VIRTUAL MEDIA INTERVIEW TIPS

Virtual media interviews have risen since the COVID-19 pandemic. Securing a virtual interview is just the beginning. However, acing it is another animal. With virtual interviews becoming increasingly common, there are specific things to know.

IMAGE IS EVERYTHING

The pandemic has gotten us unusually comfortable at home. The trend is to only dress from the waist up but, that doesn’t mean you should show up in your favorite pajama top. Image is everything if you’re a newbie trying to make a name for yourself. Look the part. Go with a comfortable- professional look or a neat v-neck T, and avoid wearing white or busy patterns.

PREPARE YOUR INTERVIEW SPACE

Wherever you choose to do the interview, make sure your background is neat and appropriate. If you’re interviewing from home, choose a quiet space with good lighting and a neutral background. The last thing you want is your background to be more appealing than you.

Some people make the mistake of taking the interview from their bed. Bed-interviews screams unprofessional, and it is too much information for the audience.

Also, don’t allow pets, roommates, or family members in the room during the interview. And by all means, turn off your cell phone and computer notifications.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO PLATFORM

Check out the platform you’ll use for the call. Platforms usually used include Zoom, GoToMeeting, and Google Hangouts. If you need to download or install anything, do it in advance.

DO NOT DISTURB

To ensure there are no interruptions when you’re in an interview, make sure you alert everyone in the house, and as a backup, hang a “Do not disturb” sign on your door. If your parents, roommate, or spouse bursts in the room or calls your name from another room, it can be a disaster, especially during a live interview.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Avoid placing your lighting directly above you because it may cause dark shadows that draw attention away from your face. If you are near a window, face it. If you don’t have a window or if you’re shooting at night, use a desk lamp and place it directly behind your laptop. Note - Head-on lighting is best to fill out your shadows.

Ultimately, the key to nailing a virtual interview is proper preparation. Taking heed of the above tips will help you get the most out of your interview.

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