MPW Insider is an online community where the biggest names in business and beyond answer timely career and leadership questions. Today’s answer for:What are three things you look for in a resume? is written by Patty Pogemiller, U.S. director of acquisition and mobility at Deloitte.
Technology is rapidly changing the job interview process. While networking and writing a convincing resume are still valuable skills, video interviews may be the best way to make a lasting first impression. Video interviewing is growing by 300% year over year, according to an ERE webinar, and online gathering place for recruiters, last month. Companies that utilize video interviewing can further connect with candidates, expand their applicant pool, and provide a better sense of company culture.
In addition, video interviewing augments your ability to engage with employers and tell them more about yourself — beyond what is written on your resume. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind when setting up a video interview:
Use the interview to supplement your resume
Your resume is still a great way to get noticed by employers, but a video interview allows you to bring your resume to life. Give examples beyond what is on your resume that demonstrate why you should be considered for the job. For example, tell a story about how you approached a difficult problem strategically and solved it. Or elaborate on how a specific leadership role helped shape your management style.
Block out distractions
Video interviews offer convenience and a genuine conversation that shouldn’t be mistaken for casualness. You might talk from the comfort of your home, but you should still dress appropriately as if it were an in-person interview. Keep in mind the person viewing you on camera — avoid wearing clothes with patterns or bright colors that can be distracting.
Minimizing noise and visual distractions will help the interview flow uninterrupted. Find a quiet location to do the interview and close all windows and doors to shut out noise that can disturb your conversation. And the room you choose to do the interview should be neat and presentable. This might sound like intuitive advice, but you would be surprised how many times job candidates forget to pick up their dirty laundry before doing a video interview!
Learn how to use the technology
Nothing prevents a video interview from starting on the right foot like technology glitches. Some can’t be avoided — we all know that technology isn’t perfect. Fortunately, many companies give instructions on how to use their video interview tool before the actual interview takes place. Make sure you read the instructions and understand how the technology works. Your webcam should be positioned to display your head and shoulders. It can be disconcerting to the interviewer if they only see your face (another reason why the room should be tidy). Positioning the webcam at eye level will project the best image of yourself to the interviewer.
Be authentic
Above all, be genuine and give the interviewer a sense of your true personality and what you can bring to their organization. There’s no reason to change your personality because you’re on camera. Doing so could give a potential employer the wrong impression of you and how you would fit into their work environment.
Read all answers to the MPW Insider question: What are three things you look for in a resume?
3 things you won’t learn about a job candidate from a resume by Pooja Sankar, CEO and founder of Piazza.
3 simple ways to get your resume noticed by Donna Wiederkehr, CMO of Dentsu Aegis Network.
Why it’s okay to have employment gaps in your resume by Maren Kate Donovan, CEO of Zirtual.
3 resume tips that help make a great first impression by Debbie Messemer, managing partner at KPMG San Francisco.
In a job interview, here’s what’s more important than intelligence by Angela Dorn, chief legal officer at Single Stop USA.
Here are the 2 qualities that could make or break a job interview by Gay Gaddis, CEO and founder of T3.
Why your resume matters less than it used to by Kristen Hamilton, CEO and co-founder of Koru.
3 resume tips for recent grads by Perry Yeatman, CEO of Perry Yeatman Global Partners.
Here are 3 things you should have on your resume by Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn
What does your resume say about you? by Sharon Price John, CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop.
CEO of Brit + Co: 3 ways to create a stand out resume by Brit Morin, CEO of Brit + Co.
