Zoom, Teams, Hangout: 5 Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of Video Interviews

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Is poor video interview etiquette sabotaging your odds of landing your dream job???

With the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of remote work, I’m finding myself doing more and more “mock interviews” over Zoom with less experienced candidates. It might sound simple enough, turn on your computer and login into Zoom right? But there’s actually a few, easy things you can do to really?optimise the way you present yourself remotely.???

Here are 5 ways to impress, stand out, and leave an impression during your next Video?interview.?

1)?Pick?your?location carefully?

Location is paramount here. Avoid bathrooms and toilets because contrary to popular belief, people can tell where you are because of the echo.?

Also, avoid sitting on your bed or having your bed/wardrobe showing as it’s too intimate and extremely unprofessional. It’s not an appropriate setting to take a video interview call.?

2)?Minimise background noise?

You don’t want your interviewer to strain to hear what you’re saying. If you have children or loud family members (like I do!), tell them ahead of time that you will be on an important call. If you have a noisy heater blasting or music playing, switch them off, and also put your phone on silent.

Also, pets can be very distracting, especially excited dogs barking for your attention, so ideally, choose a room where you will not be disturbed.

3)?Lighting is pivotal?

Avoid artificial lighting that casts shadows on you where your facial features and reactions can’t be clearly seen.?This is really important as what can be lost in video interviews, are the body language cues you get in a face to face, so interviewers need to be able to see your expressions and interest in what's being discussed.

You want natural light as it is the most flattering and makes you look your best. Sit facing a window or purchase a ring light if you don’t have suitable lighting.?

4)?Dress appropriately?

Don’t neglect to dress appropriately simply because the interview is being done via video.??

You need to look the part – professional and representable.?So?avoid sweaters, pyjamas, or your ‘loungewear’ when on camera.?

I also would?discourage only dressing the upper part of the body as you might have to unexpectedly get up during the interview.?

5)?Camera positioning?

Where should your camera go? And where should you be looking??

The camera should be at your eye level and not chin-level or pointing up your nose. And you should be looking directly into the camera when speaking and not at the faces of your interviewers on screen.?(especially important if there are a few interviewers)

Make sure there is a good distance between you and the camera so you don’t look too?close?or appear too far.?This is important as you want to be able to communicate with your hands where necessary and display some body language as that is key to communication.

Bonus?tip: Pick a neutral background?

What’s in your background? Your panel should never have to see any mess or personal clutter in your background as it reflects badly on you. It’s also distracting.?

What should you do? Pick a neutral bare wall without family photos and have it as your backdrop.?Or you could pick a virtual background if necessary. (again, keep it as neutral as you can)??

Lastly, don't forget to smile and be yourself!

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