With companies being more cost conscious and our culture’s growing reliance and utilization of technology, it is no surprise that more and more companies are requesting Video Conference Interviews with candidates.
Video conference interviews are a great way for Hiring Managers to “size up” a potential employee by allowing the Hiring Manager to evaluate the candidate’s communication and presentation skills.
So the question to answer: Are you prepared for a Video Conference Interview? How is it the same or different from Phone or Face-to-Face interviews? Here are a few important tips to keep in mind while preparing for your Video Conference Interview.
Rehearse just as you would before a Face-to-Face interview. Prepare yourself for the questions you’re most likely to be asked and be ready to explain the responsibilities you’ve had in your previous positions. Conduct a mock Video interview with a friend, having them ask you some generic and typical interview questions. Something you may find very helpful is to record your practice interview session so you can analyze your answers and facial expressions later.
Make sure your work space is ready for the Video interview. The space where you will have your interview should be free from clutter and things which will distract your interviewer or divert attention from you. Put your dogs and/or cats into another room, put the baby to sleep, unplug the phone, and put a sign up on your office door so your loved ones are clear they should not make noise while you are on your Video Conference.
Test your connectivity and hardware at least one hour prior to the interview. Ensure that your internet connection is strong and free from interruptions and verify that your camera and microphone are working. Be mindful of your microphone and its position during the interview. Microphones naturally amplify sound, and rustling papers or speaking to closely can make it hard for the interviewer to understand what you’re saying. Check the angle of your camera, making sure that there is a tight view on your head, shoulders, and chest. Monitor the lighting in the area you’ll be doing the interview, as plenty of light will improve the quality of the video being transmitted to your interviewer.
Speak slowly and clearly; as advanced as technology is becoming, there is often a slight lag or delay in the connection, and enunciating your words and speaking slowly will ensure that the interviewer understands what you are saying.
Dress as if you are going to a Face-to-Face interview. Just because you aren’t going to the office doesn’t mean you can wear your pajamas. Your interviewer will take notice of your attire whether you’re physically in front of them or on their computer screen.
A video conference interview shouldn’t be any more intimidating than a Face-to-Face interview, and following these tips will help you prepare and present the your best to the interviewer.
We want to hear from you – how successful have your Video Interviews been?
Written by Katie Fidler
Investing in a Lifetime of Success,
Angela Roberts
www.craresources.com
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