As if traditional job interviews weren’t nerve racking enough, video interviews have forced all of us to become bedroom Baz Luhrmanns. Whether you love them or loathe them, video interviews are here to stayso here are a few tips to make your next one Oscar worthy.
Do a Test Run
With enough to worry about, you don’t want your interview to fall flat from technical difficulties. Do a test run with your camera to make sure your connection, sound and visuals are all up to scratch.
A dry run also gives you the chance to see what the interviewer will see and make any last minute changes.
Find the Perfect Location
As soon as your interview is in the diary, it’s time to find your perfect location. The ideal spot will be quiet, uncluttered and with a simple background so nothing distracts from the main event… you.
When it comes to lighting, natural is best but if you really want to wow your interviewer, aim for a light from behind and one on either side. It’ll give you an impressive glow.
Know Your Framing
As with any interview you want to look your best so, as well as lighting, it’s important to get your framing right. So imagine a triangle that runs from the top of your head to your shoulders.
As video interviews restrict your appearance, this triangle is the key to positive communication so keep it as the focal point of your framing. Adjust the camera so you are in shot from just below your chest to a few inches clear of your head.
Keep Eye Contact
One of the trickiest parts of a video interview is establishing natural eye contact. Wandering eyes can make you seem unprofessional so, as unnatural as it may seem, try to look into the camera and not the screen.
Keeping the camera at eye level will make this easier and help to avoid any uncomfortable nasal shots.
Body Language
A video interview is all about show and, in this instance, you’re Hugh Jackman. Try to maintain a pleasant, engaged face when not speaking and avoid unnecessary hand gestures as they may not quite translate on camera. As with a normal interview, it’s best to keep your body language open.
Stick to the Dress Code
Just because your bottom half isn’t on show, there’s no excuse for PJ bottoms… or nothing at all. Dressing professionally from head to toe will help get you in the right frame of mind and also dictate poise, posture and mannerisms.
As with most interviews, it’s best to dress how you would for the role. To make an instant impression, you can also choose colours that complement your background.
Keep a Note
One key benefit of a video interview is the ability to keep notes close at hand. Jot down a small collection of key points- examples, questions, concerns – and feel free to refer to them if you need. It may help you feel more relaxed and prepared.
Follow these simple steps and you’ll be well on your way to a perfect video interview.
Ed Jones writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in sourcing candidates for internshipsand graduate jobs.
