Video interviews are becoming more and more common in the hiring process. With remote work on the rise, companies embrace virtual interviews to connect with candidates across geographies. Mastering the video interview format is an important job seeking skill. Making a great impression virtually can help you stand out from the applicant pool.
Follow these 6 tips when prepping for your next video interview opportunity.
1. Choose an Appropriate Location
Set up in a quiet, distraction-free room with a neutral background like a blank wall. Make sure there is good lighting so the interviewers can see you clearly without too much backlight from a bright window behind you.
Having clutter, artwork or colleagues walking behind you looks unprofessional and steals focus from the conversation. Use earbuds to prevent audio feedback and mute notifications during the call.
For example, Alicia took her video interview sitting at the clean and clear kitchen table. She used wired earbuds and muted her phone to prevent interruptions. The interviewers complimented her appropriate professional setup.
Do’s
- Set up in a quiet, distraction-free room
- Position camera backdrop as a blank wall or neutral solid color
- Ensure good overhead and facial lighting
Don’ts
- Face windows where backlight creates silhouettes
- Have people or pets walking behind you
- Position the camera at obscure sideways or angled angles
2. Dress Professionally
Even though it’s virtual, dress professionally from head to toe. Avoid bold patterns or distracting accessories. Position the camera properly so your upper body and face frame centered instead of angled up your chin or cutting off parts of your head.
Poor camera placement feels awkward. Staring down at notes rather than direct eye contact also appears disengaged.
For example, Jamal wore a formal suit and tie for his virtual job interview. He positioned his laptop to capture him straight on. The VP told Jamal she appreciated him dressing and presenting himself as though it were an in-office visit.
Do’s
- Dress business formal from head to toe
- Remove distracting accessories and bold patterns
- Frame upper body and face centered
Don’ts
- Wear casual tee shirts or party backdrops
- Stay seated the whole time if possible
- Adjust your hair or twitch which steals focus
3. Prepare Your Background
Create an environment that looks pulled together behind you. At minimum ensure beds are made, dirty laundry/dishes are put away and wastebaskets are empty.
For a more polished touch, place items like stacked books, healthy plants, framed awards or artwork to showcase your personality while keeping focus on you instead of background disarray.
For instance, Tatiana set up a virtual bookshelf background through her video software to appear behind her so she looked like she was sitting in a stylish home office. The creative touch looked very professional.
Do’s
- Clear clutter or make beds before calls
- Use subtle plants artwork or shelves
Don’ts
- Leave dirty dishes trash or messy piles visible
- Go overboard with distracting decoration
4. Set up Practice Runs
Practice ahead of time so you fix any technical difficulties beforehand. Test sound picture and stable internet connection. Make sure needed software downloads work properly and virtual backgrounds if preferred.
Ask a friend to sample interview you on video so you become comfortable answering questions smoothy while looking at the camera. Practicing helps perfect eye contact and reduces nervous tics.
For example, Allen’s neighbor helped him set up lighting and camera angles. They did mock interviews together the week before so he refined presenting polished poise virtually.
Do’s
- Test lighting sound stability early
- Practice with a friend to polish presence
Don’ts
- Wait until day-of to test technology
- Fidget with papers and avoid eye contact
5. Charge Devices and Reduce Distractions
Doing an interview next to a loud household with kids yelling dogs barking and dinner cooking steals focus from communicating effectively. Delay non-urgent errands and chores to prevent interruptions.
Silence other devices and fully charge the device you are interviewing from. Having sufficient power prevents cutting out halfway through critical conversations.
For instance, Maya put her phone completely on silent closed her office door and asked family members not to disturb her during the video call time she had blocked off. Removing possible disruptions helped her focus 100% on making a stellar impression answering in-depth questions to land the promotion.
Do’s
- Fully charge all devices beforehand
- Silence notifications on devices
- Use do not disturb features
Don’ts
- Take call with low battery life risks
- Forget to close tabs alerts and email popups
6. Notes Cheat Sheet
Have an organized sheet with key facts about the role company and your top strengths skillsets and achievements you want to emphasize handy to toggle to during the discussion.
Glancing rather than having to shift windows prepares quick clear responses selling your top qualifications. Just ensure not reading straight off the sheet which appears detached versus engaged authentic interaction.
For example, Amit had a single notecard with quick facts about the startup’s product launch timing, the hiring manager’s name and core user metrics he read on their website. Having relevant details handy helped him provide tailored responses showcasing his genuine interest and fit.
With preparation and practice, video interviews can give an equally strong impression as in-person meetings. Treat the virtual conversation with the same professionalism turning off distractions to devote full attention and energy. Position yourself in a neat and distraction-free environment dressed formally from head to toe. Frame the camera perfectly centered on you and prepare any virtual backgrounds.
Do’s
- Have 1 paginated sheet with key facts handy
- Glance down sparingly when needed
Don’ts
- Stack numerous dense pages you read straight off
- Bury your face in notes through whole call
Finally, make sure your device is fully charged, close other programs and have an at-a-glance cheat sheet with key company details, accomplishments or your prepared stories you want to reference when selling your top qualifications. Master these elements to make a winning impression every time the camera lights turn on.
