Video interviews are becoming more common in today's fast-paced job market. Busy hiring managers find it faster and more efficient to interview candidates using video conferencing software. But for you, the idea of conducting a job interview remotely via webcam may seem foreign and intimidating. If you're faced with a video interview, there are a few factors to consider in preparation.
In general, there are two different types of video interviews employers use, according to Christopher Young, CEO of Async Interview, a video conferencing technology that makes it possible for companies to interview candidates from anywhere that has a stable Internet connection and a webcam. During a one-way interview, you respond to a pre-set group of questions without any interaction from the other end. During a two-way interview, candidates and recruiters interact with each other much like they would in person. Whether your interview is of the one-way or two-way variety, Young offers a number of tips to help you prepare for and ace the interview.
First, dress professionally. Many candidates make the mistake of assuming that because a video interview is conducted from home, it's automatically of a more relaxed, casual nature than a regular job interview. This couldn't be further from the truth; video interviews are just as serious as conventional ones and should be treated as such. Wear professional, clean, pressed clothing from head to toe, so if you need to stand to adjust your equipment or shift in your seat, your interviewers won't accidentally catch a glimpse of your pajama bottoms. Also, consider your background. If the wall behind you in dark, you should dress in lighter colors to stand out, and vice versa.
Prepare your filming environment. Remove any posters or distracting decorations from the wall, pick up or remove any clutter, and adjust the lighting in the house to be sure it shows your face in a flattering way. When in doubt, just set up the recording equipment in front of a clean, blank wall. If you have roommates or pets, additional preparation is necessary. Make sure your animal is locked in another room during the interview so as not to disturb you on camera, and make sure your housemates know in advance not to blast loud music or knock on the door.
Performing a practice run before the actual interview is always a good idea. "Conduct a practice interview with a friend, and record it so that you'll have an accurate idea of how you come across on video," says career coach Cheryl Palmer. Not only will you have a better idea of you look and sound on camera, you'll also get familiar and comfortable with the technology you'll be using. Also, try looking up video interview examples on the Internet to see how the interviewees dress, sit, gesture and control their voices to give yourself a better idea of what to do when it's your turn.
A video interview isn't much different from a traditional one, but it does require a bit of preparation and smart planning. Remember, employers consider video interviews to be just as important as traditional interviews, so dress professionally, and conduct yourself accordingly throughout the process.
Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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