With most of us staying at home and adhering to strict social distancing restrictions, staying connected with your team is now taking place via phone and video conferencing. Similarly, TV networks are increasingly preferring to interview via video software to avoid breaking any COVID-19 restrictions.
Skype interviews can feel strange and it can be difficult to determine how you should look and present yourself when you’re simply sitting in front of a computer at home.
The public relations experts at Adoni Media have compiled some tips to make sure you appear confident, comfortable and professional when you’re asked to do an online interview.
Set up your device properly
Make sure your camera lens is exactly at eye level.If it’s too low or too high, it won’t look right.
Although it’s tempting to watch yourself on the screen, it’s important to look directly at the camera to maintain direct eye contact with your interviewer/audience.
Get the lighting right
Lighting can make a big difference to how to you look on screen. Sitting under a downlight can give you dark circles under the eyes, which can make you look tired or at worst, untrustworthy. Too much bright light can make you look washed out and the interviewer might not be able to see your facial expressions.Try out different positions and lighting arrangements. It might be worth investing in a new lamp or light if interviews are to be a regular occurrence.
Body language
Ensure you have good posture and relax your shoulders to avoid looking stiff on screen. Not all body language can translate from in-person to Skype interviews, so be mindful of what physical cues can be seen on screen.
Dress the part
Treat a Skype interview like an in-person interview. Dress professionally from head to toe, especially from the waist up. Do your hair and makeup to look flattering on-screen and remember to wear block colours to avoid any visual distortion. Wearing the right clothingwill also help you switch into an interview mindset.
Eliminate distractions and interruptions
Make sure everyone in your house knows when you will be conducting your interview to avoid interruptions and to ensure it’s quiet.
It’s also important to close other programs on your computer to reduce the risk of getting a notification during your interview – you don’t want that audio ping! It might also distract you or put too much of a strain on your Internet connection causing the interview footage or audio to lag, or the program to crash.
Assume you are always being watched
Make sure to stay professional and engaged before and after your interview. Only relax once the call has been hung up or you’re told the interview is over.