The Five Golden Rules Of Video Interviews
Landing your dream job during (and after!) a pandemic.
Facemasks, elbow bumps, and compulsory hand sanitiser: you’re not alone in feeling like human contact might just be a thing of the past. And this new social setup has had ripple effects through the corporate world, too. The wonderfully tactile elements of job interviews — such as eye contact, posture, and a good old handshake — have been lost out as the corporate world tries it;s best to keep everyone safe and COVID-free.
And yet, life moves forward. Companies are still expanding, and roles are still needing to be filled. Job interviews aren’t stopping, they’re just being held over video platforms — and it’s our job to adapt. So, in the age of contact-free meetings, what can you do to impress potential employers? Here are my five golden rules of video etiquette in 2020.
#1. Create a professional setting
Whether it’s a tiny apartment, hotel room, or toy-strewn house; we can all find a corner of the home to set up for a video interview. Always opt for a plain background, preferably a blank wall, with no mess, music, distracting photographs, or interruptions. I personally wouldn’t recommend Virtual Backgrounds, such as on Zoom: I think they look unprofessional, and a bit like you have something to hide. Just go simple, clean, and well-organised, and your interviewer won’t think twice.
#2: Check sound & lighting before the call
Chances are your employer is going through a fairly long list of video interviews, and won’t have the time (or patience!) to wait around as you troubleshoot camera and sound problems. Make sure you test the technology prior to the interview, especially if you are going to be using headphones or wireless microphones. Lighting is just as important — you want to make sure the interviewer can see you clearly as it helps to forge a personal connection. It’s all in the eye contact!
#3: Dress and behave to corporate standards
Yes, you are being interviewed at home. And yes, you might be wearing hawaiian-print board shorts underneath your suit jacket. But you must still look and behave as though you are in a standard corporate interview setup. This means addressing your employer formally, dressing in smart casual or business attire, and generally maintaining a professional approach. It will speak volumes about your commitment to the role.
#4: Prepare your questions in advance
One of the biggest oversights I often witness during job interviews are candidates forgetting it’s their opportunity to interview an employer, too. Whilst your interviewer might do a thorough job at explaining the salary, job expectations, and other logistics, it’s up to you to explore the more personal sides of the role. What’s the office culture like? Who was in the role previously, and why did they leave? You might feel rushed to remain within your call timeframe, but don’t be afraid to ask for extra time to get your questions answered. It’s also going to show your potential employer that you’re invested and interested.
#5: Speak slowly, smile widely!
Above everything else, confidence is what will make you stand out. Not feeling so confident? Then fake it ’til you make it with two simple tricks: speak slowly, and smile as much as you can. Rushing through your answers will cause you to stumble over your words, and make you appear nervous. Smiling, on the other hand, is an instant mood boost and will make you appear like you’re enjoying yourself. Which you should.
Video interviews over platforms such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, or Microsoft Teams are going to become more and more popular in years to come. It’s important we all get the hang of remote working environments, and find our rhythm in forging connections outside of the office.
These handy tips are a great start, but I’d love to hear your suggestions too — email me at hello@calibrx.com and I’ll posting my picks to next month’s newsletter.
Until then, happy calling — and always check there’s nothing in your teeth.
