstation with lots of personality. It sends a great message about the reviewer’s interests and personal style. Try to make your background do the same. Let your background reflect your personal style, but keep it classy. If you’re in a public place, be sure to situate yourself so that people will not be passing by in the background. By minimizing distractions, you’ll keep the focus where is should be – on you.
3. Practice the call
Nothing is more distracting during a video interview than problems with the audio or video stream. To avoid these issues, take time beforehand to set up a test call (with a friend or family member) to check your video quality and sound settings. If your Internet connection is too slow, you’ll need to consider moving to a different location. Also, make sure that you know how loud you need to speak to be understood through the video, without making it sound like you’re shouting.
4. Use a cheat sheet
It’s easy to get flustered during an interview – especially a video interview. To help keep yourself on track, you can keep notes right in front of you without your interviewer ever knowing! Jot down answers to questions you may be asked. Keep a copy of your resume handy. This is a fantastic way to stay cool under fire without looking underprepared.
5. Close other programs
Leaving extra programs open during an interview can lead to distracting Facebook notifications or emails. Worse, you could be interrupted by a noisy notification chime. Avoid this problem by closing down extra programs and additional browser windows before starting your interview.
6. Look at the camera
It’s a fairly common habit to look at the computer screen during a video call rather than at the camera itself. After all, you might be trying to listen by looking at your interviewer’s picture (or you might be staring at your own image, wondering, “Is that what I look like?”). Either way, the result is that your interviewer spends an hour or so staring at your forehead instead of looking you in the eye. Make sure that whenever you are speaking you are looking directly into your camera. As USA Today mentions, it’s the only way to maintain eye contact with your interviewer.
7. Plug in your computer
As silly as it may sound, simple preparations like making sure your computer is plugged into its charger or connecting to the Internet via ethernet instead of wireless can save you an embarrassing disconnection later.
8. Squash interruptions
If you’re interviewing at home, make sure that you won’t be bothered by family, friends, pets, FedEx, or anything else. And if you’re holding your interview outside your home, make certain that you have enough privacy to avoid any surprise interruptions.
9. Follow up
It’s always a good idea to send over a quick message after your interview is finished. It’s a perfect opportunity to thank your interviewer for his/her time and even elaborate on something you discussed during the interview. It’s also a great way to transition the conversation back to email, where your next interview (or job offer) will likely be discussed!
So next time you have a video interview, give these simple tips a try. They’re sure to help you make the right impression and leave your interview looking like a pro.
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