Video Interview Preparation: 

Some time ago, I published an article focused on building rapport during the video interview. It is tough to build rapport through a video conference, so that article meets a serious need for job seekers. However, it dawned on me that some very important (and basic) video interview tips were missing from that article. Therefore, I am updating this follow-up article because, after years of assisting numerous candidates with their video interview preparation, I have identified a few straightforward yet essential points that candidates often overlook.

Eye Contact in Video Interviews

Maintaining strong eye contact is a cornerstone of building connection and trust, especially in cultures such as the United States. When you, as a candidate, avoid eye contact, you risk being perceived as disengaged or even untrustworthy. And, of course, this perception will undermine your chances of winning the position.

However, achieving authentic eye contact during a video interview is a challenge. Why? Because candidates often find themselves focusing on the interviewer in order to interpret the interviewer’s body language. As a result, the interviewer sees you looking down or away, rather than making direct eye contact. This subtle misalignment can leave the interviewer with the impression that you are uninterested or not fully invested in the opportunity.

To overcome this challenge, make a deliberate effort to look directly at the camera throughout your video interview. Although it may feel unnatural at first, gazing into the camera creates the illusion of eye contact for the person on the other end. This simple adjustment allows you to forge a genuine connection with your interviewer, which is crucial for making a positive impression during the interview.

To help maintain this focus, consider placing a small reminder, such as a sticky note, near your camera. This visual cue will prompt you to return your gaze to the lens, ensuring your eye contact remains consistent and effective throughout the interview.

Professional Appearance and Background

I once had a candidate conduct a video interview with a poster behind him that said, “Let’s get drunk and dance naked on the table”. 

Yep. 

While the hiring manager thought it was funny, she also questioned his judgment. And no, he didn’t receive a job offer. 

The second key aspect of successful video interview preparation is ensuring both you and your surroundings are professional. I strongly advise conducting a practice session, or dry run, before your interview. This allows you to evaluate how you appear within the video frame and make necessary adjustments to your background.

During these dry runs with candidates, we almost always recommend adjusting the camera angle to achieve a flattering and clear view of your face. Position yourself so that you are centered in the frame, with the camera at eye level, and avoid sitting too close or too far from the camera.

As you prepare, carefully assess your background. Ensure that bookshelves, tables, and desks are neat and orderly. Remove any inappropriate items or images from view. Pay close attention to lighting; natural light from windows can fluctuate throughout the day, potentially causing visibility issues during your interview. Therefore, test your setup at the same time of day as your scheduled interview to guarantee consistent lighting.

Conclusion

A video conference interview doesn’t have to be more daunting than a traditional face-to-face meeting. By incorporating these video interview preparation strategies, you will be well-equipped to present yourself confidently and professionally. Have questions? Please do not hesitate to reach out because we are here to help. 

We also offer coaching. If you would like 1:1 coaching to help with your interview prep, just let us know.