Bryony Gibson, managing director of Bryony Gibson Consulting, shares some advice to help you impress during a video interview.
The increasing impact of the coronavirus reaches far and wide and, while it has not stopped the recruitment industry entirely, it has certainly changed the way we are working.
Living in a world of technology, where selfies are commonplace, you would assume things would seamlessly move online, but it appears that a lot of people don’t like to see themselves on screen. Whether it’s being self-conscious about their appearance or how they sound, there is something about a video interview that makes people feel very uncomfortable.
Attending an interview can be intimidating enough, without the extra nerves video can bring, so I thought it would be helpful to share a few tips to help if you’re being interviewed online.
1) Treat the interview seriously
Approach it as if you were going to meet the interviewer in person. Research, prepare for potential questions and, above all else, practice with the technology.
2) Think about the environment
Try to find a quiet, private space, one that is well-lit with natural light. Make sure you will be free from interruptions, but try not to use your bedroom. You should also tell your family, or those also living in the house, that you have an interview, so they know to keep the noise down and have a low profile.
3) Avoid distractions
People need to concentrate on you so, while it may seem a good idea to have an interesting backdrop, you must try to avoid any distractions, especially people, pets, or a messy space.
4) Personal appearance
Dress professionally and wear the clothes you would have worn to attend the interview in person. The only extra piece of advice I would offer here is to make sure this doesn’t mean bright colours or patterns, as they don’t translate well on camera.
5) Positioning
Make sure you are sitting comfortably. Sit up straight, at eye level to the camera and maintain eye contact with the lense, rather than the person on the screen – which is more challenging than it sounds! Don’t fidget or use a swivel chair, and try recording a test so you can see how it looks and sounds.
6) Technology
Try to use a computer rather than a phone and ensure your internet connection is stable. Check that your computer’s audio is working and test this out beforehand. Before the interview begins, close and unnecessary web browser tabs and applications, as well as putting your phone on to silent.
7) The interview
As with any interview, your body language is crucial. Try to relax, sit up straight, lean forward, and show confidence. Focus on your facial expressions throughout the meeting, as your non-verbal communication is as important as your verbal. When answering questions, concentrate on your tone of voice and make sure you share your passion through your words. Have some questions at hand to ask the interviewer, and if you need notes, stick them to the screen rather than on a pad on the desk, so you don’t keep looking down, and don’t forget to thank the interviewer for their time.
As with most things in life, preparation is the key. While being interviewed on camera can sometimes feel a little scarier than meeting in person, if you can take on board these tips, I believe you will come away feeling happy with your performance and be able to do yourself proud.
Contact Bryony for career advice and for help finding the right public practice, tax & accountancy role or recruits on (0191) 375 9983. Alternatively, visit www.bryonygibson.com, connect on LinkedIn or follow @bryonygibson.
