Video interviews are much more common these days than in the past. The main reason for this is advances in technology. People are more comfortable talking to each other electronically. It’s also no surprise that companies would use videos more often because they can help control costs.

Video interviews are similar to the in person version in many ways, and you prepare for them the same way. The advice about researching the company, selling yourself, and dressing appropriately still apply. However, there are naturally other things that are different, and you need to be aware of these differences and prepare for them. Here are a few tips.

1. Watch how you place the camera.
You should place the camera at a level equal to where the top of your head is. Use your hairline as a gauge as to where to place the camera. This does several things. First, it makes you raise your gaze a little, making your chin more prominent. Since a strong chin is generally perceived as a sign of strength, this will help you look more confident and self-assured. Also, looking up will help you to keep better posture.

Look right at the camera. Avoid looking the screen. By doing this, you can make direct eye contact with the interviewer. Again, this will help you to look more confident and commanding.

2. Keep an eye on your body language.
As with any interview, you need to be aware of body language. It is much more important than you might realize. Interviewers are watching your body language to help gain more information about you. It may communicate as much or more about you than your verbal answers.

For that reason, you should watch that you are not gesturing too much with your hands. Make sure that you are sitting straight and not slouching. And, as with any interview, watch for other distracting movements, such as tapping your foot, biting your nails, or playing with your hair.

3. Be careful about the colors
You need to be more careful about what you wear in a video interview. Do not wear anything white because this tends to create more glare on camera. Stay away from patterns on your clothes because this gives the impression of movement, which can be annoying to the interviewer. Stick to more solid colors.

Also, keep the background simple. You don’t want to be broadcasting your bookcase, or paintings you have, or your aquarium.

If you want to be productive in your job search, Winston Resources can help you get the job you want. Winston is a leading staffing firm in the New York City area, with the resources to help you. Give Winston a call today.