Tips for Successful Video Interviews

Even post-COVID, many first interviews continue to be online via Zoom or some other media. Here are 12 tips to keep in mind.

1. Use a laptop or desktop computer rather than a smartphone. Position the camera at eye level. You may need to sit your laptop on a book or box to ensure your audience is looking at your face while you are on the call.
2. Most calendar invitations for remote interviews include a link to check computer connection prior to the meeting. It’s recommended you do a test run prior to ensure you are able to connect.??Check your lighting, height and framing beforehand.
3. Ensure you have a good internet connection.
4. Find a quiet room so you’re not interrupted or distracted.??Don’t have small children or pets in the room with you while you are in the interview.
5. Be mindful of your background. You don’t want a busy background, i.e., cluttered bookshelves, a TV in the background or wildly patterned curtains, etc.??A neutral background is best.
6. Don’t use filters as your background.???This isn’t the time to have mountains or beaches behind you.
7. Watch your lighting. Windows behind you can darken your screen and not show your face well. Windows should be in front of you.
8. Frame your shot so that the interviewer can see from the chest up and not a tight head shot.
9. Silence any notifications that may come through on your computer or phone.
10. Dress professionally. Busy, loud prints do not project well. Solid colors look best.??Dress the same way you would for a face-to-face interview.??
11. Enter the meeting room 3-5 minutes early.??It’s never a good idea to make your interviewer wait for you.??Get on the call before they do!
12. As with a face-to-face interview, make sure you follow up with a thank you note to the interviewer.??Very few people send thank you notes in the mail these days.???E-mail is the new normal, so make sure you have your interviewers e-mail address.??Good Luck!