Video job interviews are increasingly common. The normal rules still apply (yes, you have to wear pants) but there are also a host of new ones.
Video job interviews have become pretty common. Anyone who’s ever had to endure a phone interview knows how hard it is to connect without seeing someone. Plus, just about anyone under 60 has the technology to make free video calls in their home — or in their pocket.
And while pretty much all of the basic job interview rules still apply for video interviews — research your potential new company, don’t trash your current job, have questions ready, etc. — there are additional rules you should follow that can be just as impactful as your job qualifications.
1. CREATE A PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT
“Put forth a clean, professional image by making sure the background is free of visual distractions,” Rangel tells us. In other words, make sure that your old baseball card collection, Entourage DVDs, and piles of laundry are out of sight. Also, be sure the place is well lit so it doesn’t look like you’re broadcasting from a Taliban cave.
2. REHEARSE
Think of a few practice questions, send them over to a friend or family member, and have them interview you via Skype or Facetime. Says Rangel: “Recording your performance and watching it will make you aware of mannerisms, eye contact, and background elements that could hurt your chances of being hired.”
3. DRESS THE PART
Chances are, your interview will take place from the neck up — but resist the urge to get dressed up only north of the border. Dress like you would for an in-person interview (in other words, wear a suit). “I’ve never heard of a video interviewer making the interviewee stand up just to see what he’s wearing,” Rangel says. “But why risk it? Just wear your damn pants.” That’s good advice pretty much all the time, but here’s some advice that’s especially good for when you’re on camera: Prints and patterns can be overpowering and even difficult to look at onscreen, and the last thing you want to do is make the interviewer hate looking at you. So stick with solid colors.
4. BE YOURSELF
We don’t mean you should be the person you are with your buddies — after all, you’re supposed to be on your best behavior. But you can still let your personality show through. You’ll seem more relaxed, and they’ll like you more, which is extremely important. “In person, you’d engage in small talk so the interviewer could get to know you,” Rangel says. “Don’t let technology get in the way of that. People hire people they like as well as those that have the skills they need, so focus on having the interviewers like you while you discuss your qualifications.”
5. BE ENTHUSIASTIC
Without going all William Shatner, try to be a little more emotive than you normally would be in person. “If you feel like you are a little too happy, chances are you’re probably doing it right,” Rangel advises. “With video interviews, you have to be more animated and expressive than you would in person to convey your eagerness for the job.” This is one reason (of many) why actors tend to seem like emotional maniacs in person, but normal people onscreen.
6. EXPECT TO BE RECORDED
“Employers regularly record video job interviews so they can compare your answers with those of other candidates,” Rangel explains. “Be sure that what you’re sharing during your interview is something you’re comfortable leaving on the record.” So don’t berate your current company or boss — you should never do that in an interview regardless. And don’t tell a lie that they could come back and confront you with later.