We’ve all been there: nervous anticipation, sweaty palms, deep breaths to calm our racing hearts. No, I’m not talking about a first date – I’m talking about a video conference interview.
In today’s remote work landscape, video conference interviews have become a staple in the hiring process. How do you present yourself in the best possible light when you’re not physically in the same room as your interviewer?
Fear not, we can help you make a lasting impression and land that dream job.
Start With Why: Why Do You Want This Job?
Before you even log onto the video conference platform, take a moment to reflect on why you want this job.
- Is it because you’re passionate about the company’s mission?
- Do you see yourself growing and developing in this role?
- Why do you believe you can make a meaningful impact?
Knowing your why will not only give you a sense of purpose and confidence, but it will also allow you to communicate your passion and enthusiasm to the interviewer. Remember, people don’t just hire for skills – they hire for attitude and cultural fit.
Dress for the Job You Want, Not the Job You Have
It may be tempting to log on to that Teams or Zoom interview in your pajamas or sweatpants but resist the urge. Dressing professionally not only shows respect for the interviewer and the process, but it also signals that you’re taking the opportunity seriously.
Dressing for the job you want doesn’t mean you have to conform to a rigid dress code. If you’re interviewing for a startup or a creative role, feel free to inject some personality and flair into your outfit.
Just remember to keep it professional and appropriate.
Make Eye Contact (Even if It Feels Weird)
One of the biggest challenges of a video conference interview is making eye contact with the interviewer. It can feel awkward and unnatural to stare at a tiny box on your screen instead of a human being in front of you.
Making eye contact is crucial in building a connection and establishing trust with the interviewer. So how do you do it? Try looking directly at the camera lens instead of the interviewer’s image on your screen. This will give the illusion of eye contact and help you connect with the interviewer on a deeper level.
Tip: Make sure that your camera is in a place that you can move the video as close to your camera as possible. It will help with unconsciously tracking the interviewers with your eyes while appearing to look into your camera.
Mind Your Body Language
Body language is just as important in a video conference interview as it is in an in-person interview. Make sure you sit up straight, avoid fidgeting or slouching, and use hand gestures to emphasize your points.
But don’t go overboard – too much movement can be distracting and come across as nervousness or insecurity. Find a balance between being relaxed and confident without being too casual or stiff.
Prepare for the Technical Side of Things
Technical glitches and issues can derail even the most prepared and polished candidate. To avoid this, make sure you have a reliable internet connection, test your camera and microphone beforehand, and familiarize yourself with the video conference platform you’ll be using.
Things can go wrong – like your internet cutting out or your camera not working – don’t panic. Stay calm and composed and try to troubleshoot the issue with the interviewer. They’ll appreciate your resourcefulness and problem-solving skills.
In conclusion, the art of the video conference interview comes down to preparation, confidence, and authenticity.
If you know your why, dress professionally, consciously manage your body language, and prepare for the technical side of video calls you will be able to convey that confidence to create new opportunities.
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