6 Ways To Ace A Video Job Interview

Video job interviews are an increasingly popular way for employers to talk with prospective employees. If you are not prepared for the intricacies of video chatting programs, you could find yourself left in the dust.

While having an interview on a program like Skype can save you time, it can take some time to get used to talking through a video camera. There are other hurdles to get past once you get over the initial awkwardness. One of those potential problems is not knowing the full capabilities of the technology. For example, did you know you can enable screens sharing so that you can show the hiring manager your resume or other important documents?

Here are some other tips to ensure that your Skype interview goes smoothly:

• It can be tempting to look at the screen during the whole interview, but you should really be looking directly at the camera. It's the same principle as making eye contact during an in-person interview: You want the person on the other side to feel you are paying attention to what they are saying.
• Be sure to get rid of all potential distractions. That means closing the door to your room, turning your cell phone off, and telling your family or roommates not to bother you for the next hour.
• One of the more jarring things about a video interview is being able to see yourself while you talk. In order to better prepare for this experience, talk in front of a mirror beforehand so you are familiar with your own facial expressions.
• Conduct the interview behind a plain background. You don't want the interviewer to be distracted by any "colorful" posters or objects.
• Just because you are at home doesn't mean you can wear shorts and a t-shirt. Dress the same way you would if you were going into the employer's office.
• Do a dry run with one of your friends to iron out any technical issues with your connection or computer. Disconnections are going to happen occasionally but you can still ensure your mic and audio are working properly.