You may have recalled our blog post earlier in the year about how we shifted our hiring practices. Well, it still holds that our traditional in-person interviews have shifted to virtual, and those have become the norm.
We recognize it doesn’t make interviews seem easier for either the job candidate or the hiring manager. It is stressful enough having to interview for jobs face-to-face. Now, virtual interviews mean having to shrink your physical interviewing self to a mere 8″ by 12″ screen, and you’re at a real disadvantage.
Research says that face to face conversations are 35% verbal and 65% nonverbal. So what does that mean? It means your body language is saying more than you may know. Here are 7 tips to help you master that 8×12 view during your virtual interview.
- Lights, camera, action! Focus your eyes on the camera within your device, not on your self on the screen.
- Sit up straight. As mentioned earlier, your physical appearance is now limited to a smaller scale. Slouching or sinking back gives off the impression that you’re not alert or engaged with the conversation.
- It’s 2020, and we’re leaning into things. You don’t want to sit too close to the camera. But, aim to be about an arm’s length away from the screen. When you lean in, this shows that you’re interested in what the other person has to say.
- No hands. Keep the hand gesturing to a minimum, or eliminate the movement.
- Don’t cross your arms. Remember that screen size? Crossing your arms takes up more space and closes you off, making you appear grumpy. When your arms are resting and relaxed at your sides, you come off more confident, open, and engaged.
- Nod once in a while. Nodding makes you look genuine and can help connect you with your interviewer. But, don’t go too crazy, or you may come off like a bobblehead.?
- Smile. You have a few seconds to make a good impression, and a smile helps accomplish that. A smile says you’re safe and approachable. A smile also makes you sound friendlier.
So, what are you waiting for?
Try some of these practices out. Who knows, maybe we’ll see them in your next virtual interview with us!
