Video interviews are quickly becoming essential in most businesses, as hiring managers increasingly look to them as both a convenience and to save time and money that in-person interviews require.
Yet for candidates who have never had a video interview, prepping for one can be stressful, simply because they don’t know what to expect. A little preparation, however, can go a long way to ensure you come across
on camera as confident, comfortable, and articulate.
Here are some simple yet effective tips to have a successful on-camera interview.
Find a good camera angle – Place the webcam at the same height as the top of your head and point it slightly downward, which is generally the most flattering angle. (It will force you to sit up straight, which is
also important.)
Look professional – Make sure your haircut, facial hair, and makeup look professional. Business casual dress in neutral colours works best for a video interview.
Do your research – Prepare for a video interview the same as you would for an in-person interview.
Research the company and the role of the person doing the interviewing. Come up with answers to common interview questions as well as ones specific to the job for which you’re interviewing.
Hold a mock interview – Get a friend or family member to conduct a mock video interview ahead of the actual interview. This is a good chance to get objective feedback on the lighting and camera angle, your speaking speed, the quality of your answers, and your on-camera appearance.
Rehearse in front of the camera – Use Skype, Zoom, Google Hangout, or a similar tool to practice answering questions. Record the interview and then review it, looking closely at your body language, posture, articulation, the physical environment, and of course, your responses.
Make eye contact – Look at the interviewer, not off into space or down at your notes. Lean forward slightly to show you’re engaged and actively listening. You can keep notes nearby for an occasional glance, but they should be there mostly to give you confidence and kept out of the sight of the camera.
Don’t do anything else while interviewing – A video interview is not the time to also be checking Facebook or email. Quit out of distracting applications, turn off notifications, and the ringer on your phone.
As with any job interview, you should conclude by thanking the interviewer for their time. Send a follow-up thank you email later that day (or the next day if your interview was in the evening). This message may help
build a stronger connection with your potential employer and help you progress to the next step
