Seeking Work….. well, Its time you brush up your on-camera skills.
Video or web cam interview is a popular concept used by a lot of companies now, as it saves time and cost. Some of the video interviewing platforms used today are: Interview4, Montage, Zoom, InterviewStream, Jobvite and Skype. But having said that there are a lot of hiccups faced by all with this fast emerging trend.
Some commonly heard ones are:
If the setting is a household or a non official place, then the beeps of the washing machine or the whirring of the fan is a distraction. Cat and dogs appear unannounced. Inappropriate background pictures are some of the few uncomfortable moments for the company and as well as the candidates.
Benjamin Franklin supposedly once said “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
To counter these pitfalls and look proficient at what you do, there is some etiquette rules which when followed help smoothen the process:
The Do’s
Profile:
First thing that the interviewer notices during the Video interview is your display picture and username. Ensure that both are professionally apt or create one for the same (It’s usually free!!).
Tech Support:
Familiarize yourself with the software and hardware you would be using. Do a test run half hour before the interview to check. It is very important that the internet connection is functions properly as it is difficult to have a discussion with constant interruptions due to technological difficulties. It hampers the positive impression which might have got you the interview in the first place.
Sound quality:
Headphones, headsets and earphones optimize sound quality for both ends of the conversation. They are easy to listen to because they have high quality speakers that are held onto your ear in a way that you determine. Many headsets have amplifiers that let you set the tone and volume of the sound. The microphone is in the perfect position to pick up your voice while also being out of the way of your facial movements and the rubbing and scratching sounds that they can cause. In addition, many headsets also have noise cancelling technology that actively blocks background sounds.
Background:
Always ensure that light comes from the front as it ensure that your face is visible, if it’s too bright behind you then your face may appear like a dark silhouette. Clear the clutter as it gives the impression of being disorganized. Ensure nothing in the background is not distracting for the interviewer.
Body Language:
Albert Mehrabian’s research says 55 percent of messages processed by the brain are based on a person’s body language.
+ Handshake:
One of the most important part of the interview process is in the initial few seconds, this is the time when you greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and introduce yourself. This is a chemistry stage which once build decides the course of the interview. It is difficult when on a video call. Hence a confident, professional nod with shoulders bend forward and eyes looking ahead is one way to start. Though seems like a small gesture, it indicates that you are happy to be where you are at that moment in time.
+ Eye Contact:
When you establish good eye contact, you’ll feel heard and appear likable. In a video call interview, it’s different. In a video call, looking at the person’s eye /image on screen, which is natural makes it appear like you are looking down on your Video call partner. When you look at the camera directly, it looks like you are making eye contact. Practice talking to the camera and find a position which you are most comfortable so you can sit if required for a long duration.
+ Smile:
Smile is the most important but least practised tool. Not smiling leads to you looking serious and nervous. Putting a post it note away from camera which says “Relax “or “Smile” helps you during the interview. Be enthusiastic as Video call interviews tend to dampen the personality sometimes, make an effort to be your pleasant self as much as possible.
Appearance:
It’s best to dress professionally for the interview, which means minimalistic and clean. It’s easy to get in the temptation of dressing up only above the waist but if for some reason you have to stand up, you don’t want your shorts or jeans to ruin the impression. Dress for the part as in a real interview as it will help you get in the zone.
Make up:
What looks great on person looks different on camera. Makeup helps to enhance the present and add a dash of Fab. A little bit of eye makeup helps brighten and conceal where needed and goes a long way to make a person look good.
Cheat:
Benefit of a skype interview is that you can have a cheat sheet in front of you (Of course not too many, that you look distracted) so that you don’t have to memorize everything you want to mention.
The Don’ts:
· Avoid sitting too close to the camera and sit straight as it goes a long way to improve posture and look confident.
· Close all the other applications and also stop surfing the web while during the interview.
· Stop looking at your face every time on the small screen during the video call as it gets distracting.
· Keep all the electronic gadgets away from the computer or phone as they might create signal interference.
· Avoid using bedrooms if possible, for video interviews and if used ensure all personal and inappropriate objects, which give away too much unnecessary information are removed.
Last and not the least, always keep Plan B ready for everything, in case internet connection is lost or development of an emergency. Thinks can go awry even with the best of planning and circumstances. Be smart and do not lose your cool as a recruiter would always prefer someone who thinks on his/her feet.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/things-keep-mind-video-web-cam-interview-aarti-mishra
Fashion basics by Aarti Mishra 