During the COVID-19 pandemic, video interviewing has become the standard for law firms and companies alike when it comes to their hiring process. With working from home as the new norm, online interviewing appears to be here to stay. For legal technology professionals interviewing via video poses a few unique challenges and extra preparation.
Here are seven easy tips to prepare you for your next video interview:
1. Check Your Technology
You want to make sure your computer is fully charged and plugged in and that all aspects of your video platform are working, especially the audio and microphone functions. Get familiar with the video platform you are using for your interview, whether it’s Zoom, Microsoft Teams, BlueJeans or GoToMeeting, make sure you have downloaded any necessary applications and updated permissions on your device so you don’t run into any last-minute technical issues. Lastly, don’t forget to ensure your wi-fi connection is strong, or if possible, use an Ethernet cable to ensure your connection doesn’t break during the interview.
2. Get Your Lighting Right
One of the more unique challenges of video interviews is your lighting. You want to be easy to see, not shadowed. Take advantage of natural light by setting yourself up near a window, ideally facing the window, or to the left or right of it. Use any lamps you have in the room to your benefit as well; use a softer light aimed toward your face, a backlight to add dimension to your space, and fill lights to balance the light on either side of your body.
3. Clean Your Space
It’s also very important that your interview space is tidy and distraction-free. Look for clutter and any other potential distractions for your interviewer, including possibly offensive décor, and remove it. That way the interviewer will be focused on your answers rather than your space.
4. Eliminate Technology Distractions
You don’t want to overload your computer or get distracted by an email popping up. Close all programs on your computer except for the video platform you’re using. Print a copy of your resume, as you would for an in-person interview. Turn off your other devices or put them in a different room, you shouldn’t need them during your interview, and a buzz could keep you from hearing a question or answering well.
5. Dress to Impress
As with any interview, dressing professionally is very important. But when it comes to video interviewing, you should also consider what looks best on screen: avoid patterns and wear neutral colors. Don’t only consider your torso—make sure all of you is dressed to impress so if you need to stand up for some reason, you’re not embarrassed by your sweat pants.
6. Chat Professionally
Your user name on the video platform also creates an impression so you may want to create a new one just for interviewing. Upgrade your user name to something professional and make sure to use a professional-looking picture as well.
7. Consider Your Nonverbals
Before you start your call, test your distance from the camera, making sure your head and shoulders are visible and that your occasional hand gestures could be seen. Imagine you’re sitting across from your interviewer and gauge the appropriate distance accordingly. You should also practice greeting your interviewer with a confident and friendly smile for a great start to your video interview.
Preparation is key to interview success, and it’s no different when it comes to video interviews. By making sure both your space and your own appearance are optimized for video interviewing, you increase your chances of getting a second interview and landing a great legal tech opportunity.
Our IT recruiters would love to be your career advisor. For personalized interviewing advice and resume recommendations:
Note: This blog was originally published in 2017 and has been updated to reflect current trends and practices.
