As an interview and job coach, I am particularly interested in our ability to CONNECT and BUILD RAPPORT and CONVEY VALUE and GENERATE INTEREST and EXCITEMENT. These four things are the cornerstones of a job interview or a networking conversation. In the past we relied heavily on body language, particularly eye contact, tone of voice, and energy for cues about others. Yes, we listened to what was said. And, we also let our senses (including our sense of smell) inform us about another trustworthiness and integrity. We let chemicals do some speaking for us!
What I noticed on my interview club zoom forays is that HOW SOMEONE LOOKS and WHERE THEY LOOK detracts from what they are saying! What this means is that staging and presence overshadow competency and great interview stories. The foundation of good zoom interviews is appearance and gentle focus!
I will continue to provide you with information about content on my blog. Remember that speaking and listening go together, so pay attention to how you LISTEN! https://lauraparadisecoaching.com/covid-communications-how-are-you-listening/
Below are some early thoughts about delivery and staging.
Do test the camera and lighting before you have an interview!
Don’t wear dark colors or clothes with lots of patterns!
Eye contact
-do soften your gaze
-don’t look at yourself!
-do look at one person when you are speaking
-don’t read from notes on your desk or on either side of the camera/computer
-if you use notes, have them behind the computer so that you can look straight ahead
Gestures
-do you use gestures as you normally would when speaking (be natural!)
-don’t point a finger at the camera
-do a trial run with a friend to find out if your gestures are distracting
Staging
-do make sure that your head and torso are visible
-do make sure that the camera is not facing up under your face
-do soften lighting making sure that you are neither backlit nor in the dark
-if you use a background, test it out to be sure that you are not moving in and out of view
-do have a simple background if possible, whether a plain wall or one painting (go for minimalism)
-sit in the center of the “stage”
Zoom settings
-try pinning the video on the main speaker or use speaker view. This will help you focus on the person you are talking to so that you can connect.
-turn off your mail and sound!