4 Things to Do Before Your Next Video Interview

4 Things to Do Before Your Next Video Interview 4 Things to Do Before Your Next Video Interview 8You know your elevator pitch, you’re ready for curve balls, and you know exactly how you want to end the conversation, but how well do you know the video conference tool for your next interview? Do you know what to do before your next video interview? Video interviews can be confidence-crushers, more nerve-wracking than in-person interviews when you’re not comfortable with video interviewing software. You may luck out and land an interview in a tool you’ve called Mom on, but many small businesses and enterprises alike use professional business tools like iMeet. Anytime you use a new a technology or interface, you’ll feel a level of discomfort (think about when you have to relearn everything when you switch phones, for example), and you probably won’t be alone. Consider how many candidates go through the same motions (“Wait, I can’t turn on my webcam.” “Where’s that button?” “Hold on a second.”). But what if you showed up to your online meeting zipping through the tool like an old pro? Here are four things to do before you next video interview: Interview Online Like a Power User Here are four things to do before your next video interview to calm your spinning mind and stand out from the competition: Get Started: Once you receive your interview logistics, go ahead and register for the video interviewing software. You may need to create a login and profile or even download software. This way, you’ll be right on time. And unless you already have an account or it’s free, you may need to sign up for a free version or trial to test it out without going into the interviewer’s online meeting room. Get Familiar: Once you’re in, familiarize yourself with the layout. Find out how to turn on your webcam, test your connection and mute your background. Some tools may be chock full of options, some intuitive. Either way, you’ll establish a comfort navigating so you don’t have to stop and ask for directions during the interview. Get Savvy: Now that you’ve got the basics down, here’s how you really stand out in a video interview. Locate other features you probably wouldn’t use and find out how to smartly incorporate them. Find a place to chat; you may want to send a link to your blog or online portfolio while you’re responding or listening. Learn how to share your screen or send files; if your interviewer says they can’t find your attached recommendations or sample of writing, instead of going to your email, just pop it into your meeting room. Get Personal: Take advantage of features to personalize your profile. Fill out a bio with your life’s motto. Upload additional photos of yourself for conversation starters. Link up your social media pages, if available, so the interviewer can quickly see your massive followers on Twitter or find out who you both know on LinkedIn. Stress Less and Impress Instead of worrying about the technology, you can focus just on the questions, showcase your strengths, and reveal personal hobbies. Plus, taking the initiative to learn the video interviewing software demonstrates your proactive personality and ability to quickly learn new things. Business technology like video conferencing is a pillar for flex work programs at many companies. Proving you can confidently communicate just as well through a webcam as a conference room will help prove to interviewers that you’ll be an engaged, successful flex worker. Readers, are you looking ace your next video interview? Share you favorite tips with us in the comment section below! Ashley Speagle lives in Atlanta and works as a communications specialist for  PGi, a leading global provider of collaboration software and services for over 20 years. PGi is constantly innovating, developing new technologies to make virtual meetings easier and more productive than ever before. Learn more at PGi’s blog, The Future of Business Collaboration.