5 life-saving tips thatll stop you messing up your video interview

5 life-saving tips thatll stop you messing up your video interview We get to talk to a lot of employers in our line of work, obviously, and you know the one thing they say trips everyone up? The video interview. Thats right, the camera isnt kind enough it seems. And employers are using the video interview stage to separate the understudies from the real stars of the screen. Now, its not all bad news. Most of you are doing just fine at expressing yourself to your interviewers over a video call. Its just these little wrinkles in your game you need to work on. Since were friends and all that, were going to tell you exactly what you need to tweak to come over as best you can in a video interview. RELATED: For general interview advice that you cant do without check out our Guides Set your stage You know all that stuff in your bedroom? Your offensive video game poster, your small mountain of dirty laundry Its all on candid camera. Make sure you preview the shot of yourself that our interviewers will see  before  you get online. Make sure youre in frame, in focus and that all the things behind you give off the impression of someone who is organised and ready to work. You cant go wrong with a plain wall or at most some furniture and potted plants. If you cant find it in an office, it shouldnt be seen in your bedroom. Dress all the way up To succeed at a video interview one must dress, as Fat Joe would say all the way up. That not only means that youve got to dress like youre going to a real interview, but youve gotta dress, erm all of you. None of that yeah, Ill wear a shirt and some trackie bottoms thatll be off-screen stuff. Its gonna end in tears when you have to stand up and reach for some papers revealing that bolognese stain you didnt think theyd see. More besides, getting into interview clothes will help you get into the interview frame of mind. Its hard to put on a gameface without putting on everything else after all. Remember where your webcam is This is a schoolboy error that a lot of people make, but its so easily avoidable. One of the golden rules for interviews in general is eye contact. Naturally, that might be a tad difficult when youre talking to people though a laptop. Heres the lesson: wherever your webcam is, lock eyes with it. That way youre actually addressing the audience when you speak. Seeing your interviewers only in your peripherals might be a touch weird at first but if you look at where they appear, it actually looks like your looking down at your keyboard from their perspective. The more you know. Get that good lighting Your best knowledge of Instagram Physics will be required here. As much as the interview is all about content, the way you appear can impede your message too. Seems obvious, but make sure your face is fully visible and well lit in a way that doesnt impede your facial expressions and body language. These are vital parts of coming across well in an interview and conveying your enthusiasm and sincerity. Too much light coming in from behind you will make you look like a shadow to whoever youre talking too and not a lot of shadows have jobs. Have everything to hand Luck favours that prepared. Video interviews give you an opportunity like no other to have your CV and all the notes you need to succeed right next to you. All of the essential items that you might be asked about as well as the research youve prepped can be kept just out of view so long as you dont refer to it too much. Theres nothing like being asked about something on your CV and being caught out because youve forgotten whats on there. By printing everything out, you can ensure that youre ready when its showtime. Connect with Debut on  Facebook,  Twitter,  and  LinkedIn  for more careers insights.