Navigating the realm of video interviews presents unique hurdles in establishing a lasting impact and rapport with your interviewers. However, given the shift to virtual interactions in a post-pandemic landscape, mastering the art of video interviews has become an essential component of contemporary job hunts.
Unlock the secrets to excelling in your video interviews for a flourishing career with these four essential tips: attire selection, behavioral best practices, and setting optimization.
1. Tech Testing
Tech testing could be the most crucial tip to consider for a Zoom interview, as any technological glitch could lead to the cancellation or postponement of your interview, putting you at a disadvantage compared to other candidates. Even if your technology does not fail but acts up, causing disruptions such as scrambling your face or distorting your audio, these distractions might hinder interviewers from advancing you to the next round, explains Sophia Carter, a career and leadership coach based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Check your Internet Connection
Ensure your internet connection is stable and operational, as the Columbia University Center for Career Education advises. Additionally, confirm your connection speed, which determines the rate at which your internet transmits and receives data. A slower connection speed could lead to blurry video or extended load times.
Test your Video Software and Any Pending Software Updates
Have a brief call with a friend or family member using the same video conferencing software you intend to use for the interview. Ensure that both parties can hear each other. Additionally, check for any pending updates on the software a few hours before your interview appointment, as these updates may consume considerable time and render your device unusable.
Check Your Headphones
Before the interview, ensure your Bluetooth earbuds or headphones are fully charged and properly connected to the computer.
Remove Distractions
According to BetterUp, a behavioral career coaching company, log in to your computer at least 15 minutes before the interview. Disable any text messages or email notifications you receive on your computer. Close unnecessary programs, silence your phone, and ensure your computer is plugged in.
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2. Set Up a Clean, Professional Environment
Video interviews introduce a fresh dimension to the hiring process: your prospective employer gains insight into your home environment, potentially leading interviewers to conclude you based on your surroundings. Follow these steps to ensure your space meets expectations.
Set The Scene
Select a quiet and tidy room, preferably with a window. While showcasing some personality is acceptable, refrain from setting up your space in front of potentially distracting decorations, such as posters or cluttered bookshelves. Ensure that everything visible in your home is appropriate for a work setting.
Set-Up Proper Lighting
Activate your computer's camera and ensure your video displays clear and evenly distributed lighting. Logitech, a computer accessories company, advises against positioning yourself in front of a brightly lit background. While sitting in front of a window may seem appealing, it often produces glare.
Remove Any Unnecessary Guests
While dogs are wonderful companions, Keeping them in a separate room is best to avoid having them beg for treats during your video interview.
If you have any children, arranging childcare during the interview schedule is highly advised, and if it happens to coincide with a mail delivery schedule, consider placing a sign on your front door requesting mail carriers not to knock or ring the doorbell.
3. Rehearse All Over Again
Prepare responses to common interview questions and practice them repeatedly. Utilize your computer's camera to rehearse your answers until they sound natural. While on camera, focus on maintaining good posture and speaking moderately, minimize hand gestures, and lean slightly toward the computer to demonstrate engagement. Additionally, consider the following points:
4. Dress The Part
While the pandemic has significantly relaxed work attire standards, virtual interviews should still be approached with the same level of formality as in-person interviews.
Regardless of the workplace's level of formality, it's recommended to wear at least a collared shirt and an ironed button-down or blouse paired with a blazer as a safe choice.
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