Now that many of us are in lockdown/lock down/lock-down and have to work from home, video conferencing is becoming the norm. But there are a few things that should be taken into consideration:
Video interviews
• Skype videos open a window into your home, so check what viewers will see in the background. Do you want the world to see your untidy bookshelves, backs of doors with clothes hanging on them, or your general clutter? If you have a laptop, take it somewhere that will show your home off to the best advantage. (
There should be an app that will provide a blank or pleasing background!)
• Make sure that background plants and standard lamps don't look as if they are growing out of your head. If there is a window behind you check that there is no distracting traffic or pedestrians.
• Close doors to shut out extraneous noise. Make sure children are properly supervised and any barking dogs are out of earshot.
• Tell the family what time the interview will take place so that they are aware they should not make a noise. Post someone near the front door to prevent a visitor ringing the bell (and setting the dogs barking).
• Watch the lighting. Is light reflecting from your reading glasses? Good natural light is probably best, but you can check what your webcam software recommends.
• Position the webcam so that your face is seen to the best advantage. Viewers don't want to see up your nose, so avoid looking down at the camera - it will also emphasise a double chin! Remember to look directly at the webcam and not at the screen. Place the laptop on some books or a box to raise it to eye level.
• Skype a friend or family member beforehand to ask how you look.
• Prior to the interview, make sure everything is working properly and nothing needs charging, and that you have decent connectivity.
• As it is a small screen this is not the time for expansive gestures. Keep your gestures to a minimum otherwise they will become distracting.
• Watch for cues that the interviewer wants a turn to speak. Time delays can make a 'normal' conversation difficult.
• Dress the same as you would for a normal interview so that you look professional. Leave off jangly or noisy jewellery.
• Make a note of important facts and figures. Write them large enough to be read without having to put on your reading glasses, and keep them on cue cards so that you can easily glance at them.
Hope these tips help.
They are an extract from one of my books.