Video interviewing is a great way to save travel time and promote accessibility to an initial discussion.
A great alternative to meeting in person!
Here are our top tips for preparing for a video conference job interview:
- Dress as you would for a face-to-face interview: Dress professionally and try things on beforehand to see how you look on screen.
- Choose a beautiful space: Clean up your room, choose a neutral, well-appointed background, increase the brightness and eliminate background noise.
- Think about your lighting: Natural light is best and don’t hesitate to add a desk lamp if needed. You can test the lighting by taking pictures with your webcam before the interview to see how you look, and adjust as needed.
- Check your connection: Make sure you have a good internet connection, use a computer or laptop (not an Ipad or cell phone) and plug it in. Close all other programs on your computer to avoid slowdowns and distractions.
- Take the time to familiarize yourself with the application used by the employer (Skype, Zoom, Teams, WeBex, etc.). Prior to your interview, test your equipment to make sure it is working properly.
- Be prepared: Log in a few minutes early, have your resume ready, and the job description. Be sure to have something to take notes on during the meeting and to ask any questions you may have.
- Make a good first impression (the equivalent of a digital handshake) : First impressions are made in less than 17 seconds. And about 93% of our spontaneous judgments come from non-verbal cues. Our perception of someone is based not only on what they say, but on the way they stand, the expression on their face and even their dress or posture. By video, you can open the discussion with a confident, professional and firm nod and a warm smile. This simple gesture shows that you are happy with the meeting and ready to get down to business.
- Maintain a warm connection throughout the interview despite the physical distance: A sincere smile throughout the meeting and showing a dynamic demeanor are important elements in demonstrating your interest.
- Look at the camera as much as possible instead of the screen to maintain eye contact. Ideally, your laptop should be elevated so that you can look straight ahead without looking down at the screen.
- End your virtual meeting by showing motivation and interest as you would for any interview. Thank them for their time and the opportunity to talk. Ask about the next step and any questions that might show your interest.
As a potential candidate, your goal remains the same, whether it’s a video or in-person interview:
Show that you are the right person for the job and that you are motivated for the right reasons!
