Video Job Interview Tips – Dress Well, Tidy The Room And No Cats :-)

Landed a video job interview in the current crisis? I have recently interviewed candidates with an unmade bed, clutter in the background, dressed in a t-shirt and cats walking around. Naturally, this is quite distracting and weakens the interview.

Great jobs are always hard to come by, even more so currently, so don’t risk appearing sloppy, disorganised or lacking attention to detail. In this blog, I outline simple steps to prepare and succeed at your upcoming video interview.

VIDEO SET UP

Technology and software

• Ensure the device you use is compatible with the video platform that will be used.
• Ensure your device is fully charged.
• Download necessary apps and upgrade your software or settings.
• Ensure a stable internet connection to avoid a patchy interviewing experience that breaks the conversation flow (I would hope an employer would not rule out a candidate based on patchy internet).
• If you are using your phone for the interview, ensure it is steady and stable. Holding your phone in your hands is a no-no as that will not only be distracting to the interviewers but also to you when your focus needs to be 100% on the interview.

Environment

• Set yourself up in a well-lit room with a tidy professional background. Depending on your living environment, you might have to ‘stage’ this especially for the interview.
• Ensure the light is falling on your face and is not behind you as it will project your silhouette to the interviewers.
• A cluttered background looks unprofessional. Ensure the room behind you is tidy and minimal.
• To avoid distractions, close other applications on your device, lock your door if you live with others or pets to avert embarrassing walk-ins, and consider closing the window as well to limit ambient noise.

Practice makes perfect

• A trial run prior to the day is crucial.
• Ask a friend or family member to test the video call with you.
• Make sure the mock interview is the same set up that you will be using and seek their feedback on the quality of video and audio, background noise, lighting, your appearance and environment etc.

PREPARE MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY

Focus and body language

• When you arrive for an interview in person, you usually have a few minutes to orient yourself and collect your thoughts. While interviewing from home, try to mimic this by setting aside time before the start of the interview to compose yourself.
• As the interpersonal dynamic is changed via video and the benefit of non-verbal cues is diminished, remember to breathe and ground yourself in the conversation.
• If you are tense for instance, it reflects in your voice, facial expressions and body language.
• Project yourself as a positive and enthusiastic professional by facing the camera squarely, maintain good posture and eye contact.
• Eye contact in video interviews is as critical. Instead of looking at the image of the person on the screen, when it is your turn to speak, look into the camera to create the experience of eye contact for the interviewer.
• Try positioning the camera at eye level so you are not looking down into the camera.
• Avoid looking away from the screen during the course of the conversation. While you do not want to look like a robot, limiting your movements as naturally as possible will avoid it being distracting for the interviewer.
• Etiquette goes a long way; ensure you wrap up politely and thank the panel for their time as you would in a normal interview.

Supporting materials

• To help stay on track, keep a copy of your resume, the position description and any other relevant information at hand should you need to refer to them during the interview. However, try to use these sparingly.
• Keeping a notebook and pen at your desk also will be useful for note taking during the conversation. Remember to keep all this material tidy.

Dress code

• Deciding what to wear can transform the impression you leave, so please adhere to the company’s dress code policy as you would for an in-person interview.
• Remember patterns and stripes could look busy on video. Solid colours in contrast to your background are recommended.

Even with the best of preparation, unforeseen hiccups may still occur. Proactively share your number with the interviewers and request for theirs to be able to pick up the conversation should technology fail at any point during the process.

Wishing you all the best and every success with interviewing virtually!

Regards,

Nupur Gill – Principal Consultant

Kaizen Recruitment specialises financial services recruitment across funds management, wealth management, superannuation, investment consulting and insurance. We are based in Melbourne and Sydney. For assistance or further information please telephone our office at +61 3 9095 7157 or submit an online form.

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