How to Master Video Interviews: Remote Job Seekers

As remote job seekers, we are all getting more comfortable with video interviewing, especially since, on average, we have communicated more on screen over the past two years than perhaps ever before. But just because we have a lot of Zoom conference calls daily, it doesn’t mean that we should not take a moment to prepare for our next video interview. In terms of preparation, video interviews require much the same research and prep-work as in-person interviews, but the following tips are meant to help you, as remote job seekers, navigate the special requirements and challenges of video interviews:

Be Cognizant of Your Surroundings

Always remember that the interviewer is looking at their entire screen, which means that everything your camera picks up will appear in the interviewer’s final picture of who you are. Some remote job seekers go so far as to curate their camera’s scope of vision, while others throw on a clean t-shirt last minute and hope that the blurring effect, they use for their background doesn’t have any glitches. We do not recommend either approach, but would definitely suggest that interviewees spend at least five minutes thinking about what their background says about them. Some employers require a blurred or simple background, while others ask that all background special effects are turned off.

No matter which category of employers your next interview covers, be mindful of what your entire screen communicates – including what is in front of you, what you are wearing and what is behind you.

Sit up Straight and Exude Energy

One of the most difficult elements to convey through video is energy – and this also happens to be an element that interviewers continually seek in their candidates as they carry out the recruitment process. It is true that energy levels don’t translate as well over video as they do in person, but do not underestimate the tools you have at your disposal to convey your enthusiasm for a role and company over the camera. Try not to cross your legs when speaking. In fact, sit up straight, plant both feet on the ground and take up space with your presence in your camera’s recording area. 

Candidates who appear as little dots lost in their background pictures also tend to get lost in the recruitment process. Use your hands wisely. Leave them in front of you unencumbered so that you can use them when necessary. Too many hand gestures can quickly become distracting, so be mindful of using your hands sparingly. 

Maintain Eye Contact

Make sure your camera is aligned with your eyes and always look at your camera, not your screen, when speaking to the interviewer. In video interviews, when you look at your camera, it will feel like you are establishing eye contact with your audience, which is critical in helping to create preliminary moments of connection to lay the foundation for eventually establishing trust. It is not always easy to stare at your camera. I sometimes stick a profile picture of a person near my camera to keep my eyes “engaged” with another face as I speak.  

Speak Clearly and Slowly

Hiring managers tend to line up hours of back-to-back interviews, which can easily get overwhelming if they are struggling to hear you or to make out what you are saying. Never mumble, make sure your microphone works well and always pause between sentences to make sure that interviewers on the other side of the screen are following you. This is especially important if there is even the slightest lag in the Internet connection.     

Make Sure You Can Use the Video Conferencing Technology in Your Video Interviews

You may be asked to share your screen, share a specific document or prior work or mute your microphone. These tasks should all be performed fluently without any considerable transition time. Always ensure that you don’t have too many windows open and that your desktop is organized before starting a video interview. Some employers may spontaneously ask to see previous work. Be ready to open up important documents and take interviewers through content clearly and concisely.  

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