8 Tips for a successful video interview
Our world has changed drastically since March 2020. A large portion of the workforce has transitioned to working from home, and business and family meetings are now taking place virtually. People are using technology (Zoom, Google Hangouts, Facetime, Skype, etc.) to connect with one another more than ever before.
We want you to be aware that interviewing virtually has some unique challenges to consider and prepare for. That's why we're here to help, with 8 useful tips for ensuring you have a successful video interview with your prospective family.
Ensure your profile is professional.
The first thing your interviewer will see is your username and photo on whichever video calling platform you are using. Please ensure that both are appropriate. Your username should be your first and last name, or simply your first name. Your profile photo should be one in which your face is visible and you are dressed appropriately. Try to avoid selecting a photo with other people in it, as it may lead to confusion as to whom the profile belongs to.
The first thing your interviewer will see is your username and photo on whichever video calling platform you are using. Please ensure that both are appropriate. Your username should be your first and last name, or simply your first name. Your profile photo should be one in which your face is visible and you are dressed appropriately. Try to avoid selecting a photo with other people in it, as it may lead to confusion as to whom the profile belongs to.
Dress for success.
You may be interviewing from the comfort of your own home, but that does not mean you should dress any differently than if you were meeting a family in person. Unlike a telephone interview, how you present yourself virtually is an important deciding factor for families. It is important to dress professionally from head to toe - you never know when you might need to stand up, and you definitely don't want to be caught with your pyjama bottoms on. Remember, the other party can always see you!
You may be interviewing from the comfort of your own home, but that does not mean you should dress any differently than if you were meeting a family in person. Unlike a telephone interview, how you present yourself virtually is an important deciding factor for families. It is important to dress professionally from head to toe - you never know when you might need to stand up, and you definitely don't want to be caught with your pyjama bottoms on. Remember, the other party can always see you!
Ensure that you are in an area with a strong internet connection.
It is a good idea to do a test run prior to your scheduled interview call. Test out your technology and make sure that the other party will be able to successfully hear and see you. Be aware of your environment. Remember that the camera does not just pick up on you, but also what is around and behind you. Have a look around your space, ensure there are minimal distractions, and that you have an appropriate backdrop. It is important to make sure you have adequate lighting as well. If you live with other people, make sure that you have some privacy and that people will not be coming in and out of the room during your interview.
It is a good idea to do a test run prior to your scheduled interview call. Test out your technology and make sure that the other party will be able to successfully hear and see you. Be aware of your environment. Remember that the camera does not just pick up on you, but also what is around and behind you. Have a look around your space, ensure there are minimal distractions, and that you have an appropriate backdrop. It is important to make sure you have adequate lighting as well. If you live with other people, make sure that you have some privacy and that people will not be coming in and out of the room during your interview.
Avoid unnecessary interruptions.
Try to avoid having any potential distractions present during your interview. Ensure you are in a quiet, private space and inform anyone else in your home that you will be in a scheduled interview, so they will know to not interrupt you. Secure pets away from your interview space, close your windows, and turn off all electronics (telephone, cell phone, television, radio, etc.) during the interview.
Try to avoid having any potential distractions present during your interview. Ensure you are in a quiet, private space and inform anyone else in your home that you will be in a scheduled interview, so they will know to not interrupt you. Secure pets away from your interview space, close your windows, and turn off all electronics (telephone, cell phone, television, radio, etc.) during the interview.
Look at the camera, not at the screen.
It can be tempting to watch yourself during a video interview. Try to orient your video box just below your camera, as this will help guide your focus closer to the camera to help maintain eye contact. You may also find it helpful to hide your video or change the settings to speaker view, if you find your own image distracting.
It can be tempting to watch yourself during a video interview. Try to orient your video box just below your camera, as this will help guide your focus closer to the camera to help maintain eye contact. You may also find it helpful to hide your video or change the settings to speaker view, if you find your own image distracting.
Be prepared with notes and questions.
It is useful to have a copy of your resume handy, as well as a list of questions you would like to ask about the position. This shows the interviewer that you came prepared for the interview and are serious about the position. Take notes throughout the interview and don't hesitate to recap anything that was unclear with the interviewer at the end.
It is useful to have a copy of your resume handy, as well as a list of questions you would like to ask about the position. This shows the interviewer that you came prepared for the interview and are serious about the position. Take notes throughout the interview and don't hesitate to recap anything that was unclear with the interviewer at the end.
Be enthusiastic.
Let your enthusiasm and passion for childcare shine through in the video interview. Be engaging with your interviewer and keep your energy high, while still remaining calm and level-headed, throughout the call. This is your time to showcase your personality!
Let your enthusiasm and passion for childcare shine through in the video interview. Be engaging with your interviewer and keep your energy high, while still remaining calm and level-headed, throughout the call. This is your time to showcase your personality!