The big day is approaching; the day when you’ll be interviewing for a new job. You’ve done your research on the company, the people who’ll interview you, and the position. But have your researched how to look your best for what’s likely to be a virtual interview?
Pre pandemic, you knew how to look your best for an in-person interview: how to dress, sit up straight and look the interviewer in the eyes. However, the shift to virtual interviewing and the use of platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams creates a new set of dynamics a candidate never had to consider before.
Here’s five tips that’ll help you look your best during the virtual interview…
Lighting:
Lighting is THE most important aspect to looking good during a virtual interview. Poor lighting can be very distracting. Worse, poor lighting can make you appear “shadowy”! For best results use natural lighting and face toward the light source (e.g. window(s)). This may require moving your desk but the results are well worth the effort.
If the interview will take place when it’s dark outside (or even on very cloudy days) consider using additional lighting. Ring shaped lights are the most popular and are widely available at major retailers and online. Because of its doughnut-shape, the light is diffused over a wide area reducing shadows and giving you a warm glow. Ring lights can either be self standing or mounted to the back of your laptop.
Camera Height/Angle:
A common mistake is keeping your laptop on your desk and tilting the camera towards your face. This has the effect of looking up your nostrils! Instead, raise the computer so that the camera is at or slightly above eye level. While there are many products that you can purchase to elevate your computer/laptop you can accomplish the same with a stack of books. (I use old shoe boxes!) And, don’t forget to look into the camera when speaking.
Sound:
If the environment you’ll be conducting the interview from is large, open or has a lot of hard surfaces, you may sound like you’re sitting in a cavern. To avoid echoing connect a set of corded headphones or wireless ear buds to your computer. (Be sure to check the microphone output jack on your computer for compatibility!) For even better sound quality, invest in a headset with noise cancelling properties. This will further reduce background noises and you’ll come through sounding loud-and-clear.
Background:
Most virtual platforms have several background options you can select. For Zoom, it’s None, Blurred or Virtual Backgrounds. None, as the name implies, displays what’s behind you. (If you select this option, make sure your background is neat and professional looking!) The blurred option is the same as None except that the background is now obscured. Virtual Backgrounds allows you to customize your background from a host of available images or you can even use one of your own pictures as your virtual background. Virtual backgrounds can make it look like you’re sitting in a fabulous office, a library or a bar – so select the image that best suits you/your situation.
Movement:
Another common mistake when conducting a virtual meeting is moving in-and-out of the camera. While some movement is only natural, shifting too much in your seat or reaching for items (including your coffee or water) may cause you to move beyond the viewing angle of the camera and thus be very distracting to the other viewer(s). To avoid doing so, ensure you’ve got a comfortable chair and have all the tools you’ll need (e.g. notebook, pens, etc.) within easy reach and placed such that you’re able to perform tasks like taking notes without leaving the camera’s view.
In summary, virtuality has become the standard in interviewing. Applying the above techniques will help you look your best and improve your chances of landing that job.
- Dave Kahl, Sales Effectiveness Consultant, CRC Board Member
