123
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
Tips for video interviews: what advice would you give that's worked for you.
Just wondering what has worked for you with doing video interviews,specifically what do you do to come across being calm and confident? I prepare,do my research, and still get anxious about the interview.
Do you meditate before the interview or what would you share that's successfully worked for you? Thanks so much in advance!
Gwyn GaubatzUser-Obsessed Product Manager
45
11/08/20 at 10:28PM UTC
I'd co-sign a lot of the advice already given - set up somewhere with an uncluttered background, make sure you have good lighting (my best non-distracting background is my front window with the curtains drawn... so I would have 2 desk lamps set up behind my laptop & shining in my face to make sure I wouldn't be too backlit!), and make sure you're prepared for the conversation (there's another thread on interview practice with great advice if you haven't already seen it: https://fairygodboss.com/community-discussion/BdNJyxlZR/interview-practice).
Depending on when your nerves start to build up, it may be helpful to find a physical outlet - take a brisk walk maybe 60-30 min before (with enough time to get home, focused and presentable before you login!) to get some of the antsy energy out, or do a quick set of pushups or stretches - something physical take yourself out of your head, and help you feel grounded and connected to your body. Holding the 'superman' pose can help give a quick confidence (and posture) boost, too.
Alternately, I also practice yoga, which I tried to incorporate into the mornings I had interviews - again, to keep myself grounded, and also to help get that calm, centered feeling. Meditation can be helpful, especially if you can feel your anxiety getting really squirrelly in the 10 minutes before your scheduled call - there are a lot of apps to help with guided meditation, but I usually just find a comfortable seated position, close my eyes, and consciously inhale and exhale through my nose and sort of count the beats - if you aren't thinking about it much, you are probably breathing like, 1 in, 1 out. When I settle into it I usually immediately get a 3-beat pattern (in-2-3, out-2-3) and just relax into it, then begin focusing on slowing down both my inhales and exhales - within 5-10 minutes I usually have 7-count inhale/exhale cycles, which really calms my heart rate as well as my state of mind. If you aren't used to meditating, you will find lots of thoughts popping up to distract you - that's totally normal, that's just your brain doing its job of thinking thoughts! The best advice I've gotten on that front is to acknowledge the thoughts and let them pass, like they are floating down a river - aha, you saw it, and now it can bob merrily away while you return to your breath. Or just use a app, maybe. :)
Lastly, I guess I would say to try to enjoy it? And interview is a conversation, and conversations are usually a lot of fun when you are talking about something you know a lot about - and you *definitely* know a lot about your own work experience! Try to flip the framing in your head - don't view the interview as a gate-keeping exercise that is forcing you to prove your worth. Instead, try to approach is as an opportunity to talk about experiences and accomplishments you're proud of, the different skills you've gained and how you love to apply them, what motivates you, what you feel passionate about. It's basically a carte blanche to brag about everything awesome you've done so far in your career (while being selective about what best illustrates the skills required for this new role, blah blah blah). And a good conversation involves give-and-take - you get to ask questions, too. So be excited that are getting a chance to speak to some people directly and learn more about the role, the company, the culture - you get to assess fit just as much as they do.
Good luck!
JJLaRueMarketing Professional | Content Creator
14
11/03/20 at 3:36PM UTC
Hi Denise,
I think you are on the right track with doing your research to be prepared for your interview. I find it always helpful to be pro-active with getting your attire sorted out the night before, making sure technology is working properly the day-of, and also having a list of questions prepared for the interviewer. Always remember that you are also interviewing the company, they are not just interviewing you. Take a deep breath before you join the call and be confident in your knowledge and abilities. Good luck!
Anonymous
11/03/20 at 12:34PM UTC
Give yourself the grace to get comfortable. My best friend told me to cut myself some slack because virtual interviews are a new skill. So think of it this way! All new things take time so the first few may be a bit rough (which is why you should always interview, even for roles that don’t interest you!) but you’ll get there. Good luck!
Jackie GhedineCoach for Gen X Women | Jack Russell of Humans
5.81k
11/03/20 at 11:16AM UTC
Preparation is key for interviews. Craft 3-4 stories about your experience that can be morphed to answer any of the number of behavioral questions that are now part of an interview process.
Know exactly who you are as a brand, what you represent and the emotion and feeling you want to leave the interviewee with when you are finished. Remember, all these candidates start blending in so how are you going to stand out and be bold?
Visually..
Make sure you have great lighting, its important and will help people feel more connected to you.
Dress the part (even the bottoms) so you feel mentally prepared for an interview.
Don't look at yourself in the screen reflection when talking, it can be really distracting.
Speak slowly and articulate your words without ums.
Practice the talk show interview trick: Three-four sentence answers, don't ramble.
Good luck
Tamsen KoppApplication Development Manager
34
11/02/20 at 10:58PM UTC (Edited)
I haven't experienced interviewing on video, but I have interviewed quite a few people now. What I can offer is the following:
*Remember that the interviewer WANTS you to succeed. Interviewing is exhausting, even more so in these 'challenging and uncertain times.' It's a delight to find a viable candidate early on.
*I agree with other feedback to test the technology ahead of time. That said, many will work with you when there are issues (I've had to cycle between trying Skype, Teams, Webex, and ultimately starting a Google video call).
*Maintain eye contact where you can by looking at the camera. If you look down or off to the side most of the time it will be hard to avoid looking like you are being coached or can't proceed without a crib sheet (I am not saying to not prepare one, but you don't want to look helpless without it).
*While smiling during the intro isn't a must, it sure does go a long way to 'thaw the room.'
*Come in prepared. Browse the company website. Look at similar job reqs and associated resumes. Be ready to speak to a few projects or former work items that seem to line up with the role you want.
*Lastly- seem like you want the job! The person with enthusiasm and heart will absolutely win out, all other factors being equal (and sometimes, that drive can make up for a lack anywhere).
Best of luck!
Gwynne MonahanWrite well, edit better.
61
11/02/20 at 9:56PM UTC
Test the lighting, natural and artificial, and adjust as necessary before the interview.
If you're a pacer, go for a walk beforehand so you are less likely to be fidgety during the video interview.
Laureli M.Team coach / Program manager
24
11/02/20 at 9:54PM UTC
There are so many great suggestions in this thread already!
My favorite one: if possible, do the interview standing instead of sitting. Standing will immediately help your posture, and you'll appear to have more energy.
NataliaContinuously Evolving
706
11/02/20 at 9:22PM UTC (Edited)
I play Cardi B & Beyonce right before my inerviews to reinforce my confidence. Play whatever music hypes you up & reinforces your confidence. I made a short reel about it on my IG, lol. Hope this helps!
https://www.instagram.com/visionarycatalyst/reels/
TanishaStrategic HR Leader
208
11/03/20 at 12:32PM UTC
Hilarious!!
NataliaContinuously Evolving
706
11/03/20 at 3:30PM UTC
Lol, gotta kick that self doubt to the curb!
ValerieBe Clear, Be Specific, Be Brief
90
11/02/20 at 8:26PM UTC
Before the video do some power posses (super woman pose), breath and smile in the mirror. Tell yourself you will enjoy this. The others who already commented have good insight.
Denise Perreira
123
11/02/20 at 8:30PM UTC
Great advice, Thank you!
Katrina McNairAssistant Director
3.56k
11/02/20 at 8:14PM UTC
Hello Denise,
The advice I would give for video or virtual interviews is to be prepared for the questions and how to respond to them. This is important in getting the job or putting yourself ahead of the other potential employees. Another area is dressing appropriately for the interview. Even if it's just half of your body. It's important to set a good impression. Also keeping family members away during the interview. These distractions can cause you to be unable to get job. Don't forget to make sure that you have a good internet connect and that your microphone is working well. Without this in place your interview won't go well. Finally try to have your interview in a clean or uncluttered space. I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Katrina
Denise Perreira
123
11/02/20 at 8:34PM UTC
Thank you! I always check to make sure the video and microphone are working and prepared to answer questions about being the best fit,etc as well as having questions to ask.
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.