Any interview can be stressful and there is a wealth of information out there on carrying out a successful interview but it should be known that taking an interview via video conferencing is different to taking a face to face interview. In a video conferencing interview, all the normal rules apply (good eye contact, research possible questions which you could be asked etc) but you have an additional element in that the interview is taking place over video conference and therefore you will need to think of the problems that this could cause. Here are 7 top tips to help make your video conferencing interview a success:
1. Use a neutral background
You do not want to have a background that is distracting to the interviewer. Make sure that there are no distracting posters or items on the wall. If you have no plain walls, make sure that the image behind you is not chaotic or fabulously entertaining. Pictures of landscapes and other neutral paintings will work with an interview when there are no alternatives.
2. Perform research on the interviewer
Find out everything that you can about the interviewer. Search the internet for their LinkedIn page, their Facebook page, or perhaps a Twitter account. As with an in person interview, video conferencing with a recruiter requires research. Your goal is to find something with which you and the interviewer can connect. You want your hiring professional to feel comfortable with you, and having a great conversation about their hobbies might do the trick.
3. Proper grooming
You might be at home, but that does not give you the liberty to dress in any manner you please. You want to provide a great first impression with your interviewer during the video conference, and a t-shirt and shorts does not convey professionalism in a business environment. Remember that the tape may be played and replayed for the interviewer, so it is essential to have your teeth and hair brushed.
4. Prepare the environment
Make sure that your equipment is working properly, and that the camera is focused on your face and body. It is essential that you provide the best impression possible, and that impression is more readily provided when the microphone and the camera are up to snuff. Have a list of instructions for what to do if something goes wrong within your presentation.
5. Look into the camera
Your interviewer deserves every ounce of your attention. Look into the camera, just as you would look into the hiring professional's eyes. This might take some practice, as you're not directly face to face. If necessary, have something behind the camera upon which you can focus. There should be no personal distractions like children, dogs, or loud noises to take you away from your interviewing task.
6. Practice your speech
While you cannot predict what the interviewer will ask you, you can practice the way that you speak. Try to avoid statements like er, uh, and um while you are talking. Remember that this interview can be replayed many times and for many different people. You want to sound as confident and comfortable as possible.
7. Don't move around
You might fidget quite in person, but attempt to keep your movement and fidgeting to a minimum during video conferencing. Sudden movements, unless you have a high end video camera, do not show up well. You want to provide your interviewer with the best quality available for your interview, and being still is just a facet
Follow these 7 simple steps during your interview and you will find the interview process much easier and less stressful. It will also help to give you the best chance in beating the interview and will give you a competitive advantage over the other candidates who will no doubt approach the interview in the same way as they would approach a face to face interview. Now let the preparation for your video conferencing interview begin and good luck.
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