8 Ways to Prepare for a Phone or Video Interview

Wohoo! So you got just got an email back for an interview, but why do they want your Skype username?

Today, many people and organizations are utilizing technology to make their hiring process more efficient. The use of phone or video interviews is becoming increasingly more common and can help employers bridge large geographical distances or narrow the candidate pool before offering in-person interviews, which take up much more time for both the employer and candidate.

Although you want to treat these types of interviews with the same level of diligence as any other interview, there are several different aspects to think about. More so, there are different things that can go wrong.

Here are eight ways to prepare you for both a phone and video interview:

Tips for a Phone Interview

 1. Smile.  Since the person can’t see you, they are mostly likely judging you off your voice. If you smile while you speak, it may allow you to sound more animated, confident, positive, and friendly.

2. Be Prepared.  Many phone interviews are used as a pre-screening tool. The interview may consist of questions regarding your resume or general information about the organization. Have your resume handy and some pertinent questions prepared.

3. Sound Great. Don’t conduct the interview over speakerphone. This can lead to echoes or misunderstandings. Also try to be somewhere you get good reception. Make sure you are away from all noise and distractions, such as a TV, bathroom, alarm clock, or noisy roommates.

4. Engage.  Although it is normal to have some silence while thinking of your response, try not to leave large chunks of silence that may translate to awkwardness or being unprepared.

5. Charge It. Charge your phone so it doesn’t die during the interview! I think I’ve had a nightmare about this.

6. Turn It Off.  Disable notifications if using your cell phone for the interview. Some notifications may vibrate and cause disturbance.

7. Be Concise.  While you want to keep the conversation going, try to answer the question directly, and don’t go off on tangents. If you do find yourself on a tangent, take a breath and close by reiterating the one thing that addresses the interviewer’s question.

8. Be Memorable.  Be genuinely enthusiastic and show your personality throughout the phone interview. Also, you might want to send a thank you note after if you interviewed with someone other than the initial recruiter.

Tips for a Video Interview

 1. Test It.  Test your camera and internet connection with a friend and make sure it works properly.

2. Adjust It.  Adjust the camera to the right height and distance so your upper body and face are evenly framed.

3. Watch Out.  Keep in mind the background of the video and try to make it as neutral and clutter free as possible. Don’t let those band posters cause a distraction!

4. Turn It Off.  Turn off all interruptions, such as your phone, TV, alarm, and pet (i.e. barking dog).

5. Dress Nicely.  Dress appropriately and do not pull the anchorman trick and only dress your top half. Wear bright, solid colors that don’t have patterns since they can seem grainy or distracting on camera. Follow the same advice you would for a photoshoot. You might also want to dust some light powder on (yes, this may apply to males as well) so you don’t appear sweaty or nervous.

6. Maintain Eye Contact  Make sure to make eye contact with the camera so it looks like you’re speaking to the interviewer and not off to the corner somewhere.

7. Keep In Place.  Don’t use a swivel chair since you might fall out of it or start rocking nervously. Also check to see if your chair squeaks or makes other noises.

8. They Can See You!  Remember they can see what you’re doing so try not to shuffle through papers, glance at your cellphone, or make faces.

Being aware of these tips may help you proceed to the next round of in-person interviews, where you can dazzle them with your true self!