Among other (probably less positive) monikers, we could call 2020 “The Year of Zoom,” as it seems businesses are doing everything via video calls these days. And job interviews are no exception. In my training with job seekers around the country (which I’m mostly conducting with Zoom!), I’m finding that the idea of an online interview actually makes some people even more nervous than a traditional face-to-face exchange.

And somewhat surprisingly, I observe the same anxiety from both older and younger job seekers alike. Senior people are often intimidated by the technology, while younger job seekers, for whom using tech is much more familiar, are simply less experienced with the interview process and are concerned about “making a real connection” over the internet.

I’m hopeful that this article will help you, no matter what situation you’re in.

If you have an upcoming interview on Skype, Zoom, WebEx, Adobe Connect or another online connectivity software, here’s what you need to know in order to give yourself the best chance to “Wow!” the interviewer.

One quick aside before we jump in: I’m going to skip some of the more obvious tips, such as making sure your camera and microphone work, you’ve removed background distractions (especially kids, roommates and pets, if you’re interviewing from home), and your attire is appropriately aligned with your industry (i.e., tech, corporate, civil service, startup, etc.). You might think of these as “Duh” givens, but we don’t want to underestimate the importance of such details. Trust me, if you don’t “show up” on time for a video interview because you lost the password or you haven’t fully tested your internet connection, it still counts as being unprepared and flaky.

 1.    Embrace it!

Welcome to the new world. Online interviews aren’t going anywhere, so we may as well get used to them. It’s likely that the sheer convenience of online interviewing will make them the norm rather than the exception going forward. Many industry professionals (me included) believe that even post-pandemic, video calls will replace initial phone interviews during the first stages of the hiring process, and will permanently replace in-person interviews in situations where the interviewee is located out of the area. So, go ahead and do what it takes to become proficient—this may be the way interviews are conducted both now and forever.

2.    Set your camera at eye level to make eye contact easier

Eye contact is one of the most important keys to successful interpersonal communication, so make sure your camera is at eye level height. You may need to use an adjustable table, sturdy box, or a stack of books (that’s what I use) to accomplish the right height if you’re using your laptop. (Remember, the interviewer can’t see anything that’s not in the camera’s view.) Furthermore, be sure to look precisely at the camera lens (you’ll need to know exactly where it’s located) throughout the interview. I realize that it’s tempting to watch your own image as you speak, but in order for the interviewer(s) to perceive you as looking straight at them, you must look directly into the camera. This small trick works wonders, and helps you to look confident, calm, knowledgeable, and professional—which is 80% of the battle right there.

3.    Find a neutral background  

Be sure to set up your interview space with the camera pointed out toward a neutral (but attractive and pleasant) background. Avoid “busy” backdrops, such as your personal living area, because this can be exceptionally distracting to the interviewer. (You should be the main attraction, and not your incredibly cool new coffee maker.) And if you don’t have an office-like space where you live, a clean, solid wall will work. A piece of artwork in the background is also fine, but make sure it represents you as a serious, qualified, professional job candidate. (Best to take down posters of cannabis leaves, unless you’re interviewing with a marijuana dispensary!)

4.    Have adequate lighting behind the camera to light up your face

Darkness and shadows work on camera only if you’re telling ghost stories at Halloween, but for job interviews, make sure your face is well-lighted and entirely visible to the interviewer(s). Ideally, you want your lighting to come from an off-camera source that’s shining directly on you at the same level as your face. This helps to avoid weird shadows created by your nose or chin if the light is coming from below, or a strange “halo glow” on the top of your head from a ceiling light (although you could always say you’re simply an angelic candidate…). Not sure about your lighting? Getting it right is super important, so do a test run with a friend. (More about that in tip #6.)

5.    Wear a solid, pattern-less top  

Years ago, when I was involved in television work, we had to avoid all patterns—they “confused” the camera lens and could end up looking downright nausea-producing to viewers. Today, while we’ve made significant improvements in camera technology, it’s still a good idea to wear a solid top with no patterns for a job interview. Densely ornamental designs can look bewildering on camera, and big plaids or bold stripes are simply distracting. Even a regular pinstriped dress shirt can occasionally create a weird, strobe-like effect that appears to dance on screen. Also, avoid silks, satins, and other shiny fabrics that reflect light and shimmer when you move. (Ditto for big pieces of sparkly jewelry.) And finally, make sure your top contrasts with your background color so you don’t fade into the wall behind you.

6.    Record a couple of practice runs well in advance

Set up your area like it will be during the interview and record yourself talking for five minutes or so. If this suggestion seems like too much of a hassle and you’re thinking about skipping this step, I advise you to reconsider. You might be surprised at what you notice when you view “the whole picture”—both you and your environment—from the vantage point of the interviewer! Be sure to watch your practice run with a critical eye for detail, making sure everything is perfect and ready to go, from your attire (including hair and makeup, if you wear it), to the background, to the sound quality, to the lighting. Be sure to run through four or five standard job interview questions, along with any discussion points you may be anticipating that are specific to the job you’re applying for.

Next, send the clip to a few friends and colleagues and ask their opinions. This will be especially helpful if you have any hiring managers or supervisors in your inner circle. They can help spot problems you may have overlooked and can coach you on your performance (and possibly point out that pile of unfolded socks over in the corner that you neglected to notice).

7.    Write down your talking points and attach them to your screen

I saved the good news for last! Any interview can be stressful, and it’s easy for even the most seasoned interviewees to become flustered, but this is exactly where a video interview has its advantages.

Write down key words to the talking points you know you’ll need in the interview. These are the “tell me about yourself” and “why should we hire you” questions that almost every interviewer uses—ones that are meant to prompt you to share your relevant skills and experience.

One word of warning, though: make your notes as brief and concise as humanly possible. No more than four or five words (not sentences) max per talking point. They’re simply there to jog your memory.

Next, attach them to your screen just slightly away from the camera lens, so that you can see them without having to look down at your desk or tabletop. Limiting your notes to just a few words ensures you won’t be caught reading, which will help you to look natural and confident.

Conclusion

Video interviewing is relatively new to our business world, but so are many other things, such as wearing masks in public areas, limited access to office bathrooms and break rooms, social distancing, and working from home. Rather than complain about or struggle against these changes in our work environments, the most practical thing we can do—not to mention the most beneficial to our careers and to our own mental health—is to proceed ahead and do our best to succeed within the important guidelines that have been created for our health and safety.

My last point is to trust yourself to do a good job. There’s a very encouraging reason you were called for an interview: it’s because someone already thought you were a viable candidate for the position, and that you could become an asset to their organization. So now, it’s up to you to prove them right!