Step 10 of 21: Video Job Interview Tips to Optimize Your Setup and Space

In Step 10 of the "Mastering Your Job Search" series, we focus on the unique aspects of video interviews and how to prepare your setup and space for this type of interview. Unlike traditional in-person interviews, video interviews require a thoughtful approach to create a professional and distraction-free environment.

Important Links:
• Video Interview Background Tips: What to Include and More: https://bit.ly/44QBeHK
• 9 Video Interview (Zoom Interview) Tips to Help You Land the Job: https://bit.ly/3Qh6pHY
• FlexJobs Webinar: Preparing for Remote Job Interviews: https://youtu.be/2YRADX0_WEk

FlexJobs is a subscription service for job seekers that features flexible and remote jobs. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.7 rating from over 10,000 reviews, FlexJobs ensures that customers have a safe and positive remote job searching experience - without the ads, scams and junk found on other job sites.

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Transcript

Welcome to step 10! Now that you have polished and tailored your resume and practiced your answers to some of the most common interview questions, it is time to prepare your interview space! A video interview can vary from a more typical in-person interview in several ways. Let’s talk about that and how to prepare your setup and space for this type of interview.

Unlike a traditional in-person interview where you are welcomed into the workplace, a video interview is different in that you are inviting the hiring committee into your home, so you want to make sure your space is appropriately prepared! 

First, consider the location where you will be during your interview. If you already have an established office space apart from the rest of your living space, this is ideal. If you don’t have a dedicated office, you’ll want to find a quiet, clean space apart from the main living space of your home. While virtual backgrounds can be useful, you won’t want to rely on this just in case you run into some technical difficulties and you have to interview without a virtual background. If you do choose a virtual background, be sure it’s a clean, classic office-type background rather than the beach or cityscape. 

When deciding on a space for your interview, look for a spot where you can close the door and avoid being near an open window. This can help to cut down on unexpected noise interrupting your meeting. If possible, it can be best if children and pets are out of the house. Even the best-behaved pup is likely to make a ruckus when the unexpected delivery person knocks on the door!

Use a critical eye to look at the space that may be visible behind you. Is the area cluttered and distracting? Are there any “non work friendly” pictures, book covers, or other items that could be distracting or draw the interviewer’s attention away from you? If possible, a room divider can create a professional backdrop for your interviews. Double check your lighting to make sure that you are well lit on camera and do your best to eliminate any shadows. 

Take time to consider your internet connection. If possible, find a spot where your wifi connection is strong and if needed, think about plugging your computer in directly through an ethernet cable. Also, it’s a good idea to give a test run to any software that you may be using in the interview and even download the web conferencing app to your phone as a back up in the event that you need to hop on to a mobile network instead. Double check your lighting to make sure that you are well lit on camera and do your best to eliminate any shadows. 

Once you have done everything you can to prepare, relax. If a challenge or technical issue does happen to arise during the interview, you can handle it! And, how you calmly handle issues if they should arise is a great example to them of how you remain calm and focused under pressure. Make sure to check out the links in the description below for more tips on preparing for your video interview!