Making the Most of Your Next Video Interview

Given the ease, convenience and practicality of conducting video interviews, it’s not surprising that some companies are doing away with the initial "phone screen" (which, by the way, is a poor term since it implies an impersonal, one-sided review by HR). If a client is willing to spend 30-45 minutes on the phone anyway, then it makes sense to maximize the opportunity to gather as much information as possible.

A video interview provides clues and cues that a traditional phone interview cannot. In the past, these indicators could only be revealed after the candidate and client had spent time and money to arrange an on-site interview. Now, the interviewer (and candidate) can gather a tremendous amount of information through video that is unavailable over a phone connection: body language, tidiness of the surroundings, taste in décor, degree of nervousness/confidence, ability to make eye-contact/engage, energy level, mannerisms, familiarity with technology, and more.

Because video interviews are soon to be standard protocol, here are some ideas to keep in mind if you want to look your best:

1) Keep your phone or laptop stationary and stable at all times. Keep it at eye level (that is, not aiming down on your head or up your nose). 

2) Do not walk around. Stay seated unless you have a standing desk.

3) Center your face on the screen.

4) Sit in front of a window for optimal lighting. Don’t have a window or lamp behind you casting a shadow over your face. 

5) Maintain a natural posture. Don’t lean into the screen or recline in your chair. Sit upright and carry yourself as you would in a face-to-face interview – relaxed but professional.

6) Clean your room. Make sure the surroundings are tidy and organized and there isn’t anything inappropriate in view (artwork, posters, photos, your Skype profile pic, etc.).

7) Shut all doors. You don't want the client peering into your closet, bathroom, garage, etc.

8) Look at the camera lens (not the screen). We all have a tendency to watch our own image on Skype or Facetime. Try to avoid this for 2 reasons: a) It can disrupt your train of thought and b) The interviewer may notice your lack of eye contact/engagement.

9) Keep distractions and noises to a minimum. Have a contingency plan for barking dogs and crying babies. I would also recommend exiting other programs running in the background on your computer (otherwise, your email notifications and LinkedIn messages will chime during the call).

10) Use notes. A benefit of having the interview in your house/office is that you can place notes with elements that you want to emphasize in areas out of view of the camera. Use this to your advantage.

11) Know what to expect. If you have never done a Skype interview or Zoom Conference, don’t wait until the last minute to download the app. Additionally, become familiar with how the software works. Do a practice run with a friend before the interview to get his/her feedback on your surroundings, audio quality, lighting, ambient sounds, etc. 

12) Have fun with the process. Interviews can make anyone nervous. But instead of a distant voice asking you questions on the other end of a phone line, you can now see a face smiling back at you.

A video interview allows the candidate and the client to progress much further in 30 minutes than an old-fashioned phone screen could. It has countless benefits and should allow for both parties to more quickly gauge if a cultural and professional fit is likely. Use it to your advantage!

 If you would like to hear more about current trends or industry insights, you can reach me at: [email protected]