Video job interviews are becoming an increasingly common part of the hiring process. Given the impact of COVID-19 and social distancing, it’s likely your next interview could be a video interview. If you have one coming up, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with all the variables so you can be prepared. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what you should wear and helpful tips on body language and eye contact.
1. What to wear for a video interview
Dress professionally, the same way you would for an in-person interview. Research the company culture before your interview so you have a good idea of what’s appropriate.
To look your best on camera, avoid bright colours and patterns and opt for softer colours instead. If you are wearing a tie, wear a solid colour rather than a patterned one. If you wear glasses, adjust the lighting in the room to reduce glare from the lenses.
Position the camera so that you are looking up slightly and centred on the screen. While it’s likely that the interviewer will only see your upper half, it’s still a good idea to wear professional trousers or a skirt in case you need to stand up for any reason.
Top tip: Do a trial run with your family or friends so you can get instant feedback on how the outfit looks on screen.
2. Distraction free zone.
Choose a location that’s free from anything that may distract you during the interview itself, for example family members, pets, background noise and put your phone and alerts on silent. It's also important to think about the setting being distraction free for the company interviewing you - ensure the background behind you as seen on screen is free from clutter.
3. Early Bird
Log in approximately 10 minutes before your interview is about to start so you can be organised, calm and collected. Print out key points about yourself and highlight aspects of your CV you wish to say in the interview and have them sitting in front of you so you don't forget. You won’t want to read from the pages, but having them handy can take away some stress.
4. Body language
Eye contact is very important during an in-person interview, and you want to convey that same level of connection during a video interview. Avoid the instinct to look directly at your interviewer on the screen while you’re answering a question. Instead, when you speak, you want to direct your gaze at the webcam. When you do this, your eyes are more likely to align with the interviewer’s eyes on the other end.
Throughout the interview, keep your mood upbeat by siting in your chair with your back straight and your shoulders open. Feet can be planted on the floor and arms can rest in your lap or on the desk. When you’re listening, nod and smile when appropriate to communicate that you’re giving them your full attention. Use hand gestures when it feels appropriate and keep your movements close to your body. Avoid fidgeting or letting your gaze drift away from the device.
5. As with any job interview, face to face or via video, conclude by thanking the interviewer for their time. Why not send a follow up email the next day thanking the employer for their time and reinforcing why you’re interested in the job and why you’d be a great match for the role and company. Think about adding something that you and the employer discussed while getting to know each other that will make the thank-you message more personal.
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