Congratulations, you’ve got an interview!

Before diving into this post, read my previous post on phone interviews. Many of the aspects relevant to phone interviews are also relevant here.

• Who will be on the VC.
• Confirm who is on the VC.
• The timeslot allocated for the VC.
• What you have to prepare.
• Have a drink.
• Your tone and articulation.
• Silence. Recording.

Video interviews are often conducted via Skype but also via other types of video conference (VC) systems.

Technical check.
Check that you have the correct login and proper supporting software. Do a trial check at least 2-3 days before the interview so that you have time to obtain any piece of software or login information that will be needed to connect to the VC. In this day and age, you wouldn’t believe how common IT issues are. There is always something that is not compatible with something else, or a software that need updating. At least ensure that from your side, you are properly set-up.

On air.
To prepare for your VC you have to become a production manager, director of photography, sound engineer, and stylist. Follow the below check-list:
– Mic check: check that you sound good and intelligible on your microphone.
– Angle check: make sure that the camera is facing you at your eyes level. You don’t want a double-chin or a forehead angle.
– Lighting: test that the lighting is sufficient and position yourself to face the light (not directly though).  If possible, use natural light.
– Costume: ensure that you are dressed up and properly groomed for the interview. Do not make the mistake of wearing pyjama bottoms, in case you have to stand up for any reason!
– Photography: take a selfie of yourself sitting in the position you will be in for the interview and zoom-in to check what is in the background. Ideally you should opt for a blank wall in the background, but if that’s not possible then at least ensure that everything visible in the background is acceptable to be seen by all the participants. Remove personal items, entertainment items, anything bold in color or prominent taking the attention from you.

Create focus.
In VC interviews, I find that you are able to keep the attention of the interviewer better if you look straight into the camera and avoid moving your body too much (hands are ok). You don’t want their eyes to be wandering on the screen. You have to command the focus on you.

This time I will not share from my own experience but instead I have something much better. The Skype interview of BBC contributor Professor Robert Kelly. It went viral last year. It was epic! Unless you were living under rock, you know what I am talking about. Go on, see it again here.  

Hahahah this is still hilarious. Granted it was not a job interview but is still relevant here as an example of what not to do. Though, it turned out well for him in the end. How about you? Have you had any funny experiences during a VC? How did it turn out?