Get ready for your close-up in that vital video-call
NEARLY a fifth of job candidates have experienced a web-cam-based interview in the past year, according to career consultants Right Management. Most of these took place on Skype.
Here are our top tips on how to deal with video interviews on a professional footing.
Alexandra Maria was interviewed on Skype for her job as a senior registered nurse at The Elixir Clinic in London.
‘It was convenient as I was in France at the time, and as I was at home, I felt less nervous than at a normal job interview,’ says the 28-year-old.
‘ I had never had a video interview before but my recruiter advised me how to prepare. I researched the clinic in advance and practised video interviewing with my recruiter.’
Alexandra advises others faced with a video interview: ‘Look presentable, ensure the camera faces you and not your messy bed, that the lighting is good and that you won’t be disturbed.
‘Also ensure the recruiter and employer also have your Skype ID and telephone number in case of video call failure.’
Greg Wood, group commercial director at healthcare recruiter Your World Healthcare, advises: ‘Prepare well in advance. Your broadband speed should be at least two megabits per second for Skype to work well [check at speedtest.net/] If necessary consider setting up the interview at a friend or relative’s house.’
Use a Skype account under your own name, avoiding nicknames such as ‘dolly’ or sweetie’. Also, eliminate background noise and turn off your phone.
Test call a friend to find out what’s visible on your webcam and make sure you are looking directly at the camera.
Ensure your environment is clean and tidy, and dress as you would at a face-to-face interview.
Contact your interviewer by Skype messenger ten minutes prior to your video call to let them know you will be ready.
‘This shows you are prepared and punctual and allows you to check for technical problems,’ says Greg. Have a back-up source of Skype if possible.
After your interview, consider asking your contact to connect on professional networks such as LinkedIn so that, if necessary, they can keep you in mind for any other vacancies that come up.