Set the Stage for the Best First Impression
Focus on making a great first impression by being prepared for your interview and ensuring the space you will be seated in is clutter-free. This means no distractions behind you like laundry, pets or random papers lying around. Also, position your webcam at eye level and ensure that the room is well lit.
Get a Couple of Mock Interviews Under Your Belt
Use the opportunity of being at home to practice your interview skills with friends or family over a call. Ask them to hop on a video call and see how you come across on video in the absence of non-verbal cues. You can also test lighting, sound quality and camera angles. Being on video may not come naturally to you, but you’ve got to get used to it.
Dress for Success and Ditch the Casual Look
Just like in a face to face interview, what you wear matters. Demonstrate your professionalism by dressing like a professional. Avoid loud print, colours or patterns and if in doubt, ask the recruiter what the company’s dress code is.
Partner with your Recruiter
Your recruiter is your new BFF and they have got you the interview. No doubt, they are rooting for you to get the job and will do their best to support you through the interview process. Take time to have an open and honest conversation about your candidacy, responding quickly, delivering documents on time and appreciate that they may not be able to get back to you right away as they may be overwhelmed with the current application volumes.
Lean into your Communication Skills
With technology issues and internet lags, interview calls may not be as smooth as face-to-face interviews. So, give your interviewer an extra beat to complete their thought and use subtle gestures like head nodding to confirm that you have completed your answer. Also, ask clarifying questions and walk the interviewer through your thought process.