Even as restrictions ease in UK, many businesses will continue to take an online approach to work, including conducting a video job interview.
The thought of a virtual job interview can be nerve-wracking if you have never done one before. And let’s get real, Zoom interactions just aren’t the same as being face to face with someone. But that doesn’t mean you can’t ace a job interview. Here are a few simple things you can do to give you the best chance of getting that job!
This is still a job interview
If you’re not sure what to wear for your interview remember all the same rules of a job interview still apply.
It’s tempting to dress only for what the camera can see, although this can lead to disaster and embarrassment if it goes wrong. There is also a mental advantage to dressing professionally (including shoes). It may seem strange, but it will help get you into the right mindset for an interview.
Find a good location
The next step to prepare for a video job interview is to have a look around your house and pick an area to set up that is quiet and has good lighting.
Check your background is clean and tidy. You don’t want anyone to make unfair judgements about you before you’ve even answered a question. Nothing is more distracting than an office full of clutter, a basket of washing on a table, a bedroom with a messy bed… you get the idea.
Set up with a neutral background like a wall, or check if the video app you are using can change or blur out the background. Just be careful not to turn yourself into a potato.
Use the device with the best camera
In a video job interview the interviewer needs to see you more clearly than you need to see them.
Generally speaking, the newest devices will have the best camera. For most of us, that’s our phones. My phone is way clearer than my computer and quality between the two really shows on a video call.
Next, you want to set your camera up at eye level so you’re not hunching. It also saves the interviewers having to look up your nose.
Move the camera so your face is in the centre. If you’re using your phone, put it into position before the interview starts and keep it still throughout.
Make eye contact in a video job interview
So much of our communication is non-verbal. You want to show the interviewers you are present and engaged.
In an interview, you want to make eye contact with who you’re talking to. You can’t do this in video chat because the camera is always above the vision on screen and creates a slight looking away effect. You can’t change this, but you can make it a little less jarring by using your phone or having the video window as close to the camera as possible to avoid this.
Lighting
Bad lighting ruins a video job interview. Light needs to be on you because you’re the subject.
The most common lighting mistake I see on video calls are people with a window behind them. This turns you into a grainy silhouette because the camera is flooded with light. Always have the light source on your face, not in the direction of the camera. You don’t need anything fancy; I recently moved my bedside lamp on to my desk behind my computer to use on video calls.
Test everything works
Just like a real interview, you don’t want to be late or have any delays due to technology.
Five minutes wasted trying to get your audio to work is super annoying AND unprofessional. It’s also going to shorten the time the interviewer has set aside to ask questions, reducing your chances of getting the job.
If the interview is on an app like Zoom, Teams or Skype, download it ahead of time.
Test the app on a mate or family member and check they can hear and see you clearly and that you can hear and see them.
