A stellar CV might be one of the things to catch your prospective employer's eye, but presenting yourself in the right way during an interview is as important. While many are good at cracking interviews, others are often a bundle of nerves.
With technology becoming so accessible these days, many employers even opt for video interviews and while these may save you a lot of commute time, they aren't really the easiest thing to ace. In case you are prepping for a video interview and do not know where to start or what to expect, here are a few things to help ease the nerves.
Prepare in advance
Never ever leave anything for the last moment; you never know what could go wrong. It is a good idea to make yourself comfortable with the technology so that you don't get confused later. Make sure to check your internet connection, as well as the audio and video settings. The webcam must always be at eye-level and make sure you can hear things clearly as well.
Declutter
We cannot stress enough on the importance of decluttering. True, the employer is mostly going to focus on your face and what you are saying, but it is unlikely that your surrounding is going to be ignored. Hence, it is important to make sure that the area around you is neat and tidy with things kept in place. Also, make sure that things in the background are not loud in terms of colours and also do not distract the person on the other end.
Dress appropriately
Even though you are not in a formal environment and sitting at home during the interview, it is necessary to dress well and in smart attire. Just because you are at home doesn't mean the employer is not going to care about how you are dressed. It is a good idea to dress the same way you would if you were going to the employer's office for the interview.
Watch your gestures
Many of us speak with a lot of hand gestures. It might be okay to do so while talking to someone in person, but it looks a bit awkward when done during a video interview. The constant movement could also distract the person at the other end. A good posture also makes a difference; slouching makes you look a bit too laidback.
Ask questions
Don't hesitate to ask questions just because it is a video interview. It is better to clear any doubts you may have and be upfront about it. Not asking questions may give the impression that you are disinterested and probably not good at what you do.
