Dress for Success
- Dress professionally as if
you are doing a face to face interview – top to bottom. Not just top,
torso & head – don’t forget about pants/shoes. You never know if you
may have to get up to grab a phone to call your interviewer back on the
land line!
- Don’t have bare shoulders –
especially if you are only viewed shoulders up on screen – it will look
like you have nothing on!
- Stay away from
patterns. Solids work best.
Environment
- Noise levels – turn off
radio/TV/cell phone – even white noise like fans, Zen-like waterfalls,
loud air conditioners, space heaters, dehumidifiers, etc.
- Put pets away, close the
door, and make sure roommates and family members are aware of the importance
of quiet!
- Consider putting a note on
the door to keep delivery people, sales people, etc. from ringing the
doorbell that may trigger pet noise or background chaos.
- If you have the option, set
up your computer in a room in which you’re least likely to hear outdoor
noise – from trucks, kids, etc.
- Think about what is in the
background – a neutral wall with minimal background elements is best.
Keep pictures / equipment to a minimum. Move toy bins, adjust angle so
your unfinished ceiling insulation isn’t showing.
- Check yourself out on screen
– you should be the focus of the video capture – not your stereo
equipment.
- Create optimal lighting.
Turn on lights in the room so you don’t have a floating head or shut
blinds to avoid harsh glare and shadows on your face.
- No eating or chewing gum –
and if possible, try to avoid drinking. If you must take a sip –
apologize and sip, then put the drink aside.
Technology
- Test your microphone sound
level and video well in advance of the actual meeting. And again 15 minutes
before!
- Adjust the focus of the
camera. Most cameras have the capability to fine tune the crispness of the
video. It's best to have a friend “connect” with you via webcam to
tell you how you appear as you adjust the settings.
- Close ALL other programs not
necessary for the call – email, instant messaging, office products such as
Word, Excel, and close internet browser windows. Not only are these
potentially a distraction, but it could also affect your connection
quality.
- If possible, hard wire your computer
vs. using wireless. If you do use wireless, try to be as close to
your router as possible for the strongest connectivity.
- Sometimes firewalls can
impact your connection / speed. It may be helpful to temporarily
disconnect from VPN or firewalls.
- Look at the camera, not at
the screen when YOU are talking. It’s tempting to look at yourself on your
computer screen but this not only will appear as though you are looking
away to the interviewer, but will also likely cause you to fidget with
your hair and lose focus. You would never look at yourself in a
mirror if you were interviewing in person – so think of the camera as the
interviewer’s eyes and look into it / them!
- Adjust your chair so
the camera is at eye level – don’t look down at the camera. Not only does
it appear poorly on the other end but that angle is very unflattering for
most people.
- If you wear glasses, make
sure you don’t have glare on them from the camera; lose the glasses or
wear contacts if either are options.
- If your camera has the option
of using effects (bunny nose & ears, cowboy hat, pink hair, etc.),
don’t use them.
Movement & Pace
- Careful with TOO much
movement. If you do experience delays or any choppiness during the
connection - heavy movement further accentuates it. If you are
a heavy gesture person – be careful! Clasp hands in lap – hold on to
the sides of your computer – SOMETHING to keep it under control.
- Reactions translate
differently when onscreen so it's important to compensate with extra
enthusiasm and concise answers.
- Speak succinctly – and pause
for a few moments before talking after being asked a question to
compensate for the slight time lag.
- Watch body language – it’s
easy to forget they can see you! Don’t look bored (chin
resting on your hand), slouchy, don’t look away from the camera when
answering questions (remember – think of it as the interviewer's eyes),
careful with stretching & scratching.
- If you have a high desktop
and rest your arms on it, it’s extra-important not to slouch, so that your
shoulders aren’t at your ears.
General
- Login 10-15 minutes before
the call, in case you have technical problems and / or to ensure you are
ready when the interviewer is!
- PRACTICE! Find
someone that will practice with you using ideally the same video
technology you will be using during the interview if possible. That
person should point out background & environmental distractions, give
you honest feedback on how you appear (including where you are positioned
in the screen, annoying movements, sound levels, etc.). You may also
consider recording yourself on a site such as YouTube so you can see
YOURSELF and make adjustments. You should be prepared for the
types of questions you are likely to get, so practice the answers so you
can judge for yourself how you will appear.
- At the conclusion of a call,
be sure the call is fully disconnected before you ‘relax.’ You’re
still on camera until the session truly ends.
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