Author: Jojo Varona
As more and more companies are doing Video/Online Interviews, here are a few tips on how to make your interviews effective.
1. Test All Equipment Prior to Interview Time
Do a run-through at least an hour before your interview time. And then do another run-through around 30 minutes before the interview time. Make sure that you are at a location where you will have the best connection and there will be no interruptions.
2. Dress Professionally
Remember, nothing too flashy or suggestive with clothing.
Be on the safe side with clothes. Do research on the general dress code for the industry you're interviewing in. If you're unsure what will work best, view yourself in the monitor. For most, something along the lines of business casual will work.
3. Turn Off Phones and other distractions before the Interview Starts.
Remember to turn off all apps and programs that might interrupt the interview. Also, silence your phone. Go to your interview location and shut out all distractions and give yourself around 10 minutes to collect yourself and do any last-minute preparations.
4. Remember Your Nonverbals
Make solid eye contact and smile at appropriate times. Have good posture and even lean in a bit. Learn more about the importance of nonverbal cues in job interviews. Listen to your interviewer and don’t interrupt.
5. Look Directly into the Camera
Focus on making eye contact with your interviewer via the camera.
6. Have a Conversation
Speak in a conversational voice, just as you would in an actual interview situation. Speak clearly and confidently about your background and experience. Do not go off on a tangent.
7. Notes if You Need Them
Unlike other interview situations, you can have some notes in front of you (off-camera) to remind you of critical issues you want to highlight, but do NOT overuse them, or you will look odd on camera.
8. Take a Second
When responding to questions from the interviewer, nod, but take a second before responding in case the connection is weak -- so that you don't end up talking over the interviewer.
The key is to treat the Video/Online interview like any job interview. The more prepared you are, the better the interview will go. And don’t forget to follow up with a thank you note to your interviewer.
Good luck!
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