Body language and tone of voice are exaggerated in a video interview. Learn tips to control them.
Besides the technology considerations of video interviewing, we also have the fear factor. Someone is seeing – and recording – our face for as much as an hour. Yikes! Unless you’re a broadcast anchor or a model, who is accustomed to that? It’s enough to make you want to keep your old job!
The good news is there are several ways to check up on your body language and facial expressions before your actual interview. Here are some things to pay attention to:
- Posture: Sit up straight. It’s not just what your Mom told you; it’s important to the image you project as an energetic and interested candidate. Slumping, slouching, or leaning give an impression of less energy, less interest, and less integrity.
- Eye Contact: This is tricky in a video interview because looking the person in the eye means you will appear to be looking down. To look as if you are making eye contact, you must look into the web camera instead of at the person on the screen. Practice this until it feels natural, or at least until you can do it without thinking about it. You don’t have to stare at the camera every second (which can look creepy), but if you look away occasionally, come back to the camera when you make important points.
- Voice: Keep your volume even and your tone professional. Video can be a difficult medium in which to hear well. Don’t make it worse by talking too softly or by shouting.
- Gestures: Practice talking without many gestures. An occasional movement of your head or hand is fine. Too much, and your image (or part of it) may leave the screen, which looks awkward. Practice answering interview questions and record your video session. You will notice your own unconscious movements and be able to remedy them.
If you’re landing interviews but not job offers, contact me today to talk about coaching that can help you interview more effectively.
Related
Electronic Interviewing: How to get through a phone screening interview
Electronic Interviewing: Prepare for your video interview
Electronic Interviewing: Audit your own interview
Image courtesy pat138241 at freedigitalphotos.net.
