Video Interviewing
As time passes, more and more companies are relying on video interviewing, and virtual career fairs. To be competitive in the job market, it is time to learn the in’s and out’s of this new form of meeting potential employers. To help you prepare, here are five tips to do to prepare:
- Check your technology
Familiarize yourself with your webcam and microphone so you know how they work. Make sure that your audio and video come through clearly and that there are no technical issues on your end that would hinder your interview. Take the time to test out your technology by calling a friend and asking for feedback. Also, remember to keep the camera and inch above eye-level. You may want to prop your computer up on a box for optimal effect.
- Prep your surroundings
You may think the only thing the people on the other end of a video interview can see is your face, but they will see some of your surroundings too. The room that you are in should look neat and attractive and not be visually distracting. You also need to avoid any auditory distractions such as a barking dog or a crying child. Also be sure to turn off the ringers of all the phones in the area. This is not the time to use the coffee shop’s wifi. You need to make sure your surroundings are quiet and professional looking, with no one standing or walking behind you.
- Consider your lighting
Put a light behind your computer, at eye level, so your face is illuminated, and avoid casting shadows on your face. Sitting with a window in front of you is the best option. You should also keep in mind that the lighting can make your face shiny, using light makeup on your face would be beneficial, even if you're a man.
- Dress to impress
It may be tempting to go without pants because you don’t want to dirty any laundry but appearance still matters and can create the right attitude. When interviewing for a position, you never know if you might have to stand up to go retrieve something so you should still dress in a suit even though only your top will be seen.
- Sit where you can speak freely
Finally, don’t try to do a video interview from your current job if they don’t know you’re looking at new opportunities. You want to be in a place, preferably your home, where you can talk freely and not feel rushed.