Crush Your Video Interview: Tips to Stand Out and Impress Your Potential Employer

Congratulations! You've secured a video interview, which is an excellent opportunity for you to impress your potential employer. The amount of effort you put into your preparation will shine through, and with the right approach, you can set yourself apart from other candidates.

Although our “Own your Interview” article provides valuable tips for any interview, this blog post will specifically focus on how to excel in a video interview. With remote work becoming increasingly common, it's crucial to be well-versed and prepared for video interviews. Here are five steps to ensure you stand out from the competition.

Step 1: Prep Your Background

Your background plays a significant role in how professional and organized you appear during a video interview. To create a positive impression:

• Remove distractions and clutter from your background.
• Choose a clean, simple backdrop that doesn't draw attention away from you.
• Ensure there's sufficient lighting so that your face is clearly visible.

Step 2: Minimize Sound

Ambient noise can be distracting and make it difficult for your interviewer to hear you. To minimize sound:

• Conduct the interview in a quiet, sectioned-off room.
• Consider using headphones with a built-in microphone to help minimize outside noise.
• Silence all notifications by turning on the "Do Not Disturb" mode on your devices.

Step 3: First Impressions Matter

Your appearance during a video interview is crucial for making a good first impression. To look your best:

• Avoid wearing flashy patterns; lighter colors tend to look better on camera.
• Dress appropriately for the role. While you may not need to wear your finest attire, put thought into your outfit to show that you're taking the interview seriously.

Step 4: Eye Contact is Crucial

Maintaining eye contact during a video interview is just as important as it is during an in-person interview. To make a connection with your interviewer:

• Look into the camera, not at your screen, when speaking or listening.
• Position the camera at eye level to create a more natural line of sight.

Step 5: Test Your Tech

Technical issues can derail even the best-prepared interviewee. To avoid unexpected problems:

• Log in a few minutes early to ensure you have enough time to resolve any issues.
• Test your internet connection, sound, and video capabilities before the interview begins.

Step 6: Practice Your Body Language

Positive body language can make a significant difference in how you're perceived during a video interview. To appear confident and engaged:

• Sit up straight and maintain good posture throughout the interview.
• Use natural gestures when speaking, but avoid excessive or distracting movements.
• Nod and smile occasionally to show that you are actively listening and understanding the interviewer.

Step 7: Prepare for Technical Difficulties

Even with thorough preparation, technical issues may still occur. To handle them gracefully:

• Have a backup plan in case your primary device or internet connection fails (e.g., use a smartphone with a data plan as a hotspot).
• Keep the interviewer's contact information handy so you can reach out if you encounter difficulties.
• Stay calm and composed if technical issues arise, and communicate with your interviewer to find a solution.

Step 8: Follow Up After the Interview

A thoughtful follow-up can leave a lasting impression on your interviewer and demonstrate your continued interest in the role. To effectively follow up:

• Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and reiterating your enthusiasm for the position.
• Personalize your message by mentioning specific topics discussed during the interview or addressing any concerns that were raised.
• Keep your message concise and professional, and proofread it carefully before sending.

By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to making a lasting impression during your video interview. Remember, securing an interview is often the hardest part of the job search – make sure you invest the time and effort into preparing so you can turn that interview into a job offer. Good luck!