Practice Interviews by Recording Yourself on Video

If you're like many people, you actively avoid watching yourself on video. While you're hunting for jobs, however, it is beneficial to push through the discomfort and record yourself during a practice interview. In doing so, you'll be able to refine your communication skills and create a more professional appearance.

Recording a practice interview can feel uncomfortable and embarrassing. In the beginning, start solo to ease into the process. Choose a quiet location and set up an interview space. Position your phone, tablet or webcam so it is pointing directly at you. Then, turn off the screen or face it away from you so you won't be distracted. With a list of interview questions in front of you, practice giving answers. Don't look directly into the camera; instead, pick a point in the room to act as the "interviewer." You might even set an object across the table to create a focal point. After you've gotten through the initial practice interview sessions, bring another person in. Give them a list of interview questions and ask them to act like a potential employer and record the session.

A video recording of a practice interview can give you unique insights into your performance and communication style. As you review the footage, look for physical behaviors that might create an unprofessional impression or serve as a distraction. If you tend to nervously play with your hair, for example, interviewers may see you as flighty or immature. Pay attention to your posture. It should be relaxed but alert — don't slump in your chair or sit ramrod straight. Look for other nervous habits, like unconscious hand movements or loud sniffs that might distract from the interview content.

As you watch the video recording, study how you speak. If you tend to use filler words such as "um" or "like," take steps to eradicate the habit. Look out for interview-killers like mumbling, trailing off at the end of your sentences or giving vague answers. Other vocal issues include overly strong accents, speaking too quietly and making statements sound like questions. With your problem areas in mind, record another practice interview and measure the improvement. Repeat the process until you can speak clearly and effectively.

Finally, look at the big picture. How do you come across as a candidate? Are you confident and articulate or do you seem uncomfortable and disconnected? Do you appear enthusiastic and knowledgeable? If you have a hard time recreating the experience with a friend, ask a co-worker or mentor to do a practice interview with you. The extra pressure to perform can help simulate the nervous energy of a real interview.

The process of recording and analyzing your interview videos can be uncomfortable and time consuming, but it is well worth the effort. When you conduct a practice interview with confidence, articulation and poise, you'll be ready for the real thing.

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