Video interviews are here to stay. Are you prepared?

Due to many reasons, including advances in technology and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, companies and organizations are conducting more video interviews as they hire for positions. Video interviews are becoming the norm as opposed to the exception, especially for initial screening interviews. Video technology is now a part of our daily lives. Expectations are higher and you must be able to navigate it! While many of the basic principles for successful interviewing still apply, there are unique elements to video interviewing. Whether your video interviews are live or recorded, these tips can help. It’s important to understand how video interviews are different from in-person interviews and prepare properly to be successful in your interview experience.

When you interview on-site at a company or organization location, it’s their responsibility to provide the physical environment. In a video interview, it’s up to you (especially when it comes to your technology)! First of all, make sure you can navigate the video interview platform you will be using. If the interview will be conducted via Zoom, create an account and test the system with a friend or career professional. Fumbling around with the microphone or logging on with only the top of your head visible is not acceptable. Make sure you have a reliable internet connection and conduct the interview on a laptop or desktop if possible, as opposed to a phone or tablet (you’ll have a steadier picture). Charge your devices or plug them into an outlet prior to the interview. Prepare the lighting, background, and your placement in the frame. Remember, interviewers will see what your camera sees! Don’t have dirty laundry, pets, or uneaten food in the frame (I’ve seen all of these things in video interviews, including a very distracting hamster on a wheel). Find a quiet space where you can conduct the interview and minimize all distractions. Tell the people around you that you need some quiet time to conduct the interview, especially roommates. If you have children, make sure there is someone there to tend to their needs during interview.

In any interview, it’s important to prepare and do your research. Learn about the company, the role, the culture, required skills, and your interviewers prior to the interview. Be able to explain how your skills, experience, and qualifications match the role and how you will bring value to the organization if chosen. Some candidates feel they don’t have to prepare as much for a video interview compared to an in-person interview because they will be in their home with access to notes during the experience. Don’t do this! The interviewers can see you fumbling with notes. Prepare as if you’ll be participating in a live, in-person interview. Use a notepad and pen to take notes and have support materials such as a portfolio or key projects queued up in case you want to share your screen and show the interviewers a sample of your work. You should be dressed completely professionally from your head to your toes (yes, even your shoes). Do not conduct the interview in shorts, sweatpants, or slippers! Being properly dressed will put you in a professional frame of mind and if you accidently stand up (you may spill a drink, or the doorbell may ring) you won’t be caught in an embarrassing situation.

Screens can be a barrier, so be mindful of your engagement. They can see you and hear you, but you won’t have the ability to gesture as naturally as you would in-person or make as much eye contact. Do everything you can given the format to make a positive connection with your interviewers. Remember to look at your camera and not yourself on the screen! Adjust your camera so it’s not shooting up or down. You can use books or boxes to prop the computer and camera in a way that is level with your head and upper body. Since a video interview is a two-dimensional experience, be mindful of your energy and body language. These things will not be expressed as effectively via video as they would in-person. Use appropriate gestures (don’t be a statue or move around too much), maintain eye contact via the camera (yes, this is mentioned again because it is important), and smile when appropriate. When speaking, speak clearly at an appropriate pace and volume. If you don’t clearly hear a question or comment, politely request clarification or ask them to repeat the question. Stay focused on your interviewers, materials, and the task at hand. Turn your phone off if you can to avoid being distracted and losing engagement during the interview. Also, close all of the other windows on your computer so you will stay focused on your video interview.

Now that you are aware of best practices when it comes to video interviews, here are some watch-outs! First of all, don’t conduct the interview on a cell phone or in your car! This is unprofessional and distracting for your interviewers. Next, don’t go in cold. Practice with a friend or career professional to connect via the specific video interviewing platform, answer interview questions, engage in a professional and positive way. You can also record yourself answering questions and then review your footage. They more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel during the actual interview! Also, create and maintain a professional log-in name for the technology platform you are using. Use a version of your name and avoid nicknames and unprofessional language. Lastly, don’t wait until the last minute to log in. Even if you’ve practiced, log-in 5-10 minutes early so you can troubleshoot a last-minute technology glitch and be in-place when the interview starts. If you log-in a few minutes early, it is acceptable to turn your camera off until the interview officially starts. That way you can make a great first impression from the very beginning.

How can you rock your next video interview? You should properly prepare your environment and technology, do your research, make sure you are engaging with your interviewers throughout the experience, and be aware of important watch-outs. Video interviewing is here to stay. Follow these tips to use video interviewing to your advantage so you can set yourself apart from other candidate and land that coveted job!