How Bring on the Video Interview?

The use of platforms like Skype to conduct video interviews has grown significantly over the past several years. One recent study found that more than 60% of mid-size company HR managers were conducting video interviews, up from just 14% twelve months earlier.

Technically, a video interview should be fairly similar to an in-person interview. They do, however, differ in some rather significant ways that you should be aware of in order to prepare. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind before you sit down and begin a video interview:

Make Sure Your Tech Tools are Working. Most video interview platforms don't require a lot of complicated technical tools. Usually a computer (of course), a web-cam, and a microphone are all you are going to need. These tech toys are things that many people have already but if you do not, a decent web-cam can be purchased for under $30. Most have a built in mic feature.

Before the interview, it is very important to make sure that your web-cam is working properly and that your computer is compatible with the video platform your potential employer has chosen to use.

If the chosen platform is the very popular Skype, you are in a good position. Skype functions with all the major operating systems. It has a web-cam test feature so that you can be certain that you will be seen and heard once the interview begins. It is advisable to do this test well in advance of the interview so that you have time to make any adjustments.

If the interviewer has chosen a different platform - and there are a growing number of them out there - then take the time to check out the platform to make sure that you have all the right hardware and software to be able to join the 'meeting'. Often, you will need to download and install a program in order to be able to use the service. This is something you should well ahead of time.

Try to chose the right location. If at all possible, clear the room you will be interviewing from of all distractions, including people and pets, and position yourself in a place that is as clean and uncluttered as possible. The lighting should be adequate enough that you can be seen easily and you should have the camera positioned so that you are looking into it. Appearing to be staring down can be very strange to look at from the 'other end'.

Practice. If possible, enlist the help of a friend with a web-cam and conduct a 'dry run' interview. This way they can tell you exactly what they are seeing and what you might need to change to make the view more professional and presentable when the 'real' interview begins.

Take it Seriously. Just because you are not meeting with your interviewer in person does not mean that you should be 'overly' relaxed. Dress for success in the same way that you would if your were going to their office. Remember to make eye contact and watch your body language once the interview begins.