Worldwide Interviewing Made Easy
We've all heard people say that the world is getting smaller every day. With today's global economy as well as the continued advancement in technology, it is very easy for people to interview anywhere in the world for their dream job using video interviewing. Be it Skype or any other type of video platform, these interviews are a very cost-effective method for organizations to reach out to all qualified candidates worldwide.
I am reminded of my son who spent a year in the country of Tajikistan working as a Fulbright Scholar. As his year was ending he began to interview for jobs back in the States. He interviewed three times via Skype for a job in Nashville! The distance covered over seven thousand miles and an eleven-hour time difference. Amazing, right? And yes, he got the job!
The video interview does not just consist of turning on your device, looking into the camera then speaking to the interviewer. Just as you have used an interview coach to prepare for the interview, here are a few tips to get you prepared for this important method of interviewing.
Technology. Beforehand, always check to see that you have a proper connection and if you get spotty reception find a place where you can feel positive your connection won't fail. Be sure your device (computer, iPad, phone) is stable and won't fall over, move or shake while you are online. Your Skype handle or username needs to be a professional name along with the photo you chose to use. No silly selfies or gimmicky names like "Gotchugurl” or "lovecatvids". Simplicity is never a bad thing! Choose where you want the microphone for best sound reception. You need to be heard precisely and clearly but not so close that your asthmatic wheezing is also audible. Turn off your other app notifications. It would be embarrassing for intrusive pings and music to interrupt the conversation. It is important to appear reliable, so take steps to be seen and heard accurately.
Test with a friend. Have a friend video chat with you prior to the interview. Test the sound quality with them. Maintain a proper, friendly distance from the camera just as if you were with the interviewer. Don't intrude on their video personal space, by having the camera too close up to your face. Most importantly, look the interviewer in the eyes by looking directly into the camera, not the image of yourself! This conveys confidence. Speak in a strong, assertive voice. Due to possible sound delay, speak a bit slower and avoid speaking over the interviewer. This can be annoying so wait to speak only when the interviewer is finished with their statements.
Dress. Just like you have been coached, keep it professional and appropriate to the culture of the company you are applying to. Avoid large distracting prints or graphic designs. Your face needs to be the star. Television personalities are encouraged to wear darker solid prints and this holds true for the smallest screen interviews also. Don't just dress for the interview from the waist up. Should there be some sort of wardrobe malfunction or unexpected reason for you to have to stand, exposing the sloppy waist down apparel could be embarrassing.
Body language. This is so important as being screened on a monitor or other device causes your physical cues to be much more apparent. Appear open to the job opportunity by not crossing your arms or hunching your shoulders. Maintain a relaxed posture by not bouncing, rocking or fidgeting in your chair or with items in front of you. Lean slightly forward toward the camera to show how interested you are in the interviewer’s words but don't lean on the desk with your elbows. Sit up straight and smile appropriately. Be certain that the camera is not hiding your hands. Our hands "speak" with us to convey our thoughts so don't take this part of your personality away.
Distractions. It is imperative for you to convey a professional aura of order and calm. What is within cameras view will be noticed. Tidy the area up and turn off the TV. If an episode of Cops is on and the K-9 dogs are chasing a perp, we are all compelled to watch it! Remove children, barking dogs and by all means get the cat who loves to walk on the computer keyboard! The only important item in the cameras view should be you.
It is human nature to be nervous for a job interview, but a video interview adds an additional layer to the nerves because it is impossible for you to know how you are being perceived on video. You can't see what the interviewer is doing at all times or the nonverbal cues they may be putting out. All you can do is follow the interview coaching you received and put your best video foot forward!