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How to ensure the ‘real you’ is coming through during your video interview

When finding the right fit in today’s uncertain workforce, it’s important for job seekers and employers alike to adapt to the ever-changing world of work and emerging best-practice expectations.

Yet, as video interviews have become the primary tool for screening candidates, recruiters and hiring managers are faced with a whole new slew of challenges when virtually screening candidates – ranging from lip synching candidates to proxy representation.

As almost a quarter of all U.S. jobs have been disrupted, it’s a competitive job market and employers are noticing that some unqualified candidates are getting crafty when it comes to video interviews – or are unknowingly engaging in body language habits that could falsely indicate deception.  

When taking part in a video interview, here’s how to ensure you’re coming through as the real you.  

Always have your camera turned on 

The first step in the job interview process in a telephone interview to assess whether the candidate has the skills and experience required to proceed to the in-person interview. However, the in-person interview has quickly reverted to video interviews… which require video. If you cannot use a camera on your laptop, desktop or smart phone, it could indicate to a hiring manager or recruiter that you’re either unprepared for the video interview, or a third party is actually taking the interview for you. 

Does your voice match your mouth when speaking  

If you have a poor internet connection and there is lagging or buffering while you speak, it could appear to the hiring manager or recruiter that someone else is speaking for you off camera and you are lip synching their answersSimilarly, avoid any attempt to cover your mouth during the interview.  

Have your I.D ready

Many employees are now confirming identities before the video interview. They are doing this by requesting a copy of your I.D or by asking for candidates to hold up a piece of photo ID during the video interview.  

Do you have a LinkedIn profile?  

LinkedIn is the number one professional networking platform in the world, and recruiters are not only using the platform to source and engage candidates, they’re also looking to confirm candidates’ employment history and skill sets. If you don’t have LinkedIn, it may indicate you don’t have the professional background cited on your resume. Do you have a LinkedIn profile, but no photo? Add one! 

Are you making direct eye contact during the video interview?   

Sixtyseven per cent of hiring managers agree that a lack of eye contact is the biggest mistake a candidate can make.  

During video interviews, it’s important that you don’t break eye contact too often. To the interviewer, it could demonstrate that you aren’t confident about your candidacy, or it could also, in fact, appear that you’re reading answers to interview questions off another screen or taking interview directions from a third person. 

No typing! 

Similar to an in-person interview, candidates should be sitting with good posture and focused on the interviewer. If you appear to be typing, or if the interviewer detects the sound of tapping keys, it could appear that you’re Googling or reaching out to a third-person reference for answers or guidance.   

Job searching in an uncertain workforce is a challenge, but being prepared for your interview, regardless of the format, is always essential to achieving your business and employment goals.

Are you ready to find your next great opportunity?

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How to ensure the ‘real you’ is coming through during your video interview

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