COVID-19 has changed the way companies interview and it may never go back to the way it used to be. Many companies are now hiring exclusively through remote means (phone and video conferencing). The jury is out if these hires will perform as well as someone who is at some point vetted in person, but as a betting man I am betting they will be.
Companies that are hiring right now are being interviewed mainly by video conference (e.g., Google Hangouts, WebEx, Zoom, etc.). You MUST get comfortable using this medium to your advantage because being on video is different than being there in person! Those that embrace this technology will win in their interviews and get hired!
Start with these tips . . .
GETTING REALLY GOOD AT VIDEO INTERVIEWS
- Start with your background, it should be free of clutter and look professional. You can have a bookcase, pictures, etc. in the background; something interesting for the interviewer to look at (besides you).
- Lighting is important, and natural light is better. Use your cell phone in selfie mode to get a good idea of how your lighting looks. Soft lighting (LEDs, diffused light) is better than fluorescent lighting.
- Your camera should be slightly higher than eye level to give you the most flattering camera angle. Use books, boxes, etc. under your laptop (built in camera) or monitor (if using external camera), to create this angle.
In my next post I will share how to look and perform best while on camera! Click Here for Part 2
My name is Mark Lauterbach and I am a Chief Job Search Architect and Success Strategist. I founded the Job Search Accelerator, based on my 20 years’ experience coaching others through their job search as well as having successfully navigated 7 job changes during my career. To receive my free weekly Job Search Tips Newsletter subscribe here!
Thanks for educating us all on what works. I have shared this site with family members.
Your welcome Kevin and thank you for sharing with others! Everyone needs to get good at this!
I appreciate your comments and thank you so much for sharing my blog with your family! I want to help as many people as possible!
In part 2 can you please address what to do when the interviewer spends the whole time during the interview looking at their computer so they can type your answers and never looks up until the interview is over?
Kevin you bring up a great point and I will cover this in part 2 next week. Thanks for the question!
This is such simple, crucial advice. And video is not only here to stay for interviews, it is becoming an important skill in many positions.
Karyn thank you for your comments. You are exactly right; more and more companies are going to use video working in the office or at home!
Thanks so much for the timely advice, Mark!
I agree this is indeed the new world and have been through three video interviews (hopefully each better than the last with great tips like these!).
Please keep up the great work helping people as you do!
Jim
You’re very welcome Jim. I’m sure you are learning from each interview. After any interview ask yourself these questions: 1) what went good and why 2) what didn’t go well and why! With the answers to these two questions ask these two questions 3) what should I continue doing 4) what should I change for the next interview.
Great advice for interviews and Zoom meetings alike!
I agree! Thank you for pointing out this isn’t just for interviews, but for any video meeting. I appreciate your commenting Elizabeth!
Great tips. I have used the LPN and other networking virtual meetings to get better at this, it really requires practice.
I recently had a video interview, but the interviewer had his video off?!?
Please add me to your weekly newsletter distribution.
Hi George, I added you to my digital job search tips newsletter so you will get the next edition. Thanks