As our working weeks have well and truly settled into working from home and everyone now adjusted to the likes of Google Hangouts, Zoom and Microsoft Teams for meetings, it’s unsurprising that the new normal for interviews is via video conference, too.
We understand interview nerves can feel a little overwhelming, especially when you’re dressed with nowhere to go, however there are a few things you can do to create a successful, clean and clear set-up at home and avoid a bad video interview:
https://vimeo.com/402759865/62975b88b6
- Backdrop Prep: Check what’s in view, keep it clean and consider the image it portrays
- Interview bombers: Brief those around you to avoid interruptions and distractions
- Wardrobe weary: Avoiding noisy or fiddly items and choose clothes you feel confident in
- Test your internet: Test its strength ahead in advance – opt for an ethernet cable if you have one and don’t forget to check the quality of your video interview software
- Sound advice: Set your volume prior and consider background sounds / whether a headset works better for you
- All about the angles: Eye level is the answer to look your best whilst avoiding embarrassing viewpoint
- Listen throughout: Switch off email and other programmes to keep focussed and minimise distractions
- Be you: Ensure your personality comes across as it would ‘in person’
- Water waiting: Have a glass to hand but beyond knocking distance!
- Ready and waiting: Be in place at least five minutes before!
If you follow these tips, hopefully you avoid an unfortunate (albeit entertaining) situation like this: