INTERVIEW RESOURCE GUIDE

Career-management experts estimate that more than 80% of job interviews are won or lost (mostly lost) during the first five minutes.  This applies to video interviews as well.  The key, again, is to be prepared!  

• Find a quiet, place where you know you will have no interruptions or background noise, such as TV, pets, or children.  This may mean scheduling a babysitter for this time.
• Ensure your internet connection is stable and fast enough to reliably do a video chat.
• Get the best lighting possible and test it ahead of time.  In a perfect world you would use natural light but you can also use lamps positioned diagonally in front of you.  Avoid any direct backlighting, especially a window.
• Get familiar with the video platform you will be using and, if possible, test out the platform ahead of your interview.
• Test your audio and video connection ahead of your interview.
• If you don’t already have it get the interviewers direct phone number so you can call that person should you have any technology issues that interrupt the interview.
• Do not answer your phone, door, etc. during your interview.
• Dress professionally, typically one notch above the company’s typical attire.
• Have a copy of your resume, note pad, pen, a list of prepared notes and basic questions sitting with you.  In addition, you should have your calendar and any research notes on the company.
• When listening, nod and smile to show you are engaged and use hand gestures when appropriate.
• Focus on what you can immediately contribute to the company.  Not on what the company can contribute to you.  
• Talk directly into the mouthpiece and try to be aware of the volume of your voice.  If you have a bad connection or have difficulty hearing, have the interviewer call you back or adjust the volume on your phone.
• Above all DO NOT multitask.  Close all unnecessary web browser tabs and applications that could be a distraction.
• Make sure, when the interview is over you exit the video conference.