These days, it’s increasingly common to be asked to participate in video interviews. Whether you’re interviewing for a job, an internship, or a volunteer role, it’s important to make sure you’re presenting your best self on-screen. Here are some tips to help you make the most of a video interview so you can put your best foot forward.
- Make Eye Contact
- Get Familiar With Your Technology
- Dress the Part
- Choose the Right Setting
- Speak Clearly
- Know Your Stuff
- Ask Questions
- Follow Up
1. Make Eye Contact
Making eye contact is one of the most important aspects of a successful video interview. If you don’t look at the camera, it can appear as if you’re distracted or not paying attention. To achieve this, make sure you’re looking at the camera, not the screen, during the interview. This will help you maintain eye contact with your interviewer, just as you would in an in-person interview.
If you’re having trouble with eye contact, try setting up a small object near your camera, such as a pencil or a post-it note. Whenever you’re talking, focus on the object and not the screen. This will help you look at the camera and make sure your eyes are not wandering around the room.
It can also help to practice your interview beforehand with a friend. Have them look into the camera and practice looking at them without looking away. This will help you get used to making eye contact with the camera, and you’ll be more confident when it comes time for the real interview.
Making eye contact during a video interview is essential in conveying your enthusiasm and interest in the role. It’s a simple gesture that can make a big difference in how you’re perceived by your interviewer. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to make a great impression and present your best self on-screen.
2. Get Familiar With Your Technology
One of the most important aspects of mastering video interviews is getting familiar with the technology. Before the interview, make sure you have a good internet connection and test out your audio and video connection. Adjust the lighting in your room to make sure you look great on camera, and if possible, use a microphone or headset to ensure your audio is clear. Additionally, if you’re using a laptop or desktop, make sure you’re using a laptop stand or elevate your monitor so that you’re looking directly into the camera.
Most video interview platforms have a practice session that you can use to get comfortable with the technology. A practice session will also provide the opportunity to make sure the lighting and audio are working correctly. If possible, practice with a friend or family member so that you can get feedback on your presentation.
Finally, make sure your environment is set up for success. Have a tidy and professional background, and make sure that your hands are visible. Try to avoid distractions like notifications or background noise. Doing a quick check of your technology ahead of time will help ensure you’re prepared and ready to present your best self on-screen.
3. Dress the Part
It can be tempting to dress more casually when you’re doing a video interview, but it’s important to treat it as a job interview and dress appropriately. Pick an outfit that’s suitable for the job you’re interviewing for, as if you were actually meeting with the interviewer in person. While it may not seem as important to dress professionally, your interviewer can still tell if you’re dressed appropriately. First impressions matter, and dressing the part can help you make a great one.
Think about the kind of job you’re interviewing for and dress accordingly. If it’s a creative job, feel free to be a bit more expressive with your outfit. Choose colors and patterns that help you make a statement and show your personality. Consider wearing something that’s not too distracting, like a subtle pattern or a statement piece of jewelry.
If you’re interviewing for a more traditional job, you’ll want to dress a bit more conservatively. Choose a muted color palette, such as navy, black, and gray, with minimal accessories. Stick to classic pieces and avoid anything overly trendy. This will help you look professional and put-together.
Above all, make sure your outfit is comfortable and wrinkle-free. Avoid anything too tight or too loose and pick something you can move around in. The last thing you want is to be tugging at your clothing or feeling uncomfortable during the interview.
When done right, dressing for a video interview can help you create an impression that’s professional and confident. It’s a great way to show that you’re taking the interview seriously and it can help you stand out from the crowd. With a bit of planning and thought, you can make sure your outfit looks great on-screen and helps you make the most of your video interview.
4. Choose the Right Setting
Choosing the right setting for a video interview is an important part of making sure you present your best self on-screen. A quiet, well-lit spot with a neutral background is ideal, as it will give you the best chance of being seen and heard clearly. Additionally, a neutral background will help ensure that the interviewer is focused on you and your answers, and not distracted by your surroundings.
If possible, take a few moments to look around the room or space you have chosen for the interview and make sure it is free from any clutter or distractions. Pay special attention to the lighting, as you want to be sure it is bright enough to allow the interviewer to see you clearly. If you can’t control the lighting, consider using additional lighting equipment to brighten the room.
Choose a comfortable chair that you can sit in for the duration of the interview. You want to make sure you are sitting upright and can look directly into the camera when you are speaking, as this will help you make eye contact with the interviewer. Additionally, you want to make sure you are seated in a way that is comfortable enough that you won’t be distracted by any discomfort during the interview.
Finally, take a few minutes to test your video and audio set-up before the interview to make sure everything is working properly. If possible, have a friend or family member join the call with you to test the connection and make sure there are no technical issues that could get in the way of the interview going smoothly.
By taking the time to choose the right setting for your video interview, you are setting yourself up for success and ensuring that you are able to present your best self on-screen. With a quiet, well-lit spot and a comfortable chair, you can make sure that the interviewer is focused on your answers and not distracted by your surroundings. Don’t forget to test the video and audio set-up before the interview so you don’t have any technical issues that could derail the conversation. With these tips, you can make sure you are ready to put your best foot forward in your video interview.
5. Speak Clearly
- Speak clearly and confidently When it comes to video interviews, clear and confident speaking should be your top priority. Make sure you enunciate your words, speak at a moderate pace, and remember to pause periodically to give your interviewer a chance to respond. Doing so will help you make a strong impression and express yourself clearly.
- Project your voice Before your interview, take some time to practice speaking in a clear and loud voice. Use a telephone or a speakerphone to get used to projecting your voice in a virtual setting. If you’re using a computer microphone, try to keep it close to your mouth so your interviewer can hear you clearly.
- Make eye contact Eye contact is a great way to show your interviewer that you’re confident in your ability to communicate. Make sure to look directly into the camera when you’re speaking, as if you’re speaking to your interviewer in person. Doing so will help you come across as more engaged and attentive.
- Be mindful of your environment It’s important to make sure that your environment is conducive to a successful video interview. Make sure the lighting is good, the background is neutral, and that there’s no distracting noise. This will help you appear professional and make a positive impression on your interviewer.
6. Know Your Stuff
Before participating in a video interview, it’s important to make sure you’re well prepared. Doing your research beforehand is key to ensuring you present your best self on-screen. Look into the company and the role you’re applying for, and try to get a good understanding of what they’re looking for in a candidate. Check out their website, read any related news articles, and find out the backgrounds of the people who will be interviewing you. Being prepared with this knowledge will help you confidently answer questions and show your enthusiasm for the role.
It’s also a great idea to practice your answers to potential questions beforehand. Have a friend or family member help you prepare by doing a mock video interview. This will help you feel more comfortable with the format and give you an opportunity to practice your answers.
Finally, make sure to plan out what you will wear for the video interview. Your attire should be professional and appropriate for the role you’re applying for. Dress as if you were attending an in-person interview, as you want to look your best on camera.
By doing your research, practicing your answers, and planning out your outfit, you can position yourself for success in a video interview. Make sure to be well-prepared to impress the interviewer and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Doing so will help you present your best self on-screen and give you the best chance of success.
7. Ask Questions
Asking your interviewer questions about the role and the company is a great way to demonstrate your interest and knowledge. It also shows that you are engaged and have done your research. Be sure to have a few questions prepared before the interview to make sure you are making the most of your time. Additionally, make sure to ask questions that are not already answered on the company website or job posting. This is your chance to get a better understanding of the role and the company’s culture.
If you are unsure of what questions to ask, consider asking questions that will help you find out what a typical day in the role is like, what the team is like, or what the company values. These questions will help you get a better understanding of the company’s culture. You should also ask questions that demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. Questions about the project you would be working on are great for this.
Finally, be sure to ask questions that will help you determine if the role is a good fit for you. Ask about the company’s goals and values, how the team works together, and what kind of growth opportunities the role offers. Asking questions will not only help you put your best foot forward, but it will also help you determine if the role is the right fit for you.
8. Follow Up
After your video interview is over, it’s important to follow up with a thank-you note. It’s a great way to make a lasting impression and show your appreciation for the interviewer’s time. If possible, it’s best to send a thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview. This will help you stay top of mind with the interviewer.
When crafting your thank-you note, make sure it’s unique and creative. Include specific details about the conversation and highlight any points you want to reinforce. You could mention something you enjoyed discussing, or reiterate why you believe you’d be a great fit for the position. Reference something the interviewer said that resonated with you, and let them know you’d love the opportunity to discuss further.
Your thank-you note is also a great opportunity to add something new that you didn’t have the chance to include in the interview. If you have something to add that wasn’t discussed, make sure to include it in your note. This could be a new skill you’ve acquired, an accomplishment you’re proud of, or anything else that will help you stand out from the competition.
The thank-you note is the perfect way to wrap up your video interview. It’s a great opportunity to make a positive impression, and it could mean the difference between getting the job and not. Make sure to take the time to craft a unique and thoughtful thank-you note that reflects your appreciation for the interviewer’s time. It could be the key to setting you apart from the competition and getting the job you want.
