More companies are moving to video interviews. While you get to avoid the commute and sitting in a stuffy conference room, there are some challenges to a virtual job interview. Fortunately, there are ways you can prepare for your video job interview so you make a great impression from the comfort of your home.
Prepare for the interview:
Prepare exactly how you would for an in-person interview. Write bullet points for your answers to the most common interview questions. Learn about the company by reviewing the website, checking recent news, looking at its social media pages, and reading its blog and press releases. Don’t forget to check the “about” page or “careers” page to learn why the company was founded, how they describe what they do, the organization’s mission and values, and the company culture. Decide the questions you are going to ask.
Check your tech:
Do a test run before your video job interview to make sure your technology works properly. Check your internet speed, make sure your computer is fully charged, check your audio, and make sure you understand how to use Zoom, Skype, Uber Conference, or whatever technology you are using. If it is a video interview, position the camera at eye level and frame yourself from the waist or chest up instead of zooming in on your face.
Dress professionally:
Wear the same professional outfit you’d wear to an in-person job interview. You’ll feel more confident and professional if you are dressed up and not wearing a button-up and pajama pants.
Focus on your body language:
Sit up instead of slouching, don’t cross your arms, and try not to fidget. During a virtual job interview, keep eye contact with the interviewer by looking at the camera, not the screen.
Minimize distractions:
Take the virtual job interview from home and try to minimize any distracting noises. Turn your phone off, close Slack or any app notifications, and make sure you are 100% focused on the interview. Make your interview area as professional as possible. Try to have a neutral background like a blank wall instead of something distracting. If you live with anyone, ask them not to enter the room during your interview.
Pause:
Listen carefully to the interviewer and pause for a second or two before answering the question. If you get a question you haven’t prepared for, take a few seconds to collect your thoughts before you answer so you are eloquent.
Like any other interview, you should ask questions, thank them for their time, write a thank you note, and follow up! You’ve got this!
