Getting a job in the modern work environment is a little different than when your dad was getting a job. A piece of advice many of the older business guys will give you is to make sure you have a firm handshake. This no longer applies in a world where video conference job interviews are more common than face to face job interviews. Companies save money by streamlining the process, but it also means job hunters need to learn a new set of skills when they’re getting ready to hunt for a job. Here are 10 things you should really keep in mind as you prepare for your interview, so you can ace it.
Ask How You Compare with Other Candidates
When you’re talking with an interviewer, you’re likely not to be the first in line. Keeping this in mind, Forbes recommends you get the interviewer to start thinking about how you’re going to fit in with the company compared to the other candidates right away.
By talking about how you compare, they’re forced to actually put some immediate consideration into this. You can read the truth on the face of the interviewer, thanks to the fact they’re likely using something like Blue Jeans Network to conduct the interview.
Create a Backdrop
You don’t want the interviewer to see you in your living room, even if that’s where you’re at while you’re in the interview. According to The Houston Chronicle, you should set the scene to tell the interviewer that you’re serious about getting the job. Highlight some of your awards on the wall behind you as well as removing all clutter. If you can make the appearance behind you look as much like a professional office as possible, you start getting the interviewer into the mindset of seeing you in a professional light.
Pretend You’re In the Office
Just because you’re not actually in the office of the interviewer, it doesn’t mean you cannot act like you’re not. The clarity from video conferencing equipment from companies like the Blue Jeans Network can help you to forget that you’re not in the same room. Speak openly and use hand gestures whenever it’s necessary to get your point across. The more you remember you can be seen, the better.
Practice What You’re Going to Say and How You’re Going to Say It
You will need to have a few key points to make about your professional career that you have rehearsed ahead of time. When you get the chance, you can wedge these in without making them seem forced. By practicing what you’re going to say, you won’t have to worry about stumbling over your own words.
Eliminate Distractions
When you’re being interviewed, you don’t want your cell phone ringing, or your email alerting you that you have an unread message. This is why, according to CBS News, you should turn off your cell phone and alerts everyone else in the house to be silent during the interview. You want to concentrate on the interview as well as for the interviewer to concentrate on you. This is not going to be possible if the interviewer is listening to music in the background, or your roommate asking you if you drank the last of the milk.
Keep Your Hands Visible
Not knowing what to do with your hands can make you look fidgety and unsure about yourself. Instead of trying to keep your hands out of site, keep them in front of you at all times. If you’re not using your hands to make a point, your fingers should be interlaced on the table in front of you.
Look into the Cameras at All Times
You want to maintain eye contact with the interviewer at all times. This is only possible if you’re looking at the camera. If you’re looking at the interviewer on your screen, you will appear to be looking off. Looking right at the camera allows you to look sure of yourself and honest.
Dress the Part
Even if you’re in your home, you still need to wear the right clothes for an interview. Always dress one level up from what you would normally wear while you are in a work setting. This will represent you properly.
Learn Some Video Conference Etiquette
Learn what noises need to be avoided at all costs, because you will be amazed at what your microphone can pick up. Also, if you have to leave the screen for any reason, make sure you know how to go about doing this without being rude.
Prepare for Tough Answers
Even in a video conference interview, you’re going to be asked tough questions, like where you have failed and where you can improve. Make sure you know these questions are coming and have an answer ready.
Get Ready to Sell Yourself
At the end of the interview, make sure you don’t just end it with the interviewer saying thank you. Make it clear that you are thankful for the interview and you’re eager to get started. Sell yourself as much as possible before leaving, according to Fast Company.
