Interviewing via Video Conference

This concept is quite foreign to me. I've only recently come to learn about video conferencing up close and personal. We've all seen the interviews/discussions on TV via the same technology, but it's much more intimidating when hands on.

For a job interview, I'd like to believe my current beliefs on interviewing should hold true. You must be prepared for the interview in much the same way.

1. Know the company with which you're interviewing;

2. Know the market(s) they operate in;

3. Know the job you are after and the market for that position throughout the industry, including pay, expectations, etc;

4. Dress appropriately for the interview;

5. PREPARE AND REHEARSE!!!

All that being done should have you ready for the in-person interview. However, a video conference version adds a handful of wrinkles. Ones which may require a much greater degree of focus. It's almost expected for one to "know" the industry you are interviewing for....but for most industries, the technology associated with video conferencing will indeed seem a foreign language.

You have to prepare in a completely different realm, one which while "foreign" may be imperative for your future with the company you are interviewing. Therefore, you must be prepared for that technological aspect in addition to the requirements of the interviewer for the position.

There is a great article on this on Ask the Headhunter. It would definitely guide a newbie like me through my preparations. It's not specific to any equipment. However, once I familiarized myself with the equipment, it's an excellent guide to the interview process.

I'd follow these steps to the letter. Following those 8 steps, I'd prep like a play or role-play with a willing party to further familiarize myself with the technology to take that part of the equation to the next level. I'd make sure I used it to my advantage. Room selection, attire, etc could all be rehearsed to the Nth degree to assure performance.

If I am prepped for the job interview, prepping for the technological side would also help to nail the interview!