Webcam interview sessions have become popular with many international employers. Appearing for a webcam or video conferencing interview requires a special set of skills. Here are some tips to help you put your best foot forward.
Draft a Personal Elevator Pitch
The earlier you start preparing for a webcam interview, the better. Draft a personal elevator pitch. The elevator pitch is a short, proactive statement aimed at getting listeners’ attention and making them interesting in hearing more about your product. In this case, you will be trying the sell yourself to the interview panel.
Start by giving a short career history, highlighting key points you think will be of interest to the interview panel. Pay special attention to experience and training that you feel will come in useful should you get the job. Finish on a positive note.
Ask a supportive colleague, mentor, friend, or family member to listen to your elevator pitch. Ask them for feedback and make any changes that may be necessary. Keep your pitch short and snappy. Ideally, your pitch should not exceed two minutes. The advantage of preparing an elevator pitch is it gives you a readymade answer to your interviewers’ question “so tell us something about yourself”.
Pay Attention to Your Equipment
It’s a good idea to invest in a top quality webcam and microphone for the interview. Set up the new equipment at least one day before the interview. This will give you plenty of time to check for and fix potential problems.
Make Sure You Have a Definite Space for the Interview
Some companies will ask candidates to appear at a definite venue for the webcam interview. But the majority of employers will expect the candidates to make the necessary arrangements in their own home.
In such cases, it’s important to demarcate a definite space for the interview. Choose a space that offers a neutral backdrop. Avoid giving an interview in a personal setting, like your bedroom or kitchen.
Pay Attention to How You Look and Sound On Camera
Choose an outfit that looks both attractive and professional on camera. Women should apply only the bare minimum of makeup. Overuse of cosmetics can make you look unprofessional. It’s a good idea to experiment with various looks till you find one that is subtle and appropriate.
Find time for a mock interview. This will help you improve your camera presence. Some common tips from media professionals on effective communication over video include:
Use these simple tips to ace your webcam interview.
Draft a Personal Elevator Pitch
The earlier you start preparing for a webcam interview, the better. Draft a personal elevator pitch. The elevator pitch is a short, proactive statement aimed at getting listeners’ attention and making them interesting in hearing more about your product. In this case, you will be trying the sell yourself to the interview panel.
Start by giving a short career history, highlighting key points you think will be of interest to the interview panel. Pay special attention to experience and training that you feel will come in useful should you get the job. Finish on a positive note.
Ask a supportive colleague, mentor, friend, or family member to listen to your elevator pitch. Ask them for feedback and make any changes that may be necessary. Keep your pitch short and snappy. Ideally, your pitch should not exceed two minutes. The advantage of preparing an elevator pitch is it gives you a readymade answer to your interviewers’ question “so tell us something about yourself”.
Pay Attention to Your Equipment
It’s a good idea to invest in a top quality webcam and microphone for the interview. Set up the new equipment at least one day before the interview. This will give you plenty of time to check for and fix potential problems.
Make Sure You Have a Definite Space for the Interview
Some companies will ask candidates to appear at a definite venue for the webcam interview. But the majority of employers will expect the candidates to make the necessary arrangements in their own home.
In such cases, it’s important to demarcate a definite space for the interview. Choose a space that offers a neutral backdrop. Avoid giving an interview in a personal setting, like your bedroom or kitchen.
Pay Attention to How You Look and Sound On Camera
Choose an outfit that looks both attractive and professional on camera. Women should apply only the bare minimum of makeup. Overuse of cosmetics can make you look unprofessional. It’s a good idea to experiment with various looks till you find one that is subtle and appropriate.
Find time for a mock interview. This will help you improve your camera presence. Some common tips from media professionals on effective communication over video include:
- Speak in a lower pitch that usual – pitch your voice slightly lower than usual when speaking over the webcam. This will make your voice sound more confident and pleasing.
- Speak slower – speak in clear, measured tones. This makes it easy for your listeners to understand what you say. This is especially important when dealing with someone from a different country, someone who may be unfamiliar with your accent. Speaking slightly slower than usual also allows speakers to come across as precise and discerning …both positive qualities employers value in a candidate.
Use these simple tips to ace your webcam interview.
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