- Test Your Technology
Make sure you conduct a technical trial test to ensure all your equipment works correctly. Download any plugin or app that you need. Whether you decide to use Skype for Business or any other video platform, your username should be professional, similar to how you handle your social media accounts and your email address.
It is also important that you check on your internet connection, microphone, and your camera on your computer. Do a trial with a family member or friend when possible, allowing you enough time to make changes to your equipment, or to fix malfunctioning software.
- Make Sure Your Devices Are Charged
If you decide to use a tablet or laptop, your device should be charged fully before you conduct the interview. Also, make sure that you position your device in an area that has a good internet connection. If you decide to use a tablet, make sure the device remains stationary. If you don’t your screen may look shaky when you hold the device. When possible try to avoid using your smartphone for a video interview.
- Dress The Part
Make sure you are dressed in the same way that you would for in-person interviews. Wearing the right clothes will assist you in feeling self-assured and more confident. Don’t attempt one of those newscaster tricks by wearing formal attire on top and shorts or your pajamas from the waist down, thinking that no one will notice. You should also stay away from flashy or bright colors, and make sure your clothes are neatly pressed. Wear the same outfit for your interview during a trial run so that your family member or friend can provide you with honest feedback on what you look like on screen.
- Choose The Right Setting For A Distraction-Free Video Interview
Make sure that the spot you have chosen is free from any distractions such as roommates, children, or pets. You may even want to hang a Do Not Disturb sign asking package deliverers and carriers not to knock or ring your doorbell.
The background of your video should also be neat and tidy and free from clutter or other embarrassing items such as dirty laundry. The lighting should be bright enough, but at the same time not glaring. Try and make sure your face is illuminated, and use natural light.
Make sure your social media, text, and email alerts are turned off. Also, turn off notifications or software updates that might display on your screen when you are in your interview. Switch programs off that may close your browser tabs or interfere with your webcam.
Do you want to know how to get your CV noticed and increase your chances of getting to the interview stage? Read more in this article from Petroplan.
- Come Well Prepared
Log in 10 minutes earlier so that you are focused and relaxed once the interview starts. Have a copy of your resume next to you, along with speaking points or job descriptions you would like to mention, or any notes you have taken down about the position or company. You will want to avoid directly reading from these pages, but they can come in handy when you have forgotten something.
You can expect that some of these common interview questions will be asked:
Tell me a bit more about yourself?
What are your reasons for wanting to leave your current position?
Why are you interested in this position?
What are your expectations on a salary?
Do you have any weaknesses?
- Maintain Good Body Language And Eye Contact
It is easy to look away when you are talking to a person that is not in the same room as you. Ensure that you maintain “eye contact” by directly looking into your camera rather than the screen. Your face should be centered and avoid moving around too much. Make sure that you are sitting upright, arms resting on either the desk or your lap, and your feet should be touching the ground.
- Project Your Voice
Check on the volume controls and make sure you speak slowly and clearly allowing the microphone to clearly capture your voice. Keep in mind that there may be delays in the digital connection. To avoid having some of your words cut or speaking over your interviewer, first allow the interviewer to finish speaking. Wait a couple of seconds before you deliver your answer.
