9 Killer Tips for Video Interviews

9 Killer Tips for Video Interviews Looking for a job? Its high time to confess that the hiring process is far from what it looked like ten or even five years ago. To keep your eye on the ball and get that dream job, you should be ready for a video interview. Six out of ten hiring managers used video technologies for interviewing three years ago, and their number seemed to grow. Your resume and portfolio of work  are  tickets to an interview, but the interview itself is your ticket to getting the desired position. Both employers and candidates have several reasons to prefer video interviews today: its time-saving and cost saving. A video interview is perfect for the first round,  before the in-person interviews. Thats why you need to  do your best to succeed in it.  How to do that? How to Prepare for Video Interviews At home, even the walls help. In theory, you need nothing but a computer with a webcam and internet access. As far as you are concerned, having this sorted alone will not be enough to succeed. Have a read of these practical preparation tips below: 1. Test all the technologies: Camera, sound, connection, light, and video program â€" make sure that everything works. To check that, you can ask a friend to help you and organize a test interview. Moreover, if you record this test interview, youll have a chance to see how you look and sound to make sure everything is fine. 2. Choose a proper location:  No noises and distractions, good lighting and a generic background which is ideally  a plain wall. Also, make sure its not just your face that can be seen on camera: framing from the  waist up would be ideal. 3.  Dress professionally:  Interviewing from home doesnt make t-shirts and slippers your best friends. Plus, take care of your hairstyle, clean your fingernails, brush your  teeth well and showcase minimal piercings (if you have any) or other  jewelry. No gums or candies in the mouth, and choose a suit you would wear for in-person interviews. 4. Make a list of questions:  Its not only the interviewers who ask questions; you might have some, too. Prepare all possible questions in advance, as well as some notes with  points you might want to highlight during the interview. Certainly, these notes should be off camera. Lets call it your  cheat sheet, designed to  can help you get your dream job . Bonus tip: Turn off all programs and applications that could  interrupt the interview. Tips to Succeed The zero hour has come. You are ready. The technologies and questions are ready, too. You are  looking professional  and ready to impress your interviewers with your knowledge and skills. Now its go-time! 5. Look into the camera:  Dont forget to smile and make eye contact when appropriate. 6. Watch your tone of voice:  Its better to speak in a conversational tone and behave as if you are at the actual interview. 7. Take your time to respond:  Wait for a second before answering the questions, just in case the connection is weak. This will ensure it doesnt look like you are interrupting the interviewer. Bonus tip:  Here are four questions to expect during a video interview. Why are you good for this position? What is your background for this position? What type of environment do you need to work the best? When was the time you overcame obstacles in your career? Do you need any variants to answer these questions? Check the article from the Community Table here. What to Do Afterwards Phew! The interview is over. You did your best! But whats next? Shall I just sit and wait for a call? your first question is, isnt it? 8. Write a thank-you note. If there were several people who interviewed you, send individual emails or notes to each of them. Try to vary your letters a bit in case they decide to compare them. 9. Dont be shy to follow up. Be patient: the hiring process usually takes several rounds, but it doesnt mean you cant follow-up and express your interest. Follow-ups show your desire for the position, but make sure they dont seem as if you are desperate. Bonus tip: Dont forget to ask the interviewer when they expect to make a decision. Bonus tip: Write thank-you notes after every interview, even if you are sure youve failed and the job is not for you. A video interview is your first and important step toward your dream job. Its essential, as it helps you create an initial impression; but dont consider it as one and only round â€" have your resume and portfolio ready. Have you ever been video interviewed? What would your recommendations be? Any personal tips that would help job seekers succeed? About Author: Lesley J. Vos is a content writer and contributor to many publications about student life and career. She is an occasional guest writer at MC2, supporting Hughs love to math and other STEM disciplines.