Hello World.I just have done my first video job interview. The interviewers showed up on my iPad on time and we spoke (I spoke) for 30 minutes.
I have given a lot of thoughts to get myself best prepared for this video chatty time. Here are some of my considerations which might be helpful for any video interviewees.
1. Get your Plan A ready and have a Plan B
Upon being notified about the video interview, decide which equipment and video conferencing programme you are going to use. Make sure you have everything. Check all hardware, software and network to see if they are working fine 30 minutes before the interview is going to be on air.
Make a Plan B, in case your Plan A fails. A Plan B should have the exact components as Plan A. So Plan B should consists hardware, software and network.
2. Set the scene
Donald Tsang or Victoria Beckham always sit or stand in front of a good background when they are portrayed in interviews. Make sure the things behind your back appearing on the screen that your interviewers will see are cozy and nice.
Set up the camera so it focuses on you. Apart from your face, it is good to include your shoulder, desk, and a little bit background in the view.
Optimize your scene setup by closing the windows to shut away noise from highways and neighbour. Remove any motion objects. Lock your dog in the bathroom (>_< as a matter of fact I DIDN'T). Turn off your voice devices. Turn off your phone in particular.
3. Get dressed
You may wrap yourself with a boring black suit when you attend face-face interviews. But depending on the nature of the job you applied, you can dress down a bit at video interviews. (Of course if you are taking the video interview in the office then you are already in your normal business attire) But no matter it is a shirt or a good quality cotton tee, it is wise to choose solid conservative colors, e.g. black, Royal blue, brown. White colour will reflect lights on screen and it does not look good.
Never wear something with stripes or lousy patterns. They make the camera mad because it is busy reconciling these patterns when you move, resulting in a subtle delay on the screen. Then your outfit looks like they are "vibrating".
3. Manage the microphone
Use a headset which is equipped with a microphone (aka the iPhone headset) to listen and speak. This enables clarity for both sides.
4. Keep an eye on yourself and look into the eyes of the interviewers
Monitor your appearance in the "picture-in-picture" screen from time to time. Be conscious about your body language.
Besides, make sure you maintain constant eye contact with the one whom you are speaking with and you pay attention to his/her facial expressions.
5. Simon, I have a question for you...
Simon, Peter and Sam. All these threesome are your interviewers at the video interview, but when you want to address Simon, you cannot "turn your head towards" Simon. Likewise, you cannot make direct eye contact with Simon when you are speaking to him.
It is therefore important to get the names of the interviewers beforehand, and to use the names to address the person when necessary.
6. Handy props
Plan about the interview flow. For example, if you are applying to a job at a fashion brand, you might show your most favourite dress from the brand when you are talking about your passion about the company.
7. Smile and make sure your smile is nice
Smile when you pause. Smile when you finish an answer. Smile gracefully when your interviewers are thinking about their next questions
Wear a bit China Red lipstick when you attend a video interview. So your smile speaks for yourself even when you are not speaking.
Thank you for visiting me. Good luck!
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