If you are preparing for an interview or even looking for your next role – take the time to have a think about how to present yourself on a video call – it will be worth it!
First and foremost, do your homework in the normal way. Re-read the job description, research the company, prepare some questions as well as answers to standard interview situations like – why did you leave your last role? What are your weaknesses?
Write down a list of your own strengths and successes and have this to hand. Having these at the front of your mind will make it MUCH easier to bring out examples to illustrate your skills and experience.
Think about the technical side. Make sure you are well lit – no on wants to interview a shadowy outline! But not dazzled either as this will be distracting for you. See if you can set up your computer in front of a window with a white or cream blind to even out the glare.
Make sure that the background for your call is neutral and tidy – again you want to cut down on distractions. I would recommend a tidy room in your home as better than a Zoom background screen, you want to appear authentic.
Check your clothes. It may be by video from home but it IS an interview so treat it as a formal meeting and dress accordingly. No stripes, small graphics or neon colours, they will all distort on a screen. Make sure to present yourself in a professional way.
Practise looking at the camera on your screen instead of at the interviewers’ eyes – you will make a better connection. Remember that you’re only seeing (and showing) about 25% of each other on screen so you may want to ramp up non verbal engagement signals such as nodding, smiling and using hand gestures (take it easy here!!).
Record yourself on a practise interview with a friend – it really is the best way to improve your delivery and well worth the time.
And finally, allow some extra time at the start of the interview to check your tech – check your camera is on, your audio is working, your son isn’t downloading a massive game upgrade which is likely to interfere with your connection (personal experience anyone?!), your wifi isn’t having a wobble – think of this as your journey to the meeting and leave time for a margin of error. You don’t want to ‘arrive’ late or flustered – but calm, well prepared and in control!
Very best of luck with the job search and please do get in touch for more help and advice.
www.dennyandsons.co.uk/the-magic-hour