More companies are starting to use video interviews as a part of the recruiting process. We’ve been doing it for over 5 years… not such a big surprise since we make video conferencing equipment. Overall, I’m a big fan of video interviews. It’s a more engaging conversation than a phone screen and eliminates the time and expense of flying a candidate in for the interview.

That said, I’m amazed at how uncomfortable it can be if you aren’t use to it. During my first interview with LifeSize, they set me up in a conference room and told me to push the “video” button when the phone started flashing colors. Sure enough, I hear a ring and push the magic button… voila, my interviewer pops up on a 52″ plasma bigger than life. I have to say, I was impressed and we had a great conversation. However, I fell victim to a couple of common mistakes typical of a first timer on video. Did it hurt my interview status?  No, but I want to share a few tips and tricks for those new to interviewing over video.

• Don’t fidget.  We all have our nervous ticks. They are easier to control when you are physically in the same room with the person. When you are talking over video, you can forget just how much the camera can see. The constant foot tapping or wringing of hands under the table will be noticed over video if the camera is zoomed out.
• Don’t yell.  I’m sure a psychologist could explain why, but honestly I am still amazed that most people will talk extremely loud on a video call as if they must yell to the interviewer thru the walls. Ok, so the other person is in another room but most microphones are very sensitive. The LifeSize phone is built with sixteen microphones and acoustic beam forming technology to pick up directional conversation. Trust me - it will catch a whisper.
• Adjust your image.  Most video conferencing systems have pan-tilt-zoom cameras and you should take advantage of it. It’s completely appropriate to adjust the zoom or move the camera left or right when you begin a call. Feel free to change your appearance to the size and angle you feel most comfortable. For me, I like to zoom in so that you see me in portrait like Katie Couric on the nightly news. I have some co-workers that prefer to zoom out. It’s a personal preference so go with what feels right to you. The interview is hard enough without mentally freaking out about how you look on video.
• Body language counts.  Just like in a traditional interview, 90% of the conversation is unspoken. That’s the beauty of video communications. You get to see the other person and engage in a real conversation regardless of your location. Take advantage of the situation and build a relationship with your interviewer. It will make you more memorable and help you stand out from the crowd of candidates.
• Talk to the camera.  The interviewer watches what the camera films. Frequently the camera is located under or above the monitor and that’s a great thing. It lets you focus on the monitor and still appear to be talking to the interviewer like a normal conversation. Occasionally the camera is set off to the side which unfortunately gives the impression that you are afraid to look the interviewer in the eye. Instead you appear to be staring at something over their shoulder. If you find yourself in this situation, either move to a different chair to better align yourself with the camera and tv, or simply look at the camera when you speak.
• You’re always on camera.  If you are in front of the camera, you potential have an audience even if you can’t see them. Our cameras have a 170 degree viewing range. You can see a lot in the other room, but you can’t see everything. It’s quite possible that someone is in the room but standing outside of viewing range. No, they are not spying on you. Probably they are finishing a hallway conversation and are about to enter the room. It’s not sinister, but I have seen candidates get caught in awkward situations because they didn’t realize they could be seen. So stay alert.  Just because you don’t see someone on the other side doesn’t mean someone isn’t there.