Chances are if you haven’t had a video interview for a potential job, you will soon!

Software Advice, a video interviewing software review site, recently published a consumer report that found that only 46% of candidates have ever experienced a video interview but cited a survey that found over 60% of recruiters and companies are already implementing video interviews in their hiring process.

Interviews are stressful enough, but video interviewing can add a different level of discomfort for candidates – some of the concerns with this method are illustrated below:

Graph provided by Software Advice.

Recently we shared some tips for recruiters that want to implement video interviews in their hiring process; and now, some tips for candidates getting interviewed:

Practice

Download Skype and give a friend or family member a video call.  Seeing yourself on video can be a bit disconcerting at first, and the more you can get used to how you look on video, the better.  Doing this now, before you may have a video interview scheduled, can help you get comfortable with this method.  It can also help you fix any technical issues you may run into, like your video or sound not working, and making sure your internet connection works well.

Prepare

If you don’t have a computer with a built in camera or microphone, you might consider purchasing an affordable web camera with built in microphone – there are options available for under $10.  A benefit of video interviewing for recruiters is the option to share screens; in your preparation for your interview, make sure you don’t have any embarrassing windows open – Forbes recently shared an article with some amusing screen-share interviewing situations.  And finally, in your preparation, a benefit for you is that you only have to look professional from the waist up; but if you’re wearing sweat pants make sure you’ll have no reason to get up during the interview and show your full attire!

Placement

Think about what location makes the most sense for you to be in during your video interview.  It may not be your house.  If you’ve got children at home, or two loud hound dogs (like me) then it may not be the best choice to have your video interview at home where you’ll have distractions and unexpected background noise.  You may have a local library with rooms available to reserve or you may live in an area with co-working spaces available to rent.  If you’re comfortable having your interview at home, think about where in your house is the best place to position yourself for the interview: a spot with blank wall space behind you – it’s better to have nothing behind you, a good internet connection, and limited distractions for you.

In our increasingly virtual workplace, your first video interview may be right around the corner – start preparing today!