How to succeed at a video conference interview

RECRUITMENT IN TIMES OF CORONA.

A lot has changed over the past few weeks. Phrases as “social distancing”, “self-quarantine” and “flattening the curve” have become part our daily lexicon. However intrusive the current corona measures are, they should not prevent you from continuing your search for professional opportunities. Maybe this crisis even serves as an eye-opener for you to finally make that change you have always dreamt of?

Either way, we at Vialegis remain available to - digitally - connect and talk about your future career plans whilst respecting social distance to flatten the curve. We would love to get in touch with you and hear all about your plans. We still have vacancies open and we invite you to keep checking our website www.vialegis.be on a regular basis.

What if you are invited for that client-interview nowadays?

Trying to be your best self, discussing future possibilities, being questioned about your capabilities and ambitions whilst talking to your screen in your own living room is a very one-of-a-kind experience. As always, preparation is key. We’ve put together some guidelines to make the best out of this situation.

  1. TEST TEST TEST

Never skip this step. Ever.

First impression is everything and if you want to make a great impression, make sure you get familiar with the technology which will be used . Ask in advance all the details about the format of the meeting and get familiar with the meeting software. You will avoid awkward delays or errors due to you not being able to find the “join meeting” button.

Make sure you try out the way you will appear in front of the camera. Is your computer and the camera at the right angle? You want to make sure that the hiring manager can clearly see your entire face. Whenever possible, position the camera at eye level, close enough to you so that your face and upper torso fills up the center part of the screen. Another crucial element in your video appearance is the lightning. Make it right: too much or too little light can make it hard for the interviewer to see you.

  1. SPACE

In times of quarantine, the options regarding the spaces in which to conduct video interviews might be limited. Nevertheless, don’t underestimate the importance of picking the right place and make some changes to the room if required. Make sure you’re in a quiet and neutral space - as neutral as possible. Remove distractions in the background (posters, pictures, art, books) and avoid window displays or people moving in the back. You want to avoid interruptions or keep them at an absolute minimum at least. Inform the people you are living with that you are not to be disturbed (lock the door if you have to).

  1. DRESS TO IMPRESS

A video interview is every bit as much an interview as an in person, so make sure you are properly attired. Proper job interview etiquette is to always dress appropriately for the job in which you are applying, not necessarily a day on the job. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that due to these specific circumstances people more easily tolerate casual clothes. Dressing to the occasion implies that you respect the person at the other side of the screen from you.

  1. BODY LANGUAGE

Body language is just as important during a video call as it is in real life interviews. Make sure your body language expresses that you’re engaged and interested. Look your interviewer in the eye as you are communicating, this will show interest and concern and engages the listeners. Sit up straight during a video call and look straight into the camera rather than focusing on your own image on the screen. Furthermore the same tips apply as in real life conversation: keep an open and inviting posture and don’t overdo it. Even more so than in a physical interview, avoid excessive movements such as large hand gestures and wild nodding or shaking your head. This will make you appear blurry to your interviewer, and none of your facial expressions will be visible.

Published on April 6, 2020