How to interview (really well) on video
I recently did a video interview and totally failed it.
The tech was bumpy, I lost my train of thought, I babbled. It was a mess.
Then I did another one and it went really well.
So, learn from my failure and success.
Here’s how to interview really well on video:
Double check the tech beforehand
This sounds like a no brainer and it is. And I DID check this for my first interview. But on the day, it didn’t work on my phone so I did it on my laptop. And I’m not used to video calls on my laptop so it threw me a bit.
But tech is the cause of most people’s nervousness on video interviews – that the internet will fail, the program will crash, the sound will drop out… and they’re not idle threats either because all those things have happened to all of us this year during COVID. And I seriously believe it happens to me more than most people…
Don’t try to maintain eye contact
This sounds counterintuitive but on video, everything is distorted. In my interview, there were 3 interviewers and they were all different sizes; some huge against the screen, others far away. One spent most of the time looking at a laptop and barely at me. I felt I was trying to look at everyone and get their attention and it was really distracting.
Don’t think about how you look
I’m not a natural camera person. I much prefer to be behind the lens. But in an interview, you’ve got to forget all that superficial stuff. If your own image distracts you, go for indirect sunlight and angle the camera so that it’s at eye level.
And remember, if all goes well, they’ll meet you in person eventually. You can’t work with a paper bag over your head (or it’s very uncomfortable). So, sit up straight, smile, and look directly at the camera like you’re having a grand old time.
Have your notes printed out in front of you
This was a big fail for me. I had my notes on my laptop and was trying to scroll through them and talk at the same time. Disaster.
Just print them and them out neatly in front of you. Make sure there’s space around you to organise things.
Accept that everyone gets nervous
I used to be an interview scribe many moons ago and I’ve never forgotten it. I’ve seen newbies to senior executives, in all sorts of roles. Most people babble, stammer or take very long pauses. A few freeze up or even cry (bless). I’ve never seen anyone who truly enjoys it.
Nerves happen to everyone. But the more prepared you are, the less likely it will happen to you.
Do a dry run
Yes, you’ll sound silly but do a practice run with your partner or a friend. Think up sample questions and answers and go through the whole shindig.
Don’t worry about time
The interviewers usually tell you at the beginning of the interview how much time they expect it to take. I really wish they wouldn’t. It just makes me stress. But unless you like to talk till the cows come home, disregard this. If you run over, they’ll rein you in.
This is your opportunity to sell your skills and experience, so don’t worry about being on the clock. Take the time to answer each question with in-depth examples that show a clear problem, solution and result.
Keep the top half professional
Yes, you can wear trackies and uggs under the table and no one will ever know. But make sure you look professional from the waist up – do your hair, makeup and wear a nice, white shirt or another nice top.
Don’t stress. Make the camera work for you. You’ve got this.
About the author: Lilani Goonesena is a digital communications specialist and the director of LIGO Creative. Based in Canberra, LIGO delivers content, editing, SEO copywriting, web design, strategy, social media and branding for government, the development sector and businesses. Contact LIGO today.
