How to Ace The Video Interview

Video, Phone or In-Person Interviewing is The Same

Inevitably, part of the interview process of nearly every job is the phone interview and then followed by a face-to-face interview. As I was reminded while speaking with my cousin in Spain via FaceTime this morning (or in the afternoon if you're her or if you are also in Spain), you should always treat your video interview like a regular in-person interview and prepare accordingly. In truth, the only difference between video and an in-person interview is the prep. 

Not to sound like a broken record, you'd be surprised that so many candidates squander this opportunity. Just like any other interview, the video interview is your chance to use your subjective qualities to separate yourself from the pack. This is your foot is in the door. It’s time to make the right impression. It's a real interview. This is your chance to let your words speak volumes about your personality and to prove you are the best person for the job.

Rather than rant like I did this morning with Carly, I'm going to give you the 6 ways to ACE your next video interview.

1. Test The Equipment

Just as you would plan your route and print out your resume ahead of time, do the same with your video interview. Check your internet connectivity in advance, make sure you know how to use whichever program the interview will be held on (Skype, GoogleHangouts, GoTo, etc.), and refresh your memory on how to turn on your sound. Taking these simple things for granted can cause you to be late for an interview and make a bad first impression. Make sure to do this the night before. Just to be on the safe side, 30 minutes before the interview, call someone else using video chat to make sure that everything is ready to go.

Don’t forget to turn off notifications for things like Facebook, Messenger, Snapchat, or Twitter to avoid awkward interruptions.

2. Know the Company and Know What You'll Ask

Take some time to learn more about the company’s industry as well and be prepared to talk about the space as a whole. Asking interesting questions in an interview can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your interest and experience in the industry.

While listening is more important than talking, you have to have some few questions prepared and try to come up with a couple of more relevant questions during the conversation. Research the company. Use LinkedIn. Use Google. Write out 4 questions. Make sure that you'd got them by your side in the video interview.

There's no harm in having notes. There's no harm in letting the interviewer see you take notes.

3. Be Early and Be Enthusiastic

When it comes to arriving early to video interviews, 5 minutes is a good rule of thumb. It's just like any other interview.

Make sure everything is working and ready to go so you’re ready to begin as soon as the hiring manager connects. Greeting your hiring manager early is a great way to show the company you are eager to be a part of their team. It’s important to make good eye contact, smile, and be enthusiastic when on a video interview. Although you aren’t meeting in person, it is still essential to build a positive rapport with your hiring manager.

4. About Eye Contact

Eye contact is extremely important for forming connections with others; in fact 43% of our attention focuses on other people's eyes during interactions. According to research, people make eye contact between 30 and 60% of the time during the average conversation.

In a video interview, it’s essential to make proper eye contact with employers so you can build a connection. Eye contact while using tech devices can be tricky, since looking into your interviewer’s eyes isn’t always intuitive. Strike a balance between looking directly at the image of your interviewer on the screen, and addressing yourself directly to the camera. Resist the urge to look at yourself if your image is visible somewhere on screen.

With many laptops' built-in webcams, you may have to direct your gaze upwards to the top of the screen. While it might not feel natural, it's one way to simulate in-person eye contact.

5. Mirror, Mirror on The Wall

Closed body language cuts off the conversation, whether it’s crossing your arms or adopting a stern expression. You want to seem professional, but you don’t want to appear hostile during the video interview. This is why many experts suggest interviewees should subtly mirror their interviewer’s body language.

Mirroring, or limbic synchrony is something we all do unconsciously when interacting with others. We often mirror the body language of those we feel closest to, from colleagues to family members. Whether it’s posture, a gesture or a smile, mirroring can help you feel closer to the person with whom you’re communicating.

6. Dress The Part

You can't dress casually because you’re at home. Just because you don’t have to leave your house doesn’t mean you don’t need to put on interview clothes. Wearing a nice shirt and tie is obligatory for a video interview. You are still presenting yourself to a hiring manager and need to keep in mind that most likely they will be interviewing you in their office. Ignore the computer screen between you and the company and present yourself accordingly.

This might seem hard to do in a video interview, but it’s important to create a connection with your interviewer without going overboard. You can subtly mirror behavior like leaning forward toward the camera, nodding and smiling. Even if you’re not sitting across from your interviewer, body language translates across great distances. Aligning with your interviewer can give them the impression you’re also aligned with the company and its culture.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Body language is just as important in the video interview as it is for an in-person meeting. By utilizing these simple body language hacks, you can connect with your interviewer and potentially snag the job of your dreams.

What do you think? How can you use body language in the video interview?

Also, check out these other interview cheat sheets:

Gary Vaynerchuk's Secret to Getting Hired

How to Ace The Phone Interview!

As a member of Relus' recruiting team, Brian Fink focuses on driving talent towards opportunity. Whether helping startups ascend or enterprises adapt to the unknown, Fink focuses on client development, candidate engagement, organizational transformation, and recruiter education. Follow him on Twitter.