How to prepare for a video interview

As if in-person interviews weren’t stressful enough, now, chances are we’ll meet our future employers by video. Are you ready to appear on camera? How will you make your best impression in a video interview?

The Same Rules Still Apply
Whether you’re interviewing in person or by video, many of the same rules apply.

• Know the company so you can ask informed questions and provide informed answers.
• Be on time. If you’re late for the interview, will you also be late for work?
• Engage with your interviewer. Look the person in the eye when you’re answering questions.
• Know the answers for frequently asked interview questions, like “What could you contribute to our company?” Practice your answers.

About That Video Interview
Getting ready for a video interview takes some additional preparation. Here are 10 things to keep in mind.

1. Invest in an inexpensive webcam and microphone. The quality of the video will be better than one done with the equipment that comes with your computer.
2. Find out what platform the interviewer will be using so you can download and set up any apps you’ll need way ahead of time. Log into the app and test it so you’ll be familiar with it when the time comes.
3. Use your Ethernet cable instead of WiFi. It’s more reliable.
4. Choose the setting for the interview. Pay special attention to lighting. If you’re going to be in a dark room, turn on some table lights.
5. Also pay attention to what’s behind you. Bookcases make a nice backdrop. So do shelves of interesting collectibles that aren’t distracting. Get rid of all the clutter. You want the room to look comfortable and welcoming but still professional.
6. Get rid of the kids’ toys and the dog and cat beds, too. Your interviewer probably loves kids and animals as much as you do but doesn’t want to look at all their stuff when trying to concentrate on you.
7. Put your cats in a room during the interview. The last thing you need is for a cat to crawl onto your lap or keyboard or photobomb your visuals while you’re trying to concentrate. Put your dogs in the yard, if they won’t be too noisy. Or send them and the kids to stay with neighbours.

8. Dress the way you would for an in-person interview. You’ll look and feel more professional if you’re not wearing very casual clothes. A solid colour that won’t overwhelm you and looks nice with your background is best.
9. Give yourself a few days to test your equipment and practice with it. Last minute surprises and glitches are never good. Try to find someone to do a practice interview with you, too. Also practice making eye contact with the interviewer by looking at the camera not your screen.
10. Arrive early for the interview. Give yourself about 10 minutes to log in and get set up.

When you think about it, video interviews have their advantages. You won’t have to worry about getting lost or stuck in traffic. And if it suddenly starts to rain, you won’t arrive at the interview soaking wet.

If you’re well prepared and centered, you’ll do great. Good luck on landing that job!