How can you overcome your video interview fears?

If you missed it, I recently ran a?LinkedIn poll about?whether video resumes are the way forward, given?TikTok is now allowing users to upload a video of their skills and experiences using the #TikTokResumes hashtag. When I?took the question to my connections the votes came flying in, and I couldn’t believe 430 people voted on my poll! Interestingly, the resounding response was people aren’t embracing the idea of video resumes. 37% of respondents said video resumes were a bad idea. 36% of people thought video resumes might be a good idea (depending) and only 27% of people actually liked the idea of video resumes.?

Some of the comments I read were along the lines that, “being recorded makes some people INCREDIBLY uncomfortable”, not to mention there were “introverts who shuddered at the thought of doing video resumes”.

What also stood out was that people commented “companies are already implementing video resumes”, and that video resumes will continue “to grow in the years to come just like video interview platforms have become a norm for so many”. Despite the resounding dislike for videos according to the poll, the consensus in the comments was sooner or later, you and I will likely be required to prepare a video resume to showcase our skills and/or partake in a video interview.?

If you are camera-shy, an introvert, or just plain uncomfortable on video, this might be a real nightmare. But it doesn’t have to be.

Let me start by saying, you are not alone in your dislike for being on video. I’ve found myself on video in the last 6 months more than ever before, it was so uncomfortable seeing myself on video letter lone the times when I had to listen to a recording of myself! It can be tough to figure out how to be comfortable on video, so I sought some advice from someone who knows being on video well, Rebecca Saunders a Strategic Video Expert, Entrepreneur and Consultant. She has a host of free video courses like?Get Camera Confident?and the?How to Show Up on Screen Masterclass?both are incredibly useful if you want to present yourself strongly on video. I've summarised some of Rebecca's tips alongside my own below, to help you make powerful videos.

Practice makes perfect?

Rebecca's top tip for beating that fear of looking like an idiot on camera is creating camera confidence. The best way to do that is practice. Yes, I know, who actually wants to practice being on video???As uncomfortable as it is, I’ve done a lot of video practice in the last 6 months and the difference it has made on my confidence is unbelievable. I’ve done so many videos, to the point I'm now relaxed when plugging in my camera and light and jumping on a video presentation or marketing video. Part of getting comfortable on video for me was knowing the technology. The technology is changing and although I’m not at the point of learning to use TikTok (yet!), I have had to learn to use Teams and Zoom amongst other video recording tools and platforms. Lack of familiarity with the technology can make you feel anxious and worried, however, there are so many resources out there that can help you navigate the tech and prepare you for your video debut. I suggest practice using the technology before the interview or recording session - it’ll ease your nerves when it comes time to be on video live.

Power of professionalism??

Another piece of advice I’d give you is that videos are more powerful when they look professional. This means you should be getting dressed (no pajama bottoms!) and maybe putting that lippie on before a video call.

Use a good camera (I often use an external webcam because it is easier and records high-quality, high-resolution video) and I even have an external microphone – but you probably don’t need to invest in one, so long as your laptop microphone is strong enough. Always consider your lighting and angles. Lighting can make a big difference in the quality of your video. If there is not enough light, your video will be grainy — even if you have a great camera. I sit facing the light (i.e. natural window light) and I make sure the camera is high enough, so it's at eye level. You wouldn’t be at different eye levels during an in-person interview, so why do that during an online interview??

Rebecca's final tip, you should always aim for a background without visual distractions, you might even want to include a point of interest (a plant, for instance) that helps balance the shot and provide visual interest.

Presentation skills matter

During an interview, you will use body language to help communicate your point (even if you don't realise it!). For example, you will change your facial expressions and move your hands around to emphasize points. Yet, as soon as a camera is in your face, your natural communication skills freeze up. So, the best thing you can do when on video is to act natural and remember to make “eye contact” with the lens, smile (if it’s appropriate), use hand gestures, and speak slowly. Even through the camera lens, your body language can convey confidence and help you appear less nervous.

My final reminder is - be yourself.

As a recruiter, when conducting in-person interviews, video interviews or screening phone calls the one thing that stands out to me is authenticity. Naturally, everyone will be a little bit nervous on video and sometimes the technology will glitch but in my opinion, small mistakes like these make you seem more human. I suggest keep your video style as natural to yourself and get practicing!