The first-round video interview—What you should do before you log on

Your resume was accepted, and the Hiring Manager has indicated they want to conduct a video
interview. You are excited for the opportunity, but are you “video interview” ready?
There are a lot of do’s and don’ts surrounding video interviewing. Let’s concentrate on what to do
BEFORE you log onto the meeting.

1. You will likely receive an email invitation with a video link. You need to respond in a timely
   manner to let the Hiring Manager know that you received the video link. There should be an
   acceptance button on the top right corner of the screen. Often the acceptance options will not
   show up on your cell phone, so make sure that you open the invitation on a full screen so that
   you can respond appropriately. This ensures that the meeting is on everyone’s calendar. It is
   also a nice touch to send a short note indicating that you are looking forward to the meeting.
2. Note the email address of the parties that will be on the call before you accept so that you have
   that in your notes. Look up the attendees on the company’s website and on Linked in so that
   you have some understanding of their backgrounds and position in the firm.
3. Note the video platform that the employer is using and do a practice trial run with a friend the
   day before so you can make sure you have good lighting, audio, and the most recent updates
   installed on your computer.
4. Log on at least 10 minutes before the meeting starts so that you are the first one in the meeting
   room. It shows the Hiring Manager you are prepared, timely, and organized.
5. Use a full screen whenever possible. When you use a cell phone, you only take up 1/3 of the
   interview screen and the bandwidth is often weak especially if there are multiple people on the
   call. It is very difficult for the attendees to see you clearly and it is hard for you to see them on a
   small screen.
6. Dress and groom the same way you would if the interview was conducted in their office. This is
   not the time to be casual.
7. Make sure you are in a quiet distraction-free setting, especially if the job is hybrid or fully
   remote. Ideally, conduct the video meeting from the same space you would work in so that the
   employer can see that you have dedicated office space.
8. If you don’t have separate dedicated office space, then make sure to use a virtual background or
   blur your background. No one wants to see your living room, bedroom, dirty laundry, or dishes
   in the sink.
9. Be prepared to make a professional first impression. Make sure that you have note-taking
   paper beside you, a copy of your resume, and that you are sitting with good posture in a work
   chair. No slouching on a couch, lounging on your bed, or sitting in your car.
10. Make sure you have thoroughly reviewed the company’s website, researched the industry, and
    understand the basics of the position. There is no excuse for showing up unprepared just
    because the meeting is conducted over video.
11. Write down follow-up questions for the interview in advance so that you can easily access them
    as the meeting is wrapping up.

Being thoroughly prepared for the video meeting before it starts will impress the Hiring Manager and
dramatically increase your chances of a 2nd meeting.

Want more interview advice, Contact me.