Preparing for A Video Interview
Video interviews are more common than ever due to their convenience and the increase in remote job opportunities – in fact, more work is conducted online and via video than ever before. Take a video interview just as seriously as you would an in-person interview, whether it’s the first step before meeting in person or the entire process is conducted online. This means being as prepared as possible, so keep in mind:
Your appearance includes more than just your outfit. What you wear absolutely matters in a video interview, so be as professional and presentable in your attire as you would be walking into the office. There are other factors contributing to your appearance on a video interview to consider as well. Your entire platform profile should be professional; ideally, use your LinkedIn profile picture and make your username your first and last name without any identifying information (such as your birth year).
Your surroundings matter. Your interviewer will see what’s behind you, so it’s best to ensure you have a clean, neutral background with decent lighting that’s clear of personal items. Warn anyone else at home about the interview so you are not interrupted… this includes setting up child care if necessary, and/or securing pets out of eyesight and earshot. If you choose not to do the video interview at home, select a quiet, distraction-free environment such as the library rather than a noisy coffee shop.
Practice and troubleshoot ahead of time. If you are unfamiliar with video chatting or using the chosen software, during the interview is not the time to figure it out. Practice ahead of time so you know how to navigate the software, have settings adjusted correctly, know where to look, and ensure everything is working correctly. You could even record your practice session to review how you come across both on video and answering interview questions.
Check that you have a high-quality internet connection to ensure not only the quality of your call, but also that it isn’t dropped. At minimum, avoid using shared wi-fi during that time and if possible, use a hardwired connection rather than wi-fi. Eliminating potential complications and distractions ensures you and your interviewer are focused completely on the conversation.
As long as you're prepared for the technical and logistical aspects of a video interview, handle everything else just as you would an in-person interview. It is time to show the hiring manager why you’re the best fit for the position they have available.