When you master your video job interview, you’ll be sure to be top of mind when it’s time for the hiring committee to discuss the candidates they’re considering. Of course, before you focus on mesmerizing your interviewer, you need to do some up-front prep and kick off your interview with a sizzling start. In this article, we’ll focus on being mesmerizing and magnetic during the interview.
Be Doubly Human
The computer screen, which should be a laptop rather than a phone, acts as a scrim that dilutes the humanity. It strips away some of the emotional connection that would be conveyed if your interview was taking place in person. “Staring at someone’s face on a computer screen results in lower levels of brain activity and social arousal than meeting them in person,” according to a new study by researchers at Yale and University College London. To counteract that, amp up the humanity.
Demonstrate Empathy
Talk about how you like to work with others, express acknowledgement, and appreciation for those who helped you get where you are. Convey enthusiasm. Show your excitement for the role with positive body language, such as nodding and smiling.
Tell Stories
You’re likely one of at least a few people who made the short list and secured a video interview. You need to make sure you stand out so you’ll be remembered when it’s time to make it to the next round (or get chosen for the role). Stories are memorable. When the interviewer asks, “What’s your biggest weakness?” rather than say, “I’m a perfectionist,” tell the story about how you discovered that you’re a perfectionist and how you have learned to manage your perfectionism. Come prepared with stories for all the standard job interview questions.
Bring a Prop
Interviewers have a tough job. They are interviewing multiple different candidates over time. Once it comes time to decide who makes it to the shorter list or gets the offer, you want to be the person who made an indelible impression. Consider ways you can stand out (in a good way, of course!). Where appropriate, have a prop on hand that allows you to demonstrate what makes you unique and valuable, and right for the job. For example, one interview candidate had a coffee mug with “good morning” in many languages on it to showcase her global experience and interest in other cultures.
Demonstrate Your Tech Skills
Tech is part of every job these days and being an innovator is a personal brand attribute that’s always welcome. To really wow your interviewer, consider tech enhancements that will make your interview different from all the others. Tools like mmhmm and Prezi, used along with a green screen, allow you to put yourself into any background image you create. You can show up in a square or circle and can change your background. At the end of the interview, you can have a slide behind you with a QR code to something you want the interviewer to check out, like a link to a whitepaper you wrote, a YouTube video showcasing your thought leadership, or an article you found online that reflects your views on the role you’re pursuing. Even if they don’t go to the link you provide, they’ll be impressed.
Follow the Interviewer’s Lead
Pay close attention to the interviewer’s cues. If there’s a lag, allow for pauses before responding to ensure you do not talk over the interviewer.
Express Positive Body Language
Your posture and gestures help you deliver a complete communication. Sit up straight, use hand movements when appropriate, and maintain a pleasant demeanor to project confidence and approachability. Remember to nod to signal that you’re actively listening to the interviewer.
The Follow-Through
As the interview progresses, maintain the momentum you’ve built. Stay engaged, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully. The impression you leave should not only be of a candidate who started strong but one who consistently displayed professionalism, energy, and competence throughout the conversation.
Of course, above all, be yourself. You’ll exude confidence when you show the true you. The goal of the video interview should not be to get shortlisted or hired at all costs. It should be to show who you really are and why you’d be a valuable addition to the team.
William Arruda is a keynote speaker, co-founder of CareerBlast.TV and creator of the 360Reach Personal Brand Survey that helps you get candid, meaningful feedback from people who know you.