The standard advice is to over-prepare for a video interview. Most people follow it. However, this approach can lead to increased anxiety and a higher likelihood of mind blanks. It’s time to challenge this conventional wisdom and focus on what actually works.

Focus on Technical Readiness

Investing in high-quality camera and microphone equipment can significantly improve the overall video interview experience and increase the chances of a positive outcome. A good camera and microphone can help you appear more professional and polished, and can also help to reduce technical issues during the interview. For example, a high-quality webcam can provide a clear and sharp image, while a good microphone can help to reduce background noise and ensure that your voice is heard clearly.

Use a Well-Structured Answer Framework

A well-structured answer framework, such as the STAR method, can help candidates stay focused and deliver clear, concise responses to interview questions. The STAR method involves breaking down your answer into four parts: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This framework can help you to provide specific examples from your experience and to showcase your skills and accomplishments. By using the STAR method, you can provide more effective and engaging answers that will help you to stand out from other candidates.

This framework can help you to provide specific examples from your experience and to showcase your skills and accomplishments.

Conduct a Thorough Tech-Check 24 Hours in Advance

Conducting a thorough technical check at least 24 hours before the interview can help identify and resolve potential issues with internet connectivity, platform compatibility, and audio-visual equipment. This can include testing your camera, microphone, and internet connection, as well as checking that you have the necessary software and plugins installed. By conducting a thorough tech-check, you can help to ensure that your interview runs smoothly and that you are able to focus on the questions and your responses.

Maintain Eye Contact with the Camera

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Maintaining eye contact with the camera, rather than the screen, can create a more engaging and personalized experience for the interviewer and help build a stronger connection with the candidate. This can be challenging, as it’s natural to want to look at the screen and see the interviewer’s face. However, by maintaining eye contact with the camera, you can help to create a more professional and confident impression. It’s also important to be aware of your body language and to use positive and open gestures to help to build a connection with the interviewer.

Create a Dedicated Interview Space

Creating a dedicated, distraction-free interview space with a clean and professional background can help candidates present themselves in a more favorable light and stay focused on the interview. This can include choosing a quiet and private space, removing any clutter or distractions, and using a plain and professional background. By creating a dedicated interview space, you can help to reduce distractions and stay focused on the interview. You can also use this space to help you to feel more calm and confident, which can help to improve your performance and increase your chances of success.

The conventional advice on video interviews gets some things right. It emphasizes the importance of preparation and technical readiness. However, it often falls short by focusing too much on scripted answers and last-minute technical checks. By focusing on technical readiness, using a well-structured answer framework, conducting a thorough tech-check, maintaining eye contact with the camera, and creating a dedicated interview space, you can help to optimize your video interview performance and increase your chances of success.

The single biggest lever you have is to focus on technical readiness and to create a balanced approach to preparation. By investing in high-quality equipment, using a well-structured answer framework, and conducting a thorough tech-check, you can help to reduce technical issues and stay focused on the interview. This can help you to feel more confident and calm, which can improve your performance and increase your chances of success. By taking a balanced approach to preparation and focusing on technical readiness, you can help to optimize your video interview performance and achieve your career goals.