9 Tips for a Strong Video Job Interview During COVID-19
May 21st, 2020 Written by: Masterson Staffing Solutions
If you’re new to working remotely, you may still be adjusting to the way we communicate during COVID-19. While some states are slowly returning back to work, how we conduct business may change. One of the biggest changes that may take place is an increase in video interviews, which can be daunting if you’re the candidate.
Interviewing itself needs constant refining, but online interviewing comes with its own challenges. Here are some helpful tips that can help you overcome any nerves and impress from afar.
Become familiar with the selected software
Before your interview, it’s good to ensure you know how to operate the software the interview will be taking place on. Do you need to sign up for an account? Do you have to turn on your video first or does it start automatically? Avoiding technological hiccups is key in making sure your interview stands out.
Set Computer to “Do Not Disturb”
Avoid having any distracting sounds or if you’re screen sharing, any emails or messages from coming in and causing a distraction.
Don’t look at yourself
We’re all drawn to how we look in the camera, but in order to maintain direct eye contact, you need to look directly at the camera.
Dress as if you’re going in person
This is not a time to get clever. We understand that you want to be comfortable, but stick it out for this interview to avoid any awkward moments. In terms of what to wear, go for neutral colors that won’t blend into the background that you’re sitting in front of.
Get Comfortable
It’s perfectly okay to make some niceties as you would in a regular interview before you get settled with your video interview. Acknowledging the slight awkwardness of an interview can help soothe your nerves a little bit.
Do Your Research
Try to meet your potential employer where they’re at. What do they have going on in the company? How can you be the solution to their problems? Knowing what’s in the pipeline may help you understand their issues and anticipate interview questions.
Keep it short and sweet
Doing our interviews remotely might make us feel more comfortable, making us ramble on a bit more. If you sense that you’re going on a tangent, try to wrap it up as quickly as possible.
Keep a few notes in front of you
Because you aren’t directly facing someone, it might be alright to have a few notes off to the side in case there’s anything you want to emphasize in your interview. If you don’t want to get caught looking off to the side, put them in front of you on a sticky note or something comparable.
Follow Up
Like any interview with any normal circumstances, it’s always polite to follow up with either a call or an email. Be sure to mention some topics in the interview to know that it meant a lot to you.
