Whether you recently graduated school or are just seeking a new job, work interviews are increasingly conducted online, via video. This can be especially true as more companies take on remote hires and millions are working from home.
With this rapid rise in digital job interviews, you may wonder, What are some ways to ace a video interview? Do I need a fancy lighting set-up? What should I wear?
To help you make a good impression, read on for seven video interview tips, from practicing ahead of time to tweaking your background. They can help you make a great impression.
Get the Details Right
Video interviews could lead to a rewarding job. So it can be a smart first step to confirm the logistics of the video interview in advance to make sure there’s not a last-minute panic. Some questions to wrangle could include:
- Will you get a calendar invite or event link for the interview?
- What time zone will the interviewer be calling in from?
- Which video conferencing platform will be used?
- Will you need to download software to be able join the interview?
Knowing the answers to logistics can help bring more confidence to the video interview.
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Dress for the Video Interview
Whether you are applying for an on-premises, fully remote, or part-time remote job, certain interview expectations stay the same — namely, presenting yourself with professionalism and dressing for the job. Even when (especially when) you’re interviewing from home.
Even if you’re applying for a fully remote job and you’d likely wear a hoodie and leggings every day, this is a moment to look professional. Business casual is a good bet, and remember the adage to dress for the job you want, not the role you have. Going a notch more formal is typically better than too relaxed.
Do check out how you look on camera in your interview outfit in advance. A shirt that looks fine in real life could wind up looking odd when cropped on camera.
Now, the seven tips to help you ace a video interview as you move forward with job applications.
1. Practice to Make Perfect
Different companies or organizations may use different platforms to host the interview — from Zoom to Google Hangouts to other programs. Don’t worry: You don’t need to become a pro at all the expert features. Still, it’s a good idea to become comfortable with:
- Dialing into scheduled calls
- Checking the audio and the camera
- Understanding what the interviewer can see
- Ensuring the WiFi signal is strong enough for the video interview and doesn’t lead to lag.
If you’re scheduled for a video job interview via a program you’ve never used, it’s advisable to download and try it out well before the actual call. Opening up an unfamiliar program just before the interview only to realize it’s not compatible with your technology might not create a positive first impression. Also make sure you double-check that you have all logins or passwords for the call.
2. Set the Surroundings
Here’s the next video interview tip: Generally, it’s a good idea to do a test call on the planned video-interview platform. This could help you assess how you and your surroundings appear via video. You may even want an extra set of eyes and ears: Ask a friend or family member to do a “mock” call to ensure the audio and visuals are clear.
When prepping for a video interview, put yourself in the position of whoever will be interviewing you. Some questions to chew on:
- What can the interviewer see of your space? Are you too far from or close to the camera?
- Are you easily visible or is more light needed? Or is the setting too bright and full of glare?
- Are there any distractions in the camera frame? Are you able to make eye contact as you talk, or are you looking sideways into the camera?
Some digital platforms allow users to record sessions. So, interviewees may want to record themselves talking and then watch and listen. You could run through the main things you want to say in the real video interview. Talking aloud on camera can help some people to become more aware of their own body language and improve it, if needed.
These steps can be a good way to finetune your online interviewing skills and hopefully get you on your way to accepting a job offer.
3. Take Brief Notes Beforehand
With job interviews, researching the company beforehand could give you ideas of how to connect previous work experience with the brand’s values or role’s responsibilities. One of the benefits of a video interview is that you can make these research notes quite literal.
Write out key points on a big piece of paper near your computer. Or, jot down a couple of accomplishments (say, an in-demand internship) on a sticky note next to your camera. It’s likely that the employer conducting the video interview will have no idea you’re looking at those pre-prepared notes. Just make sure you keep your notes short, so you can naturally weave in key points while maintaining good eye contact with your interviewer.
4. Minimize Off-Screen Distractions
Another important online video tip is to keep your on-screen image distraction-free. It’s worth remembering that the only person the interviewer wants to interact with is you…not your adorable pets, lovely roommates, or kid sister. You ask the folks you share a living space with to keep quiet or stay in their rooms during your interview. Plan ahead so the conversation isn’t distractingly interrupted by unexpected visitors. (If your dog does somehow come bounding in and sits on your lap, own the situation, apologize, and remedy it as quickly and calmly as you can.)
And, on this topic, it’s a smart idea to turn off notifications for texts and emails during the interview time slot. Otherwise, a funny group chat could make your phone blow up with the distracting sound of alerts flooding in.
Also, as part of how to prepare for a video interview, check your background. Not everyone has a camera-ready home office. Do you have a messy shelf behind your head? Or your roommate’s horror-movie poster hanging there? Style your space so it doesn’t distract your interviewer from you and all you can offer a company.
5. Show up Early
Just as with an in-person interview, it’s wise to show up early. This can communicate that, yes, you’re punctual, but also that you are organized, dependable, and eager for the job.
Also remember that with video calls, there can be issues. Perhaps your passcode doesn’t work, or your video camera won’t turn on (despite having tested it the day before). If you aim to be online and logged in early, you can troubleshoot as needed. Just keep your posture and demeanor professional while you are in any digital waiting rooms before the call starts.
6. Go Outside for a Breather
It’s hard to feel energetic and friendly if you’re cooped inside all day. A good way to minimize nerves is to get fresh air. Don’t just open up a window. Take a quick walk around the block to get a jolt of sunlight and catch a breeze. They can help reset the mind. It can also be a great idea to do these between video interviews, if you have more than one scheduled on a given day.
7. Remember to Be Yourself
After preparing for the logistics of video job interviews, it can be easy to forget one simple thing: Be yourself. While a strong WiFi signal and well-lit space won’t hurt your chances during a video interview, it’s helpful to recall that interviews are conversations between two or more people. You’re not being grilled on a TV news report. Sure, you want to be prepared, but also relax, and share who you are.
Ways to help communicate across the digital divide: Aim to make good eye contact, have your voice show energy, and try out a signal to show that you are done speaking and ready for the next question. A nod might work well in this case.
Getting to Work
How to prepare for a video interview and ace it is just one part of navigating life after college. Being ready for a video interview is just one new way to get noticed these days.
On top of looking for a full-time or better-paying job, some grads also want to find ways to reduce their outstanding debt balances. That can include long-term bills, like student loan repayments. Some borrowers decide to refinance their student loans with a private lender.
Refinancing student loans could reduce monthly bill payments, though it’s important to note that you may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term. In addition, if you refinance federal student loans, you will forfeit certain federal benefits and protections. If you are curious to learn more about refinancing student loans, it can be a good idea to research different offers.
Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.)
This article originally appeared on SoFi.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance
If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.
SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 Opens A New Window.(Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi. Equal Housing Lender.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
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Are Americans ready to have a holly, jolly consumer Christmas?
As competition for consumers increases with an ever-expanding market, small businesses need to be smart and strategic about attracting customers and closing sales—particularly around the holidays. Data shows that up to 65% of small businesses’ annual revenue was generated during the holidays last year. With that much money on the line, holidays mean big business for small businesses.
But when the busy season of the holidays nears, limited resources and high demand can stretch small businesses to the limit and leave them unsure where to put their time and money. A new Intuit QuickBooks-commissioned survey of 6,500 adults in the US reveals how small businesses can unwrap success this holiday season.
This year, small businesses can look forward to a 42%increase in consumer spending over the holiday season, increasing from $88 billion to an estimated $125 billion. This averages approximately $485 towards what each consumer may have earmarked to shop small this year. Despite economic volatility and a climate where inflation and interest rates continue to fluctuate, shopping small is holding strong with consumers.
What’s driving the increase in small business spending? Work bonuses and savings. More than a third of respondents (34%) expect a bonus this holiday season and of these, more than two-thirds (69%) say this will allow them to spend more money at small businesses. Further, 7 in 10 consumers (70%) shared that they began saving for their holiday gift shopping in September of this year or earlier.
QuickBooks
The spirit of gift-giving is alive and well this holiday season. More than 9 in 10 (94%) consumers plan to buy gifts this holiday season with most buying gifts for children (58%), a spouse (41%), or a parent (40%). On average, consumers will be shopping for gifts for 13 people this year.
And while gifting experiences is a trend that comes and goes, small businesses need not feel that pressure this holiday season. As more time passes from the start of the pandemic, 2 in 5 (43%) consumers say they do not have a preference between presents and experiences and a majority (55%) prefer to gift presents over experiences.
Kerkez/istockphoto
The early kick-off to holiday shopping is still in effect this year. Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) consumers say they’re planning to start shopping before October. Small businesses don’t want to be unprepared for early shoppers and can stay ahead by making sure inventory is available before the busy season and well stocked in November. Two in 5 (41%) consumers say they plan to start shopping in November this year and almost half (48%) of consumers indicate they do most of their shopping in November. Among those planning to shop small this year, Small Business Saturday (November 25) is the most popular day (46%) with Black Friday (November 24) as a close second (43%).
QuickBooks
Bridging the gap between an online and in-person shopping experience could boost sales for small businesses this season—and remembering to advertise sales online. Now more than ever, consumers have a sea of options at their fingertips. And with the peak of the pandemic firmly in the rearview mirror, the appeal of in-person shopping is growing. Data shows that consumer interest in balancing the digital and in-person experience will have a surge this holiday season. Most consumers (43%) plan to shop equally online and in-person for the holidays this year (compared with only 28% who say they plan to shop primarily in-person and 29% who say they plan to shop primarily online). Behind this push? Three in 5 (61%) consumers say they find the best small business deals in-person. When it comes to customer service, consumers are clear: 73% say the option to buy online and pick up in store and home delivery options are more likely to get them to buy from small businesses.
Dragos Condrea/istockphoto
Respondents: 5,905 US adults, age 18+
QuickBooks
Small businesses selling in-person this season should be mindful of keeping crowds from becoming too overwhelming. While holiday cheer should be in the air, many consumers are drained by the shopping demands of the season. Excitement could be waning because a majority of consumers find holiday shopping to be a stressful experience. More than 1 in 2 (57%) consumers say shopping for the holidays is stressful and the biggest contributor to this stress iscrowded stores (67%).
Consumers looking to avoid the stressors of holiday shopping are favoring small businesses. Nearly 3 in 5 (59%) consumers say shopping at small businesses is less stressful than shopping at big retailers. Among these consumers, almost half (49%) expect to spend more at small businesses this holiday season.
QuickBooks
A major factor in supporting crowd control is offering a seamless and fast checkout experience. As shown above, almost two-thirds (63%) of consumers say they’re more likely to buy from small businesses with a physical store if they offer contactless or mobile payments. Digitizing the checkout experience as much as possible and integrating payment solutions that allow consumers to pay the way they want with online invoicing, mobile payment apps, and in-person card readers is good for business.
Adam Yee/istockphoto
Bring in Buy Now, Pay Later for a boost
Small online retailers, particularly those with younger customers, should offer Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) for a boost in sales. Providing flexibility and the appeal of no interest rates for shorter terms, BNPL has the potential to attract new customers and retain loyal ones. Three in 5 (60%) consumers plan to use BNPL for holiday shopping this year. Demand for BNPL is higher among younger consumers with 70% aged 18-24 planning to use it for the holidays.
Discounts can make a sale
Small businesses hoping for a successful holiday season can offer discounts and sales as a strategic move. For small businesses with a store, remember to offer discounts both in-store and online. Consumers are doing their research with holiday deals and shipping options top of mind. Almost all (94%) consumers say they compare prices between small businesses and big retailers during the holiday season. Among those who compare prices, 50% say they do so always or often. But most importantly, 51% of consumers say finding a better deal at a bigger retailer or better shipping options (44%) would make them not buy from a small business. Small businesses can leverage an updated website, email marketing, and social media to advertise too-good-to-pass-up deals during this busy season.
Venture into video
Product-based small businesses that sell directly from a website can capitalize on the rise of video. Video has become increasingly important. With small businesses hoping to find new customers and keep current customers coming back, video is an important tool. Search engines, particularly Google, and social media love videos—and so do consumers. Seven in 10 (71%) consumers say they’re more likely to buy a product from a small business’s website during the holiday season if there’s a video showcasing it.
sturti/istockphoto
With a long list of social media apps, it can be hard for small businesses to know where to focus their energies. And while TikTok’s popularity is solidly in place among Gen Z, Facebook is still a major player overall. One third (36%) of consumers say they look to Facebook for gift inspiration, making it top the list of social media platforms for holiday inspiration. This holds true for millennial consumers aged 25-44 as well with almost half (49%) saying they turn to Facebook for gift inspiration.
When it comes to sales, consumers planning to buy from social media rank Facebook (62%) as the top app they’re most likely to purchase from. Instagram (55%) is a close second.
Partner with influencers for more sway with younger customers
The power of the influencer is redefining marketing. For small businesses with a larger base of young customers, partnering with influencers to promote their products and services during the holiday season can have a large return on investment. While 1 in 3 (33%) consumers agree that they’re more likely to buy from a small business if an influencer promotes their products, services, or experiences, among Gen Z consumers aged 18-24, this jumps to 43%. For consumers persuaded by the pull of influencers, 57% said they trust influencers with up to 1 million followers the most.
QuickBooks
Just as data showed last holiday season, customers are eager to support local small businesses this holiday season. For small businesses, leaning into their location and building a community of loyal shoppers could be the key to holiday success. Three in 5 (62%) consumers say they’re more likely to buy from a small business if it’s local. And 2 in 3(68%) consumers say already being part of a small business’s rewards or loyalty program is more likely to make them shop there this holiday season. Donating small business proceeds to charity (38%) is the second biggest pull among consumers.
This article originally appeared on the QuickBooks Resource Center and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
QuickBooks
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Featured Image Credit: insta_photos/istockphoto.
