Along with the standard preparations a senior executive must make for a job interview, there are special considerations one must give when interviewing via videoconference. Here I share Secrets from a Search Consultant™ to help ensure your video interview runs smoothly. These are no-nonsense, practical insights I’ve gained over years as a former executive search consultant and now as an executive career advisor to senior leaders in pursuit of their next right position.
Here are 10 tips to help you get ready for your next video interview:
- Stage your space. Ensure your setting looks professional. Check your video feed in advance to see what others will see behind you. Declutter the background, removing any photos and decorative accessories—you want the audience focused on you, not distraction or interesting décor within the camera’s frame. Special note: Make sure you don’t have an object appearing to stick out of the back of your head…!
- Lighting matters. Ensure your space is properly lit for the time of day in which your interview will occur to prevent any distracting beams, glares, or shadows on, around, or behind you. Adjust window shades as needed.
- Sound check. Check your microphone and speaker settings in advance to make sure the audio levels are right for you to hear and be heard clearly.
- Face the camera. Make sure your video/camera settings are turned on in the videoconference app. If you have a webcam cover/shield, be sure to slide it open. Look at the camera, not the screen (the camera is typically centered at the top of the laptop screen). We naturally want to look at the specific individual we are addressing; however, depending where they appear on screen, if you look at them and not the camera, you could unintentionally come across as shifty or avoiding eye contact. If you use multiple monitors, be sure to display the videoconference window on the same monitor as your webcam.
- Find the right angle. Situate the computer’s camera to provide a clear view of your face. Special note: Ensure the camera is at an appropriate angle to avoid the unfortunate ‘up the nostril’ view.
- Lean in. Sit up straight and lean into the camera as you speak. Don’t slouch or lean back in your chair, which nonverbally suggests you are uninterested or being too casual. Some find it best to stand up during the meeting, but that depends on your camera and desk setup and whether you’ll be comfortable standing for the meeting’s entirety.
- Check in. Occasionally ask those online: “Can you hear me clearly? Am I too loud? Too soft? Is my video clear?” Do this at the outset of the meeting and at least once midway through the meeting to make sure something hasn’t unknowingly gone amiss with your audio or video feed (but don’t do it so often that it becomes distracting or seems overly self-conscious). Likewise, if someone’s voice online suddenly becomes muffled or hard to hear, gently interrupt with: “John, pardon me. I’m suddenly having a difficult time hearing you clearly. Could you please repeat your question?”
- Duly noted. Ahead of the meeting, post brief reminders around your monitor with key pointers. For example, place a small note near the camera that says: “Look here.” Another note might say: “Smile & nod.” A third might say: “Check in”. Place these in spots easily visible to you without diverting eye contact.
- Test run. Consider doing a quick videoconference test run with a trusted friend or colleague using the same videoconferencing app that will be used for the interview. They can help ensure audio levels sound good, video is clear, and can point out any overlooked background distractions. A test run is especially important if you frequently use one brand of videoconferencing app, but the organization will conduct the interview using one less familiar. Test the app ahead of time to get comfortable with navigating its key settings/buttons and to ensure your computer has the latest version installed well ahead of the interview. Special note: You don’t want the app to start running an update just as you’re trying to join the meeting.
- Address possible distractions in advance. Place a note on the outside of your closed office door that says: “Video meeting in progress. Please do not disturb.” Turn off your phone to avoid the distractions of both auditory and visual notifications. Close your window shades.
As your strategic advisor my mission is to help ensure you’re prepared for interview success—whether it takes place around a traditional boardroom table or via videoconference. Through The Montague Method, I’ll share my Secrets from a Search Consultant™ to help you land your first or next C-suite position. Explore the rest of my website to learn more and schedule a complementary 20-minute exploratory consultation.
