So you’ve gotten a job interview–congrats! But it’s not an invitation to their office–it’s an invitation to video chat. Nowadays, more and more employers are using video interviews to screen candidates and act as the first round of the hiring process. It saves them time and money and can save you the hassle of going to their office, too.
However, some of the guidelines for proper video interview etiquette are still up in the air. Here are some tips to help you nail the video interview so your next stop will be their office:
1. Dress appropriately. Just because you’re at home, doesn’t mean you should wear your pajamas. You should at least be wearing a business top since you will be sitting at a desk. However, there is a chance you may have to stand up at some point in the interview, so it’s best to also where the right pants too–you don’t want to show your future employer your Hello Kitty pajama pants. You don’t need to wear a full suit, but at least something business casual.
Check Out: Dress to Impress: Tips For Picking Clothes For An Interview
2. Note the position of the camera. Think about what your interviewer is going to see behind you. It’s best to pick a plain background without a lot of distractions. And of course, you don’t want to have anything inappropriate behind you for them to see. In addition, think about the noise level where you’re sitting. If you don’t live alone, warn the people you live with that you’re doing an interview and need peace and quiet. You don’t want to distract the interviewer with your roommate walking behind you or your mom talking on the phone in the background.
3. Check the technology. Make sure everything is working properly before you start the interview. Test out your mic AND your camera to make sure their both okay. You don’t want to have technological difficulties while you’re trying to answer a question. Some problems are inevitable with Internet signals, so make sure you know how to fix them if they arise.
4. Look into the camera. Just like you need to make eye contact in a regular interview, make sure to look into the camera. Don’t let your eyes wander and don’t get distracted just because you’re at home and not in their office. Giving all your attention to the interview will show your genuine interest in the company.
Any tips from your own experience with video interviews?
