Online Interviewing: Same Rules Apply

As the world will inevitably move more and more towards virtual interviews, it is important to realize that the exact same rules apply for candidates but require a bit of thoughtful tweeking.

Tweak #1: Your on-camera “set”

One thing that many candidates take for granted is the on-camera “set” that they are portraying to the interviewer. This part of the interview is much like television production – lights, camera, action! If you are doing the interview from your own personal “set” you should prepare in advance to make sure that the background and lighting are reflecting you as a professional. This means that you should find a place to interview that has an un-cluttered background (your bedroom or kitchen is a no-no) and that the camera does not face a window (or else you’ll be horribly backlit). For the optimal “set” you should have one simple piece of art (doesn’t have to be Degas!) on the wall and you should be centered with the piece of art. Another trick is to take a floor lamp and place it directly in front of your face (but behind the camera) so that you are light from the front. If your lamp shows in the glass of the art, simply adjust your body/camera so that your body is covering the glow of the lamp. Be sure to test this out if possible with a friend via Skype (it’s free!) and have them give you a once-over on camera because what you see may be different from what the person on the other end sees.

Tweak #2: Your appearance

It’s important to stay far away from shirts and ties that are striped or polka dots – these will make you look like a strobe light on camera; it’s best to wear a solid color shirt with an opposing color tie (for men) or necklace) for women. Ladies – a bit of extra blush and lipstick will do you a wonder of good – even if you feel like you look overdone, you should be just right on camera. Also, be sure to check the mirror for fly-away hair and crooked ties before logging on – again, use Skype to see yourself on cam before logging onto the interview (for those of you with Mac computers, you can use the Photo Booth option to see yourself on video). Lastly, be sure to place yourself from your breastbone upwards in the frame – just having your head show will be odd.

Tweak #3: Your interaction with the interviewer

While you should ensure that your computer is wired (vs. wireless) to have the best possible connection, it is normal for there to be a touch of lag between visual and audio for virtual interviews. Be sure to pay close attention to the interviewer’s visual cues so that you do not interrupt them – this could also take some practice with a friend via Skype. Another tip is that when you’re answering the interviewer or addressing them directly, try to make your eyes come into contact with the camera vs. looking at them on the screen – they will feel like you are looking straight at them if you do so. When they’re talking it is just fine to watch their video feed.

Tweak #4: In a live interview you are advised to show up 10 minutes early. In a virtual interview, a best practice is to show up right on time. Sync all the clocks and watches you own. If you’ve been asked to appear for a 11am interview, it is possible that the interviewer could be finishing another interview right before you so the best practice is to log on (and dial in, if applicable) right on the dot of your start time.

Other than these tweaks, the process is the exact same. Do your homework and come prepared for questions. Send a follow up thank you note (via email is fine!) with a thoughtful mention of something that was said during the interview. They’ll be judging you on your presentation and professionalism so don’t let your “set”, appearance or interactions be the reason you get a letter that says “thanks but no thanks”!

Good luck!