Looking for ways to impress your next employer? Did you know that video is rapidly becoming one of the best utilized tools for employers to sift through the thousands of resumes that receive daily? Would you like to know more about how to maximize your exposure via a video interview? Here are 6 tips to help you make a great impression and become more confident and comfortable in front of the camera.
1. Do your homework, know your audience. Who do you want to connect with? This is your opportunity to sell yourself and connect with your target audience. Think beyond your skills, and your appearance, and bring your personality to the show. Personality is very important, especially when it comes to working with a team.
2. Be the solution. How are you going to solve their problem? What is your unique proposition that will set you apart from other applicants? Why should they hire you? Employers are looking for people to fill a need, to become part of an integral team that serves their company mission. By expressing that you not only have an understanding of their mission, the position, the team dynamic, and their business but also how you are the solution to their problem, their mind goes to work on visualizing you as part of their team before you even step foot in the building.
3. Be professional. If you’re target audience is someone who wears a suit every day, wear a suit; if they wear jeans do the same just make it nice clean new jeans with a clean crisp shirt. Look your best. Check your mirror before stepping in front of the camera. Once in front of the camera it is have someone there to help with one final check as you position yourself. Work with angles and step back a little for a better visual effect. Sit on the edge of a stool to enhance posture and to keep from moving around too much.
4. Be aware of your surroundings. Your background is very important. You may want to film yourself in your studio if you are a designer, or outside if you are an environmental engineer, but your kitchen may not be the best place unless you are a chef. A nice clean background will work for most people. I highly recommend working with a professional videographer who will help you determine a great location or use a green screen.
5. Know what you want to say. Practice your presentation until you know it, even if you use a teleprompter. When you know your script your personality has the opportunity to really shine through, your presentation will appear more natural and inviting as well as giving you an air of confidence. People are attracted to people who are confident, well spoken, and who have a great message.
6. Practice. Record your message numerous times until you get it right or close to it. It will most likely take several takes to settle in and get comfortable in front of the camera. When reviewing your message be critical, but not too. Remember, we are looking for good content, a friendly personality, and a professional appearance…perfection is not on that list. We all make little mistakes, that’s what makes us human. People like human! Instead of perfection strive for excellence and you will achieve it.
Be creative in your message and let your personality shine through. Video is making an impression on how people work and view the world, why not use it to make an impression on your next employer.
