Several clients recently told me about their experiences interviewing via webcams.  It makes sense.  With the economy the way it is webcam interviews are an efficient and economic way to manage the process.

Then I came across an interesting article in Time magazine with tips for how to ace webcam interviews.   I just had to share them with you in case you – or someone you know — has one coming up soon.  I took the liberty of adding a few of my own tips as well.

•  Check the equipment in advance — two or three times.  You don’t want to come across unprepared and technical difficulties that could have been precluded if you just practiced ahead of time will put you into that category.
• Clean up the interview space.  While you’re checking out the equipment take a good look at what will appear in the periphery.  Get rid of the clutter and replace it with a few books or family photos.
• Create a quiet space free from distractions.   This means get a sitter for the kids, bring barking dogs to the neighbor’s house for the duration of the interview, tell the housekeeper not to vacuum and the gardener to avoid using the blower. 
• Work on lighting.  Make sure there are no bright lights behind you that will darken your face or directly in front of you that will wash you out.
• Choose your wardrobe carefully.  Experts suggest that you avoid wearing white and patterns.  Again, while you’re practicing make sure the eye is drawn to your face and eyes first. 
• Don’t lean in for emphasis.  No one needs to see a close up of your nose.  Instead, try to keep centered in the frame with the equivalent of the first top three buttons of a blouse or shirt visible. 
• Remember to smile.  Nothing boosts your LQ (likeability quotient) like a genuine smile. 

TAGS: Interview skills, long-distance interviews, remote interviews, webcam interviews