Rule 1: don’t put your face this close to the camera.
Interviews are already one of the most awkward structured interactions that we experience in our lives.
Now let’s pile on some more awkwardness by using one of the most awkward communication tools out there, the video chat.
In my life, I’ve probably been on one side or the other of about 50 video interviews, and if it’s not too bold to say, I’ve gotten pretty good at them.
Considering the Work-from-Home lives that we’re living during the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom / Skype / Other Video Software interviews are going to skyrocket, so odds are… if you’re job searching, you’ll need to be prepared for this.
In light of that, I wanted to share my 6 essential things you need to do to prepare for a Zoom interview.
1. Test the Equipment in Advance
As soon as you find out what software you’re interviewer is using for the interview (Zoom, Skype, etc.), download it and test it out. Call yourself, call your friends, call your partner in the same room. Just make sure:
You’re able to log in
Your camera and microphone work
You know how to use the Share Screen function in case you’re doing a presentation
Just play around with all the features and get as comfortable as you can.
2. Pick the Right Location
You can’t just pop open your laptop anywhere for your interview. I know that we’re confined to our homes so these criteria might not all be possible, but here’s a best case scenario:
It’s a quiet / sound proof room where you won’t be disturbed
The room behind you is professional or plain (and I’d advise against inserting your own backdrop because they’re often either distracting, unprofessional or both). A plain wall or tidy office/room is best.
Strive for good lighting if possible. Not too bright, not too dark. This is something to experiment with during testing.
If you can’t find a good location, or you can’t guarantee you won’t be interrupted, I’d recommend telling the interviewers at the beginning of the interview that this might come up. I had an interview coaching client this week who is in self-isolation and had a video interview but there is construction happening right outside their house. They told the interviewers at the beginning of the interview and the interviewers very understanding.
3. Be Patient & Listen
One thing that’s super frustrating in a video call is being talked over. So when the interviewers are speaking, listen. And when they’re done talking, take a breath before you start talking. This will give a split-second pause so you’re sure they’re done and you don’t risk interrupting them.
4. Where to Look and Where Not to Look
When we’re talking, it’s natural for our eyes to scan the room or drift away from who we’re talking to. This is fine in a video interview. So don’t stress too much about this point, but again, here’s a best case scenario.
Where to look:
Into the camera (when you can): this gives the interviewers the impression of eye contact which is great for trust building.
At notes / your resume: the benefit of interviewing from home is that you have plenty of space to layout your notes. And if the interviewers see you looking down at your notes, they’ll probably just appreciate that you came prepared.
At your interviewers on screen: it’s useful to gauge how they’re reacting and what they’re writing down just so you can pick up on non-verbal cues.
Where not to look:
Don’t just stare at the tiny picture of yourself the whole time. I know we do that when we’re talking to our friends and whatever, but not today. Stay focused on the task at hand.
5. Bring the Energy!
Meeting someone in person gives us a great feel for who they are so when we meet over video, it just makes that a little harder.
To counteract that challenge, make sure to be visibly enthusiastic, let yourself show your excitement through your face, your voice, and how you react to the things that you and they are saying.
Basically, as I say in all my interview coaching sessions, don’t be a robot.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice!
This applies to preparing for any interview but dammit if I don’t say this every single time I talk about interviews then I’m not doing my job.
Read the job description and predict what questions are coming at you
Practice answering them… out loud. To a real person, to yourself, to the mirror, whatever you have to do. Just please practice!
I know this whole process can be super awkward, but it’s what we’re dealing with right now so I hope you’re able to make the best of it and have a successful job search!
Good luck out there!
