Video Job Interview Tips

Video job interviews (also called virtual interviews) have been on the rise in recent years, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, companies are relying heavily on video platforms, if not exclusively. In fact, when I spoke with an HR professional recently, she informed me that they have temporarily pulled away from any in-person interviews until a later date.

Even if you have experience with video conferencing with family and friends, a job interview is different, and you might not get a second chance. Below I've listed some of the tips I've included on a handout I wrote entitled, "Video Job Interviews: What you need to know." If you would like a complete copy, please email me at careerproservices@gmail.com, and I will email you a PDF copy. Here are some of the tips:

• Think of the background where you will be interviewing. You don’t want it too busy so it distracts the interviewer. You also want to be sure your background is not cluttered or messy. This is especially important if you’ve stated on your resume that you have strong organizational skills.
• Be sure your device’s webcam is at or slightly above eye level. (You don’t want the interviewer looking up your nose!) You also don’t want to sit too close to the webcam. It’s best to sit back a little; you don’t want just your face showing.
• Don’t forget to check for updates on your computer or device. You don’t want it to automatically start an update during the interview. (Something similar actually happened to a friend. She was giving a PowerPoint presentation, and her laptop started updating during the middle of the presentation!)
• If you’re concerned about the doorbell ringing during your interview, put a note by the doorbell, “Please DO NOT ring the doorbell.”
• During the interview, 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.)
• Technical glitches happen, so have a Plan B (perhaps another device or phone). Be sure these devices are nearby and are fully charged.

Don't forget to prepare for your virtual interview as you would any other interview. Hiring managers have listed "Not being prepared"  as one of the top pet peeves in my all of my surveys, so prepare, practice, and ace your interview!

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Put Your Job Offer in Writing

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“Put it in writing, or it didn’t happen.” This advice applies to many areas of life — especially when accepting a new job. Let me share a personal story.

When I first began my career, I was working in the Twin Cities, but after about a year, I wanted to return to the St. Cloud area. I applied for a job, interviewed, and was offered the job at a particular wage. I gave my two-week notice in the Twin Cities, gave my notice at my apartment (month-to-month lease), and signed a lease for an apartment in St. Cloud. The Friday before I was to start, my soon-to-be boss called me and said the Board did not agree with his pay offer, and he would have to pay me less than he offered. I felt I had no choice, because I had already given my notice in the Twin Cities and signed a new lease in St. Cloud. Thankfully, the offer was not a lot less, but this taught me a lesson.

Many companies will provide new hires with an official offer letter, but what if your new company does not do this? In this case, it’s important to send a letter of acceptance.

Letter of Acceptance

Like the story I shared, writing a letter of acceptance is especially important if your job offer was made orally but you have not — or did not — receive confirmation of the offer in writing. An effective letter of acceptance includes clarification of four key pieces of information: job title, salary information, details of benefits being offered (if any), and start date.

You can also clarify the date that the job offer was extended, as well as any additional information the company needs from you — or that you need from the company — before starting the new job. Address the letter to the person who offered you the position.

Don't let what happened to me happen to you.

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!