5 Tips on Beating a Video Conference Interview - CareerAlley

5 Tips on Beating a Video Conference Interview - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Let us be thankful for the fools. But for them the rest of us could not succeed. Mark Twain A growing number of companies are now recruiting via video conferencing due to the cost benefits and this has led many quality candidates astray as many candidates fail to realize that succeeding in a video conferencing interview requires different skills to succeeding in a face to face interview. Here are 5 top tips to help you blitz that crucial video conference interview: 1. Plan well in advance Comprised within this are the usual things that you should do anyway such as looking at the type of business culture the company has as well as looking at how your skills job match job description etc. But a video conferencing interview also requires you to be able to set up the equipment, dont make the mistake of assuming that you will just be able to figure out how to set up the equipment 15 minutes before the interview because one of the worse things to happen is that your interviewer is waiting for you while you run over to your next door neighbours house to beg them to help you set up the equipment. Set up the equipment a few times and carry out your own interview via video conference with a friend. This will help familiarize you with the equipment and well as give you a feel for a video conferencing interview. 2. Prepare the environment Remember that everything that the interviewer can see is a reflection on you and shows what kind of person you are therefore make sure that the environment is clean and that the table has no dirt on it. Make sure that the camera is focused on your face and body when you are sat in a comfortable position and if you have pets or children who like to burst into the room making a racket then make appropriate arrangements to tackle this problem such as leaving them at your friends house on the big day. 3. Dont move around too much With the introduction of HD video conferencing and new video formats, it is clear that video conferencing has a come a long way but you dont know how advanced the setup is that your interviewer is using therefore you should assume that they have a cheap set up. Low end systems have a small refresh rate which means give a grainy image when the candidate moves around therefore you should try to not to fidget too much. You want to provide your interviewer with the best quality available for your interview. 4. Take advantage of Picture in Picture Many new video conferencing systems now allow you to see what is being transmitted to the other party. You can use this to see what the interviewer can see which will allow you to make any necessary adjustments during the interview. Have a quick glance at the picture in picture feature to see if you are talking too fast or if your body language is starting to look a little too lax. 5. Remember, you are being interviewed Finally, it is vital that you dont forget that you are being interviewed; dont make the mistake of becoming too friendly or casual with your interviewer. Sit, act and answer questions in the same way as you would if you were taking a face to face interview. Remember to dress accordingly in order to show you interviewer that you are a professional who is taking this interview seriously. Good luck in your search This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search. Visit me on Facebook