Mastery of video interview critical in current workplace
Video interviewing has been popular for decades. With employees working at home due to the COVID-19
pandemic, mastery of the technique has never been more important.
LinkedIn researchers said that 54% of job seekers say the interview phase is “moderately to extremely” challenging, due to lack of confidence and uncertainty.
Companies have been perfecting their video platforms so they yield the best results, and more importantly they’ve put more weight on evaluating the video digital experience.
For example, avoid robotic answers by memorizing answers, said researchers at LinkedIn.
This is just one reason why job candidates ought to take the video experience seriously and spend time prepping for it. The goal is to come as close as possible to simulating the live, face-to-face experience.
Like live interviews, if you turn in a stunning video performance, you’re passed on to the next manager in the hiring hierarchy. Blow it and you’re out of the game.
To prepare for your next video interview in your job search, consider these tips:
1. Master technology.
There are a few technologies for interviewing candidates. Make sure the one you use is easy to use and delivers excellent results. Test it repeatedly so you’re comfortable with it.
2. Center camera at eye level. The camera angle ought to be flattering. Do not sit too far away from the camera so that you appear grainy or eye contact is difficult to make. Your face ought to be the focal point of the screen.
3. Choose location carefully. The ideal location ought to be quiet and well lit. Do not do interviews from busy or crowded rooms. Make sure there are no interruptions or background noise. A closed-door room is ideal. Try to keep the room background simple, and free of clutter and distractions.
4 . Dress professionally. Dress the same you would for an in-person interview. Check out the corporate culture to see how staffers dress. A suit and tie aren’t necessary, but you can’t go wrong dressing in dark professional colors, avoiding loud colors that are likely to make a bad first impression on camera. Conservative dress is the optimum standard.
5. Watch body language. Like in the live interview, eye contact is critical. However, during the video interview, look at the camera rather the interviewer. Make a conscious effort to stay focused and engaged. Don’t look around the room when gathering your thoughts. It will give the impression that you are disengaged.
6. Critique performance. After each interview, critique every nuance of the interview while it’s still fresh in your memory. Be hard on yourself. Write down the questions and your answers. Were your answers short and to the point? Were you satisfied with your responses? If you had to do the whole thing over, what would you do differently?
7. Practice makes perfect. Enlist a co-worker or friend to do practice interviews. The more you do, the better you’ll get. Not only will your answers be more polished, you’ll also gain confidence.
Like live interviews, if you turn in a stunning video performance, you’re passed on to the next manager in the hiring hierarchy. Blow it and you’re out of the game.