Behind The Curtain

In-person job interviews are a thing of the past as the new “normal” of COVID19-era social distancing prevails. Whether this will continue ad infinitum is the question. In the meantime, candidates need to get savvy with their video interview preparation, composing a method for  presenting their abilities and achievements in the best possible light.

The interviewer only sees the candidate’s head and shoulders along with the background that the candidate has chosen for them to see. This method of interview provides the candidate with a secret weapon.  An arsenal of tools to assist in executing the perfect interview. The space in front of you or the sides of the computer screen can hold aids to be reminders of information you want to relay. If you have a bad habit of saying “um”,  put a post-it on the computer to remind yourself NOT to say it. A list of important timelines or valuable points of interest that you don’t want to omit in the nervousness of the moment can easily be placed in front of you. Professional work stories are essential to the job interview and can be outlined for your view only. 

This sounds like looking behind the green curtain in the Wizard of Oz doesn’t it? A client of mine recently sent me the photos above of what is “behind the curtain” during his multiple video interviews on the journey to his final interview. He had his critical ideas all organized and ready to go should he need them. The interesting thing he shared is that while he had all of this information available to him, he didn’t have to rely on it. He had worked extremely hard to prepare and just having it available made him feel more comfortable and confident. To the interviewer, my client looked professional, relaxed, bold and self-assured. He was all this and more! He had taken his preparation for a video job interview seriously employing methods for success. Take a look at what the interviewer saw from his point-of-view:

What a difference, right?

There is no reason not to utilize personal visual aides in assisting with your video interview. What do you utilize “behind the curtain” during your video interviews to help propel you forward toward your employment goal?

Remember, I offer a completely free 30 minute introductory job interview coaching session. Contact me today to prepare for your tomorrow!