Did you know that 63% of employers today now use video to conduct job interviews? From an employer’s standpoint, it’s far more efficient and cost-effective than hosting candidates in-house. For applicants, it’s much more convenient than trekking to the office for a meet and greet. But while there are certainly plenty of upsides to interviewing from the comfort of your own living room, there are certain guidelines one should follow to help improve the chances of making it to the next step.
That being said, here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
Dos…
- Do ensure that your equipment is up to par and your Internet connection is secure and reliable.
- Do develop a plan for where you will conduct your interview. Choose a place that is well lit, clean and free from distractions.
- Do test your system in advance to ensure that the camera is set up properly.
- Do conduct a mock interview with a friend or colleague and ask for feedback.
- Do prepare just as you would for an in-person interview. Research the company, prepare for likely questions and get a list together of your own questions to ask.
- Do dress professionally.
- Do turn off all devices that might interrupt the interview or become a distraction in any way.
- Do remember to look directly into the camera when speaking during your interview. This will enable you to maintain virtual eye contact.
- Do watch your non-verbal cues, including posture, eye contact, smiling and hand gestures.
- Do your best to establish a rapport with your interviewer. Be engaging, just as you would if you were meeting face to face.
- Do follow the same protocol as traditional, in-person interviews: ask about next steps, send a thank you note, etc.
Don’ts…
- Don’t make the mistake of getting too comfortable. Just because you’re in your home doesn’t mean you can stay in your jammies. Dress appropriately and choose a tidy, quiet area of your home.
- Don’t rely on off-camera notes. It’s ok to jot a few things down so you can stay on track, but looking at notes too much will prevent you from maintaining eye-contact and could make you appear distracted.
- Don’t go overboard on flashy clothing or jewelry. Those bright stripes or shiny earrings might look great in person, but they could take away from your online interview. Keep it simple.
- Don’t allow anything in the room to become a distraction. Shut off your cell phone. Close the door. Make sure children and pets are being tended to elsewhere.
- Don’t let technical glitches fluster you. It’s par for the course. Be prepared and try not to sweat it.
- Don’t rush through your responses. There is often a lag between an online video and audio feed, especially with slower connections. Make sure to leave a short pause in between questions and responses.
- Don’t wave your hands around. Hand gestures may work fine in person, but on video they become more of a distraction than anything else.
- Don’t make any of these seven common interview mistakes.
Like it or not, video interviews have become an integral part of the hiring process. Being prepared and knowing both what you should and shouldn’t do can help you ace your virtual interviews and improve the chances of landing the job you’re after.
If you’re looking to expand your job search, get in touch and let’s discuss how we can help get you on the path to the career of you’ve always wanted!