1. Perhaps an obvious suggestion, but TEST your equipment prior to the scheduled interview. This is especially important if you have been asked to use Software you are unfamiliar with. Abenefit2u are happy to run a test call with you prior to your interview, or if you prefer ask a friend / family member to test-run with you. Ensure your speaker, microphone and (if required) camera works. Get used to the software; how to change volume on mic. / speakers, etc. 2. Present yourself how you would for a traditional interview. We are all guilty of relaxing our professional attire when working from home but for a virtual interview do make an effort and dress accordingly. Put your shoes on! It might seem strange to wear your shoes during a video call as your interviewers will most likely not see your feet, but it has an important psychological effect on you. If possible wear solid colours, as stripes and busy patterns can often come across badly on video.
3. Close the door and windows in your room. Silence your phone and make sure the only window open on your screen is the video platform you are using. Remember to silence all pop-ups.
4. If possible try to keep pets and children well away from your interview. You wouldn't bring your dog or child to an interview in the office, so take the same approach for online interviews.
5. Pay careful attention to your background! A messy bedroom, a home office full of clutter, a rude poster on the wall… all of these suggest information about you to the interviewer, none of it particularly good. You ideally want a plain / clutter-free background. Media Trainers advise to never sit right up against a wall, if possible allow at least a meter between the back of your head and the wall. Ensure the room is sufficiently lit - if there is not enough natural light do turn lights on / up so you are clearly visible to the interviewers and not sitting in semi-darkness.
6. During your interview you should try to look at the camera as much as possible and not the picture of the other person on the screen. This is actually quite difficult to do but the more you practice the easier it becomes.
7. Remember that the interviewer can’t see what’s not on camera so you can use this to your advantage. Stick a prompt sheet with notes and questions directly to the screen or to the wall behind your camera. The interviewer on the other side won’t ever know!
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