Video Interview Tips

Video interviews are on the rise. In fact, a colleague of mine informed me that a recent screening interview she had with a local company was conducted by video versus phone or in person. 

With more and more hiring managers using video platforms for first-round interview, here are some tips to help you improve your interview:

1. Prepare for a video interview as you would a one-on-one interview (research the company, practice possible interview questions, write down some accomplishments/examples that may set you apart, and jot down a couple questions to ask them).
2. On the day of the interview, dress like you would for an in-person interview.
3. Be in a quiet room where there will be no interruptions (barking dog, small children, etc.).
4. Turn your cell phone on silent, and if you have a landline, unplug it during the interview.
5. Think of the background. You don't want it too busy so it distracts the interviewer.
6. Natural lighting is the best. Avoid overhead fluorescent lights.
7. Be sure your computer has a high-quality web cam. In addition, familiarize yourself with the video program the company will be using.
8. Don't sit too close to the monitor. It's best to sit back a little -- you don't want just your face showing.
9. Be sure to look at the camera and not the computer screen. However, this does not mean that you should look at the camera all the time. If you need to glance down at some notes occasionally, feel free to do so. (Tip: use sticky notepads for notes, and place them at the bottom of your computer monitor.)
10. Finally, have somebody else conduct a mock interview with you via a video platform. Ask for their feedback on ways to improve the quality of the interview.

Finally, as with a phone or in-person interview, be sure to follow up with a thank you. Best of luck!