Camera angle is the new eye contact.
With times being what they are, online communication will be the norm for some time to come. This will extend itself to video interviews as well. Giving a work interview on video means unlearning some old ways and learning some new etiquette. Here are some essential tips to give a successful video interview.
If you are giving the interview from home, please inform everyone so that they know it is a crucial 30-45 minutes and they do not disturb you, as well as make minimal noise around you.
Before the interview, please check on your tech – your wifi should be working and connected, your mic should be working.
Settle yourself in front of the laptop a good 10 minutes in advance and breathe. Don’t do a last minute rush to set your laptop, fix your mic, fix your hair. Just because you are home does not mean you shouldn’t be on time. Keep the names of the people you are meeting written on a piece of paper in front of you.
Keep your laptop slightly raised so the camera lens is at eye level and not below eye level. We are used to meeting face to face so it is slightly unnerving when you see people at an angle. This happens when you keep the camera on the table. Keeping the laptop on your lap is a complete no. Make the effort to find some books, a stool…anything to keep the laptop on even if you are giving the interview from your bed in the sanctuary of your bedroom.
Clean the camera lens with a soft cloth. You’ll be amazed at how much clearer people will be able to see you. Wear earphones with mic. You’ll grant yourself some privacy and the interviewer will be spared of any surround sound.
Remember that more than your qualifications, the interviewer is trying to gauge you and the kind of person you are. You are making it very difficult for her by not being visible. She needs to see your expressions clearly, try to read your body language.
This is also the reason why it is important to have a light source in front of you. Most of us know this by now. A light source behind you hides your face. Sit in front of a window if possible.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
On a career break, here’s what you can do.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Look confident and sit straight. A firm greeting will go a long way in setting the tone and making you look and feel confident.
In case you need to interject, don’t start speaking immediately, raise your hand or say excuse me. It is very difficult when people start speaking without notice on Zoom calls. To spare yourself and your interviewers that annoyance practice doing the above.
Don’t look at yourself, but look at the other people. If you can’t look at the camera lens because it makes you uncomfortable to not look at ‘people’ and speak, keeping the laptop raised as discussed above will help to make it seem you are not looking down at the screen.
Wear smart clothes just as you would for a physical interview.
Keep a glass of water handy. Avoid coffee. You can gulp some before the interview.
All the best!
Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for mini tutorials, self improvement tips and discounts on products that I recommend.
[mc4wp_form id=”319″]