Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Video interview calls for a little extra prep work
Recently, I received a query from Kate, who was unsure about how to prepare for a very specific type of job interview.
Kate wrote the following:
“I graduated from college this spring, and I have been applying for different opportunities and going through the job-search process. I have participated in traditional and phone interviews, but I just set up my first video interview. I am a lot more nervous about this than any previous interviews. Help!”
This is a very valid concern. As the way people work changes — telecommuting, global hiring and technology integration — so does the hiring process.
Video interviews are becoming more and more common. A recent study from OfficeTeam found that 63 percent of human-resources managers are using video interviewing during the talent-acquisition process.
There are a few different formats video interviewing can take:
➤ A live video call that you take from a location of your choosing.
➤ A live video call that takes place in the prospective employer’s office with a remote hiring manager.
➤ A prerecorded video interview in which you record your answers and submit them for review.
Let’s go over some ways to best prepare for your video interview.
SET UP THE LOCATION
If you are in charge of choosing the location for the interview, find a spot that is quiet, professional and familiar in which to conduct your interview or recording. If you do not have that space at home, consider reserving a room at your local library or asking a friend who has a home office if you can record there.
Make sure the background of your location is not distracting and that the location is well lit.
Please note: A cellphone is not a good option for a video interview. You want to use a more solid device, placed on a solid surface, to avoid unwanted movement and any distractions.
CHOOSE APPROPRIATE ATTIRE
Select and prepare your outfit ahead of the interview — and be sure to dress as you would if it were an in-person interview.
I know it might be tempting to only dress professionally from the waist up, but it is better to be safe than sorry in the event that you have to get up, and more of you comes into view than expected. Case in point: I once conducted a video interview with a client who did not realize that I could see he was sitting on the edge of a bed wearing his underwear. I’m not kidding!
CHECK YOUR DEVICE
Make sure you know how to turn off your device’s notifications — or at least mute them — during your interview. Also, make sure that any devices you plan to use have adequate battery power for the duration of the interview. If the interview is live as opposed to prerecorded, you will likely receive an invitation to the interview, so be sure to download any software or plug-ins you will need.
PRACTICE FOR THE CAMERA
Place your camera at eye level and run a quick test of both your camera and microphone to ensure that all of your equipment is working properly.
In addition, take some time to practice your posture and eye contact, especially if you are not accustomed to video interviews.
You will want to prioritize “eye contact.” This will feel a bit unnatural, especially if the video is live, as you are going to want to look at the face of the person on the screen as you chat. Instead, you need to look into the camera as you speak; then, when listening during the conversation, feel free to look at the screen. If you are recording an interview, perhaps have a friend sit behind the camera so you can practice your eye contact.
Also, pay attention to your posture. Make sure you are sitting straight, as you might be somewhere you feel overly comfortable — but you still need to be professional.
ASSEMBLE ‘CHEAT SHEETS’
Set aside any materials you will need during the interview, such as your resume, the posting of the job for which you applied and any other documentation that will help you remember your interview strategy.
Having visual reminders of key scripts or responses could be helpful if you get flustered or particularly nervous during a certain part of the interview. You don’t want to look as if you are simply reading note cards, but having those references handy can take your blood pressure down a little.
PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Be prepared. If a technical error should occur, you will need to have a way of communicating with the person with whom you will be speaking, either by phone or by email.
If there is an unplanned physical distraction during your interview — such as a loud noise, a siren, pets, children, etc. — apologize, and request a moment to attend to the interruption if needed. (Note: Make sure you know ahead of time how to mute the conversation.)
BE YOURSELF
Lastly, while this is a video interview, keep in mind that traditional in-person interview rules still apply. By practicing and preparing for this opportunity, you will be sure to let more of your authentic personality shine through and show the employer why you are a great candidate for the position and the company’s culture.
I wish you the best of luck. I’d love to hear from any of my readers who have had recent video interview experiences. Email me your stories and suggestions, and I will be sure to share them in a future column.
— Samantha Nolan is an advanced personalbranding strategist and career expert and is the founder and CEO of Nolan Branding. Do you have a resume, career or job-search question for Dear Sam? Reach Samantha at dearsam@nolanbranding.com. For more information about Nolan Branding’s services, visit www.nolanbranding.com, or call 888-9-MYBRAND or 614-570-3442.