More and more companies are moving from personal interviews to virtual interviews. This is due not only to the time of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, but also to the efficiency of recruitment agencies. That’s why it’s important to prepare for a video interview. It is completely different from the character, in which you have the opportunity to fully develop personal charisma and charm.
In a recent survey of recruiting leaders, 80% of respondents said hiring via video calls through apps like Zoom and Skype had increased 39% in the past year. The good news is that if you are looking for a job, you can search for it from the comfort of your own home. However, virtual interviews present a number of challenges, especially if you are not used to performing online. It is all too easy to get fooled by technology and forget the details that make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful job interview.
If you want to make a good impression on your first chance, avoid these mistakes:
1. You are ‘late’
When it comes to job interviews, the rule is: If you haven’t been everywhere before, you’re late. This is doubly true for conversations made using Zoom or Skype. Set a reminder or an alarm and launch the app before your appointment is due. You will not be stressed by any technical difficulties and your new potential employer will receive a notification that you are waiting in the hallway. When you are ready, the call will be transferred online.
2. You have no technology experience خبرة
Having mentioned the technical difficulties, you can avoid many of them in advance by trying the software beforehand. Therefore, download the application in which the video call will take place earlier and try to work with it. For example, you can call your friend and try not only the picture but also the sound. You will not be so pressured up front that we will not be able to use the software.
3. You don’t have the necessary materials ready at your fingertips
Once you are seated in front of the computer, you should be able to access all the materials you need for a successful interview. Make sure you have your resume, references, wallet, etc. on your desk. Of course you shouldn’t eat or drink during the interview, but in case of emergency, it’s a good idea to have a glass of water ready. During the interview, your nerves will work to the maximum and it can easily dry out in your mouth, so it is better to drink quickly than to cough in a meeting.
4. I choose the wrong clothes
If you’re used to staying indoors for a while and your usual attire is sweatpants or pajamas, it can be hard to remember what professional clothes look like. As a quick refreshment, know that it’s semi-formal wear. So the best choice is a shirt, blouse, women’s outfit or a beautiful jacket. Try to match your clothing with the corporate culture of the company you are applying for. At the same time, remember that it is a good idea to choose clothes that look good on camera. Therefore, avoid patterns, stripes, too bright colors, or clothes with a background color.
5. Clutter in the background of a video call
For example, Zoom or Skype let you choose a default background image or upload your own, so you can interview next to a pile of iron. But the reality will always look much better. why? Research shows that your work environment also affects your mental health and will tell the interviewer a lot about you without asking. Therefore, think carefully about the ergonomics of your PC camera.
6. Bad gestures you make unintentionally
Perhaps the worst Zoom or Skype video call mistake you can make is pointing out your behavior or ways you don’t care what the interviewer is saying. Unfortunately, it’s easier than you think. Small gestures can have a big impact. Do not check your phone, do not play with your hair, do not drink coffee – all this can be an unpleasant interruption of the interlocutor, It may not pay off for you.
7. You’re not trying to talk
Video calls make it easy to feel like you’re wondering. The interlocutor asks questions, you answer. You ask questions, the interviewer answers. And so on, and on. From time to time, try to revive the established cycle with a smile or a funny note that will reduce stress and release the ice.
Photo: shutterstock
