With the advent of technology, many things in company procedures and operations have changed. One of the processes that evolved is recruitment. Today, the way job interviews are conducted is not the same as a decade ago. Many have experienced that during the height of the pandemic.
Nowadays, with the help of video call programs like Skype and Zoom, employers and job seekers can connect from anywhere in the world. Because of this, video call job interviews have become more popular and are even the preferred method for some companies.
The traditional face-to-face interview in a boardroom has replaced the more convenient and efficient video call job interview. But this could feel alienating and impersonal for some job seekers. If you’re scheduled for a video call job interview, don’t be nervous or anxious about it. Here are a few tips to help you make the best of it.
1. Dress the part
Being at home doesn’t mean you can lounge around in your PJs during the interview. It’s important to dress professionally from head to toe, even if the interviewer can only see your top half. This will help you feel more confident and prepared for the interview and less conscious.
You can consult the company’s HR department about their dress code policy beforehand. This way, you can be sure that you’re dressing appropriately for the job interview. If they tell you they don’t have a dress code, it’s best to avoid caution and wear more formal business attire.
Dressing the part is just one way of nailing that video call job interview. If your attire is on point, the interviewers will already have a positive first impression of you. They’ll see that you’ve put much effort into the interview, which could reflect how you’ll be as an employee.
2. Project confidence
When you’re nervous, it shows. This could be a lack of confidence, a big turn-off for employers. One way to avoid this is by projecting confidence, even if you don’t feel it inside. This can give an impression to your potential employer that you’re the right candidate for the job.
You can project confidence in many ways, such as making eye contact, having a firm handshake, or speaking clearly and concisely. Maintaining eye contact in a video call interview can be challenging since you’re looking at the screen, not the person. The trick is to look at the camera, not the screen.
Aside from that, you can do preparations before the interview. For example, if you feel that a perfect smile would induce confidence in your interview, you can visit your trusted dentist’s office for a consultation. This way, you can be more confident and project that to your interviewer through the video call. This kind of preparation can be a game-changer in your job interview.
3. Do your research
Researching about the company is just as important as researching the job position you applied for. That’s regardless if it’s a face-to-face or video call interview. Showing you about the company and what it does can reflect positively on you as a job candidate.
There are essential things about the company that you need to know first before going to an interview. Whether you’re interviewing for a job in person or through a video call, these things are essential. These items can determine whether you’ve truly immersed yourself in the company research or you’re just winging it.
Doing research can add more depth to the conversation. It can also help you ask more relevant and insightful questions during the interview. This, in turn, can make a good impression on your potential employer. They’ll see that you’re truly interested in working for their company, not just any company.
4. Make the interaction interesting
Aside from showing confidence and being prepared, you should also ensure that the interaction is interesting. Boring conversations can make the interview drag on and make both parties lose focus. To avoid this, keep the conversation flowing by being an active listener and engaging in small talk.
For example, if the interviewer asks how your day is going, don’t just say “good.” You can elaborate and ask about theirs as well. This way, you’re building rapport and making the interview more interesting.
From the word “interaction” itself, it’s a two-way street. Having a conversation is one thing, but ensuring it’s interesting is another. Be proactive in keeping the interview lively to make a good impression on your potential employer.
5. Modulate your voice
Your voice is an important tool in a job interview, whether it’s face-to-face or through a video call. To make a good impression, you should modulate your voice. This means speaking at a volume that’s audible enough and not too soft or loud.
But since you’re interviewing on a video call, you won’t know how your voice sounds to the other person. Use headphones during the interview to ensure you speak at the right volume. This way, you can hear yourself and modulate your voice accordingly.
This part is important because your voice is your instrument to deliver your message. And if your voice is not audible enough, your message will be lost, and so will your chance of getting the job. So, practice with a friend and do mockup online interviews before the big day.
Video call interviews can be a great way to land your dream job, as long as you know how to prepare for them. By following the tips above, you can ensure that you make a great impression and ace that interview. Just make sure that you’re well-prepared, and you’ll be sure to impress the interviewers, even virtually.
