5 Tips for Your Best Video Interview Yet

The job market may be transforming before our eyes but one thing is certain: Video interviews are here to stay. In fact, 58% of hiring managers say they plan to continue virtual interviews post-COVID. Although there are advantages to a virtual interview, there are significant changes that require extra thought and attention. Read along for our tips to have your best video interview yet.

  1. Stand before you sit

    Don’t let the comfort of your home get too comfortable. You still want to appear bright and energetic, especially if you’ve been sitting at your desk for a few hours already. Before you get settled for your interview, take a few minutes to stand up and walk around to get the blood flowing. For an extra boost of confidence, try standing in a Superman pose – research shows it lowers your stress hormone.

  2. Framing is everything

    Although you’re communicating through a screen, you should appear as you would in-person to imitate the familiar set-up of a regular interview. To accomplish this, make sure you’re sitting at a comfortable distance from your camera. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that your upper chest is visible and that you have a few inches of space above your head. Similarly, avoid sitting in a chair that is larger than you – the last thing you want is to appear dwarfed by your chair while discussing a leadership position.

  3. Some notes on notes

    One of the benefits of virtual interviews is that you can prep the physical space on your terms – nobody needs to know how many cups of coffee are behind your monitor. While it may be beneficial to have a few written notes nearby, be careful not to depend on them. They can quickly turn into a crutch, which may cause you to be distracted or sound too stiff and rehearsed.

  4. Is this thing on?

    You’d never want to appear unprepared in an in-person setting, and yet 36% of hiring professionals say they’ve seen candidates have a software issue during an interview. Take the time to test and familiarize yourself with the video chat platform ahead of time. Not only does it demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to prepare but it shows that you’re already well-versed in the fundamentals of new remote and hybrid work environments.

  5. Fill in the blanks

    Although there may be benefits to virtual interviews, one of the most powerful tools you have is absent: Body language. Be sure to proactively counteract what’s missing. When you can’t impress your interviewer with a firm grasp in person, opt for a “digital handshake” – at the beginning of the call, look straight into the camera while smiling and give a quick nod. Additionally, your interviewer would usually be able to tell when you’ve finished answering a question; however, it may not be as clear over video. After your response, give a slight nod to indicate that your answer is complete and you’re ready to move forward.

Want to ace your next video interview? Practice makes perfect! Don’t forget to rehearse with a friend, colleague, or family member. Additionally, be sure to consult a professional executive recruiter who offers interview preparation as part of their service offering.

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