Mastering Video Conferences, Interviews and Calls

These days, more and more companies are embracing technology and telecommuting. It's a great thing for offices and employees everywhere. One of the interesting new trends is professional interaction via video conferencing platforms such as Skype. If you don't spend a lot of time using your webcam, the idea of interviewing or participating in conference calls through such a platform might seem a bit daunting. However, with some preparation, it can be easy. Here are a few tips to help:

Get familiar with the software. It's best to learn about video conferencing software before you're under pressure. Try downloading or signing up for a few popular platforms (e.g., Skype, Google+, GoToMeeting) and message friends and family. At the very least, you can use your professional development as an excuse to get some face-to-face time with your loved ones. While chatting, take time to find and test the main features of each platform, and make sure all of your hardware works correctly. An interview is not a great time to find out that your webcam is blurry or your microphone sounds tinny. You also don't want to accidentally hang up on a conference call while trying to mute your microphone.

Pick a professional space to hold the interview. Take the time to analyze what your feed says to the person on the other end of the call. Your goal should be to appear tidy and put together, which means you should look like you're sitting in a professional setting. Noise levels and your background make drastic differences in how you're perceived. For example, a bookshelf and silence sends a different message than a television and a barking dog. Lighting plays a large part in your appearance too. Here's one tip: try placing a desk lamp next to your webcam, so it's just out of sight for the people you're communicating with, but still shining in your face. It can feel uncomfortable, but it can help dramatically. Light coming from the same direction as the camera makes a big difference in your video feed appearing clear and bright, rather than dark and dingy.

Don't multitask during your interview. Always set your video conference to full screen instead of trying to multitask between the video platform, your smartphone, and any other programs. By looking down at your keyboard or elsewhere on your screen, you'll appear disinterested and distracted. Instead, it's best to pay attention to the feed when someone is talking, and to look at the camera lens when you're speaking. By looking directly at the camera, you'll appear as if you are making eye contact, and you can create and maintain a visual connection with the other members of the call. You wouldn't be surfing the internet or updating your calendar during a face-to-face meeting, so you shouldn't do it on a video conference either.

Don't stare at yourself. Most video conferencing platforms provide a small view of your webcam's feed. While it's a great tool to make sure that you are centered in the screen and that your camera is working, some people can find it distracting. After you've set it up, try to avoid spending time staring at your feed. It can be off-putting to an employer if instead of looking at them during an interview, you're staring at yourself. Sometimes people can look like they're primping or hamming it up for the camera--as if it's a mirror, rather than a person on the other end. Remember, while their feed takes up the majority of the space on your computer screen, your feed takes up the majority of their screen.

Always dress appropriately. It's important to look as professional as the situation requires. Trust me, you don't want to get caught wearing a shirt and tie over sweatpants. Dress appropriately (and completely), just as you would if you were there in person. It'll help you feel focused and professional, and you never know when you might have to stand up. 

Professional communication over webcam can be a little intimidating at first. However, with a bit of planning and some experimentation, the medium can be fun and convenient. After all, you don't have to worry about airfare, getting stuck in traffic, being late, or spilling coffee on the only outfit you have with you.

Have you ever had a webcam interview? Please share your experience in the comments.

Image Source: MorgueFile