8 Quick Tips To Master A Video Job Interview.
By: Sheila Musgrove
Tags: Interview Tips, Job Search, Interview, Job Hunting, Careers

8 Quick Tips To Master A Video Job Interview.

Selfie by the author.

I snapped this picture a few minutes before going live on a local television noon show.

There’s a lot to consider in getting ready for live television from your home office.

The lighting. Microphone sound. Wifi strength. House alarm off. And, my favourite….where is my giant cat Phoebe.

I was fairly certain she was about to make her television debut that day!

Well, a fresh can of cat food and a few treats…she was zonked out in her favorite spot in the sun, and I was clear to do my television interview.

The interview went well, but a few lessons learned that you can use before your next video job interview.

Sound quality is key. Test your computer mic ahead of time. You can do an online test, or a dry run with a friend to ensure sound quality is good.

2. It’s absolutely critical that you test your camera an audio ahead of time. Google “test my webcam” and do a test. What’s in the background? Is it something an employer should see? Smile. We don’t want your backdrop to be your unmade bed or a counter covered in dishes.

We’re not expecting a glamourous background — just make sure it’s neat.

Also look at the angle of your camera.

My integrated webcam is at an extremely unfortunate spot. It’s at the bottom of my screen. So, if my laptop is sitting on my desk, let’s just say the angle is well, “under the boob angle”. HA. It’s not a good look at any time.

If you have a bad angle like I do — you can purchase external webcams at a very reasonable cost.

3. Camera & eye contact. This is a tough one as it’s a bit unnatural. Here’s what I’d recommend. When you’re answering a question, look directly at your camera. To the hiring manager it will feel like you’re making eye contact. When you’re listening to the question, it’s ok to look at your screen as you’re then making virtual eye contact with the person asking the question.

4. Dress as you would for any interview. And yes, unless you have to get up mid interview, the hiring manager will have no idea if you’re wearing pants, shorts or your PJ bottoms with slippers. But, I’d air on the side of caution and maybe wear something appropriate on the bottom half as well!

5. Try to minimize distractions. Pets, kids, doorbells, spouses. The goal is for your time to be uninterrupted. However, life happens, particularly when we’re trying to do the interview from home. And, something happens — just run with it! It’s ok. I had my giant cat Phoebe break into my office when I was doing a keynote for a big university in the USA. She was a hit. She sat on my lap for the last 20 minutes of my session!

6. Print copies of your resume and end of interview questions and set on your desk. You can easily reference them during the interview.

7. Bring a glass of water. When nerves hit, we tend to get a bit parched. Be ready and have a glass close-by.

8. And, one last tip. Have everyone in your house off Wifi. All phones and iPads need to be off, so that you’re the only person using Wifi during your interview. Even better, do a computer re-start, so you’re fresh and ready to go!

You don’t want to end up with freeze-face mid interview!