Three Mistakes to Avoid in a Video Interview
(Originally posted on LinkedIn)
Video interviews are now a necessary go-to for all employers and probably will continue to be for quite some time. You know your resume inside and out, what to say about your experience, what questions to ask, but have you considered what not to do? Let's walk through a few things to make sure you know what to avoid during your interview, too!
Avoid A Distracting or Unprofessional Background
What your interviewer hears or sees behind you on-screen can be just as important as what they learn about you during your interview. Here are some ways to make sure you accomplish a professional setting:
Choose a quiet space with unlikely interruptions (make sure your pets are in another room or are outside, keep your door closed, etc.)
Be sure you're in a location that does not have a busy or unprofessional background (let's avoid seeing a pile of laundry sitting on your bed!)
If you have others sharing your workspace at home, let them know ahead of time when you are interviewing and make sure they’re giving you space
Make sure you have the ideal lighting so that your face can be easily seen. This ring light from amazon would be the perfect resource!
It's Not the Time to Act Casual
Just because you're not in person, it does not mean it's okay to act casual. You are still interviewing for a job! Wear a suit (the ENTIRE suit), don't lean back in your chair, keep water in a clear glass nearby if you need to, sit up straight, and be sure to act just as professional as you would during an in-person interview. This will show your potential employers that you mean business and that you're taking this opportunity seriously.
Avoid On-Screen Distractions and Maintain Eye Contact
Obviously, you're not in person. But you know where the camera lens is on your computer! If you're reading from notes, are typing, or are being distracted by something else, your interviewers can tell (even if you think they can't). Have you ever been on a video meeting and you can see the other person's eyes moving, as if they're reading an email? It's obvious and it's distracting to not just yourself, but to your potential employer. Be sure to look into the camera when speaking clearly and concisely, that way your interviewers will really feel that you are speaking directly to them.
We hope you keep these notes in mind and give yourself a refresher before your video interview, you won't regret it!