How to ace a video interview

Plus: The trait hiring managers look for most, according to a workplace psychologist

Author

RoadMap Newsletter
May 8th, 2024

Hey, Roadies! 

Hope you’re having a great Wednesday. Summer is so close we can smell it. 

Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here to make sure you’ll receive all future RoadMap Newsletters.

T.O.T.D. – How to Put Your Best Remote Foot Forward 

RoadMap’s “Tip Of The Day”  – this time on how to present yourself while video-conferencing

More than likely, some of your job interviews will take place not in an office but in a software system like Zoom or Google Meet. You’re probably familiar with them from remote classwork, but you may not be used to having all eyes on you. 

There are a few key tips for a good video interview: 

  • Use background filters. With a filter, even if your environment isn’t in the best shape, your interviewer won’t be able to tell. 

  • Try to find a setup where natural light is falling directly on your face. If that’s not possible, just make sure your environment is brightly lit. Shadows and lens flares can be distracting.  

  • Dress like you would for an in-person interview. Yes, most of your outfit will be out of frame, but dressing professionally will put you in the right mindset and impress the interviewer. 

Finally, act natural! Stay professional, of course, but if you’re too stiff or nervous it can come off as rude when you’re communicating remotely. So crank up the enthusiasm.

Numero Uno 

In this section, we ask a hiring manager for the no. 1 most important skill or attribute they look for.

Today, we’re featuring a great recent piece from CNBC on conscientiousness, which is defined as being “organized, responsible and hard working.” Dr. Benjamin Granger, who wrote the article, is a workplace psychologist, so he knows his stuff. 

Here’s what to do now: 

  • Per Dr. Granger, you can show conscientiousness by using a consistent structure when you answer interview questions. Each anecdote you tell should have four sections: 

  1. Context/situation 

  2. How you handled it 

  3. Results 

  4. What you learned

Read This 

A deep dive, if you’re in the mood for it