Job Search: Interviewing from the Waist Up

As academics create home video conferencing studios and valiantly work to keep the content of life, if not the format, stable, we’ve got interviews to do. Late winter and early spring are peak season for post-doctoral interviews and second visits for faculty hires.

Whether you are interviewing or being interviewed, odds are you are about to be a video star. We’ve rounded up the most practical and clear advice we could find to help with preparation.

Some of our favorite tips refer to thoughtful consideration of your physical set-up:
> Camera Angle – a slightly elevated camera that points downward on you gives a more flattering angle that avoids nostrils.
> Lighting – maximize natural light and watch for shadows and silhouettes; a ring light gives a natural, ambient glow in spaces with limited options.
> Notes – placing notes near the camera, in the upper left of your visual field lets you maintain eye contact (without inadvertently looking down/right as people do if being dishonest).

Essential Tips to Prepare for a Video Job Interview via Monster

Part of preparation should be a “plan if things go haywire.”

8 Proven Video Interview Tips to Help You Succeed via FlexJobs

Punctuality still matters, so get set up early. Also, wear real clothes – head to toe – lest you need to stand up to get something.

7 Deadly Skype Interview Sins via The Huffington Post

Cuts to the chase and reminds that your screen name is part of your first impression.

Job Interview Mistakes to Avoid, Part 3: Phone & Interview Pet Peeves via Forbes

“Take phone and video interviews as seriously as live interviews, and prepare for these types of interviews specifically.”

Rocking the Phone/Skype Interview via “The Professor Is In”

Solid, generalizable tips for students through faculty.

16 Advanced Zoom Tips for Better Video Meetingsvia Groove