By now, you’ve probably read that video interviews are all the rage – especially in a technology-driven industry like Healthcare IT, where most of us geeks are armed and ready with a Webcam and video conferencing software of some description. If you haven’t had the experience of being the video interviewer or the video interviewee quite yet, it’s coming! For those of us who are used to conducting interviews (on either side) on the phone and in person, getting used to the whole video interviewing experience is a bit challenging.
One of the most common mistakes video interviewing newbies make is to spend more time looking at themselves than at their counterpart. Sounds like a pretty bonehead move, but it’s actually it’s quite easy to do without even knowing it! Typically, the camera is at the top of your laptop or computer screen, or strategically situated on your desk to minimize your double chin (come on, admit it!) And usually, your small video window is tucked over in the right-hand corner of your screen, giving you a good look at your live on-air-red-carpet-worthy self. Problem is, though, as you are sneaking what you think are occasional furtive glances at your fabulous mug nailing the interview, you lose eye contact with the person you’re speaking with, and appear to be distracted. Not good!
As you will see from this 44-second video, the solution is quite simple, and rather brilliant! Take a look:
This is a great tip Gwen! Thanks for sharing! I use Skype regularly and have to admit another mistake. I sometimes treat a Skype call like a phone conference call and will increasingly get busier and busier doing other things (as if someone is not watching me), especially for long calls in which someone is also sharing their computer screen as we work on a document, website, or other activity together. Obviously, this is rude and should be avoided, especially during an interview.