- Hi, I'm Steve Dalton and
today we're gonna talk about
camera community tips
for video interviews.
Video interviews are a increasingly
common way to interview
for the jobs that you want.
But despite that, a lot of people
haven't taken just a few moments
to optimize their space
and their performance
to help their best image shine.
This is especially important
for a job interview
because the quality of your appearance
can influence the perception
that the interviewer has of you.
So let's go over two important items
to help you better prepare
for a video interview.
First, let's start with your setup.
Audio is critical.
Find a quiet environment in
which to conduct your interview.
Make sure to mute all your nearby devices
so that you won't have any interruptions,
like text messages or email notifications.
Next is lighting.
Most people don't have a
professional lighting setup
in their office or home.
So how can you use what you have?
Look for the main light in
your room, typically a window,
and position yourself so
that you are facing it.
Cameras present a better
image when more light is used.
Feel free to supplement with LED lamps
if you're shooting at night.
Next is framing.
Most people position their
head in the center of the shot,
however this leaves too much headroom
above you in the frame.
So adjust your shot so
that there's less headroom
above you when your shoot.
Next is background.
Be aware of your background
and what it could say to a viewer.
Is your background messy?
Does it show something of your personality
that you're not comfortable sharing?
The background is a reflection of you,
so make sure you're comfortable
with what it could be saying.
Next up is testing.
Do a test with the technology
that you'll be using on the interview.
This means to test both the
hardware and the software
that you'll be using.
Make sure you don't get caught
needing to install a
plug-in or an app update
with one minute before
your interview starts.
Our last setup item is backups.
As you know, technology
can sometimes fail us
at the most inopportune times
so make sure to have a backup plan,
such as a backup device
or a phone number to call
in case something doesn't work.
Next, let's move on to your performance
during the interview.
Since a video interview
is inherently different
than an in-person interview,
it's critical that you're
aware of the differences
and adjust your presentation accordingly
to make up for them.
Our first key to a good
performance is energy.
Now most people tend to
sit during a video call,
but I recommend that you stand.
By standing, you'll project
a more energetic personality
and this added energy will
help you do better on-camera.
Our second key is compensating
for body language.
So much of our personality
is communicated through our body language.
However, this is minimized
with a video interview.
Compensate for this by using
your hands when speaking
to help show enthusiasm.
Indicate visually with head
nods or audibly with words
to show that you are engaged.
Our third key to not
overcompensate for the distance.
A subtle behavior that can occur
when on a video conference call
is talking at a higher volume
to someone who is far away.
Perhaps this is due to the fact
that we subconsciously feel
that we need to project our voice
for the other person to hear us.
Instead, talk at a normal volume,
as typical webcam microphones
can pick up your voice well.
By paying a little extra attention
to your setup and your performance,
you'll present yourself well on camera
and you'll create a more
positive image of yourself
to the interviewer.
