If you are like so many people relaunching your career, you are just
thrilled at the idea of receiving an interview! You have worked so hard
to overcome the first set of hurdles and you are ready to sell yourself
and learn about potential employers. But then, you find out it is a
video interview. You thought you had mastered the technology side of
relaunching, which has quickly become a necessary and fundamental
element of the process, only to be faced with another challenge.
Video interviews have become a common way for employers to meet and
vet candidates. Using video is efficient and cost effective for
employers and yet causes extra stress for candidates (and not just
relaunchers). Although video interviews are different from what you may
be used to, there is no reason that you cannot get ahead of the game and
prove to employers that you are not only ready for the role, but ready
for whatever may be thrown at you along the way.
I’ve outlined my Prepare and Practice formula here, to put you at
ease and maybe, just maybe, get you excited for the interview:
Prepare Your Content
Prepare for your video interview the same way you would for an
in-person interview. Do as much research as possible to understand the
type of questions to expect and then prepare as if you were meeting the
interviewers face to face. This means that you will have your personal
story ready, your work scenarios chosen to describe (“Tell me about a
time when…”), and questions for the employer. Normally, there is nothing
wrong with having some notes in front of you – notes can demonstrate
that you are prepared, diligent and serious about the job. However, with
a video interview, because the interviewers can only see part of you,
be careful not to look down too often. If you decide to use notes, you
may want to let them know the first time you refer to them, so that they
understand what you are doing when your eyes shift away from the
camera.
Prepare Your Technology
The best way to build your confidence for a video interview is to ace
the technology prep in advance. Download the program the employer wants
you to use and test it with several people. Make sure you can log in
and turn the camera and audio on. Use the same computer or tablet you
will use for the actual interview. If you know there will be more than
one person interviewing you, try practicing with a few people so that
you know how the screen will look (teenagers are perfect for this
role!). If you are still worried, watch tutorials on YouTube to get up to speed.
An important part of the technology prep is to prepare your
surroundings. Not only is it imperative that you appear professional,
but you do not want to be distracted by anything around you during the
interview. Check the background to make sure you know what people are
seeing when your camera is on. Try for bright, indirect lighting. Make a
list of everything that needs to be taken care of prior to the start of
the interview – this includes turning off your landline and cell phone,
putting the pets in a room where you cannot hear them, and putting a
sign by the doorbell asking people not to ring.
You will sleep easy (okay, maybe just easier!) the nights leading up
to the interview, knowing that you have conquered the technology.
Practice, Practice, Practice
As is the case for an in-person interview, practice is key. Ask for
friends or family to do mock interviews with you by video. Ask for
feedback on how you look and sound. While you are at it, record yourself
and watch it. This is never easy to do, but very helpful. You will put
yourself in the position of the interviewers and feel more confident
during the actual interview.
Practice Authenticity
I cannot stress enough how important it is to be yourself and own
your story during an interview – the same goes for video interviews.
Dress how you would for any interview (research industry norms and your
audience) and show up with all of your personality. If you are nervous,
and you feel that it is showing, be transparent, with language such as
“I may have spoken too quickly there – sometimes that happens when I am
truly excited about an opportunity.” There is no point in trying to hide
something they have likely noticed – own it and move on. And remember
the line between authenticity and self-sabotage. You do not need to tell
them it is your first time using video conferencing or that your
technology skills are rusty. Instead, you stay authentic with words such
as “I have used other forms of video conferencing, and it’s great that I
am finally experiencing this platform.” Always steer the discussion
forward so that they are convinced of your readiness, credibility and
talent.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be confident, fully prepared, and
ready to show up to your video interview as the same person who is going
to show up on day one of work to make an immediate impact on the
organization.
