The Importance of Your Resume During a Video Interview

• Resume
• Executive Resume

In some respects videoconference interviews are an awful lot easier to handle than telephone ones. After all you can see the people who are conducting the interview and they can see you. Body language can be used as a tool for judging a person’s character as will dress, hygiene and habits, all of which are absent during a telephone interview.

When you are preparing for a videoconference interview it is important to treat the interview in the same manner that you would if you were going to be meeting the organisation and the interviewers face to face. However, there are some extra points to consider.

If the video interview is a face-to-face interview, remember:

• Don't be late. Sign on to the platform early and test the camera and microphone options.
• Dress the part: Next time you watch the news, take a good look at the newsreaders. What are they wearing? What shades and styles are predominantly on show? You should notice that their clothes tend to be conservative, in neutral but solid shades. You will rarely see checks, stripes or spots, as these tend to cause problems for the viewers eyes. Other things to be avoided if possible are those “classic colours”. Whilst black, white, red and yellow are good, strong colours to choose for a face-to-face interview, they are far too harsh for a camera. Choose from blues, greys and maroons instead.
• Body language: There is nothing more distracting on a television than someone who uses excessive body language to make a point. What may seem like a tiny movement with your hand will be magnified 10 fold on screen. If you watch the newsreaders closely you will see that emphasis is made using the voice. No matter how uncomfortable you may be feeling it is important that you do not wriggle or squirm, either when answering the questions or when waiting for the next question to be posed. It is distracting.
• Smile, you’re on camera: Look at the camera or Television screen (sometimes the camera is mounted just above the TV screen) full-face - as if you are looking at your computer screen, or presenting the news. Going back to the newsreaders if they are looking at the wrong camera (and yes it even happens to the professionals), it looks most odd doesn’t it? So always remember to look directly ahead.
• Greet everyone as if you were meeting the interviewers face-to-face. This is vitally important, as you will be judged on your entire performance, not just on your answers. Besides which you may just get to meet these people one day, and you don’t want to appear aloof or standoffish during your first meeting.
• Be conversational, not stilted in your answers. Maintain eye contact with the camera and don’t forget to smile. But above all, remember that the camera (TV) is just a tool to enable you to get your point across. Your preparation must be the same regardless of the technology you are being asked to use.
• Have a list of questions you want to ask the interviewers, and have a note pad to write down the answers you receive. An interview is a two-way process, do you want to work for that organisation based on what you have just seen, heard and experienced? Be willing to pass back feedback if you get the chance - but be polite of course.

Remember to thank the interviewers before you leave.

• Resume
• Executive Resume