Creating Connection in your Virtual Interview
Online interviews for some applicants can relieve the stress of an in-person interview while other individuals find the experience unsettling. Time delays on facial reactions, frozen screens, and the feeling of distance between the interview committee and the interviewee are a few common concerns. For applicants that want to create the feeling of personal connection, consider a few ideas to create the favorable impression:
1. Elevate the camera on your device so that your screen is eye level. Camera angles that are too high or too low may act as a distraction and unintentionally alter your appearance. A set of textbooks come in handy for elevating your computer to the correct height.
2. Light up your face from the front. Eliminate shadows by using a circle light on your desk or natural light from a window. Illuminating your face allows the interviewers to see your natural expressions and engage the listener with your answers.
3. Give your professional outfit a trial run. Wear a complete outfit. Even though your interviewers should only see shoulders up, dress for the occasion and the possibility that you might have to stand up unexpectedly.
4. Check your connection and your volume. Set up where you are going to be on the day and make sure your internet connection is excellent. You will want to make sure that you don’t cover up the microphone. If you know that your home does not have good reception, take steps to find an alternative location to borrow or rent for the day.
5. Minimize your background distractions. Keep the background shown in your screen neutral, so that the focus remains on you and not the pictures on the wall or the curtains hanging in the background.
6. Plan to have your pets exercised and content prior to the interview. Set up a dog walker, prepare your cats with catnip, and secure your snakes. If you have vocal animals that may bark or yowl from behind a closed door, consider placing them in an alternative location for a half day until you interview is over.
Have a friend help you go through the steps to create your interview space. Use a video conference call and have your trusted ally identify all the things that you might not notice. People want you to succeed at your interviews and are often excited to support you in any way that they can. You will be able to focus on your interview knowing people supported you to prepare for your interview or are taking care of things while you engage in your interview.
If you are interested in preparing for interview questions or learning more tips for having a successful interview, you can contact me at prevetprep@gmail.com to learn more about how we help you get in to vet school.
