More and more often, job interviews are being done via video programs like Skype. This is especially common with those who are applying for an international job, as well as those who are applying for a remote work opportunity. If you want to get a great job, you are going to need to present yourself in a professional manner via videophone too. Here are seven must-know tips that every job seeker should know.

1.      Appearances count. If you want to know how to prepare for a video job interview, it’s quite simple. Prepare like you would for a regular job interview. Dress appropriately and behave in a professional manner. You may also want to pick out a nice, quiet part of your home. Ideally, the part of your home where you conduct the interview will not have inappropriate items in the background. It may end up derailing an otherwise wonderful interview experience.

2.      Don’t be afraid to be cheerful on video. Be animated, lively, and friendly on camera, and people will think that you are going to be a very happy employee. Of course, this should be as genuine as possible. People love a professional yet cheerful individual.

3.      Punctuality does count. Would you go to a regular job interview 15 minutes late? Of course not! Believe it or not, many applicants wrongly believe that people can be 15 to 20 minutes late for a video interview. Don’t be that person. Employers took out a chunk of their time to talk to you, so don’t take that time for granted. After all, you wouldn’t want someone to waste your time, why would you think that they would want to hire an employee who has no problem wasting theirs?

4.      Make sure you have video before you go for the interview. You don’t want your computer to crash mid-interview. Bad equipment may make your potential employers feel like you won’t have the equipment necessary to do the job. Take a test drive before your interview day, and if necessary, upgrade what needs to be upgraded.

5.      Have your resume on hand, as well as any other proof of qualification that you may need. Employers will have no problem asking you to send them their resume during a video chat on Skype. Show you’re prepared by having your resume and cover letter ready for upload should the need arise.

6.      Unplug your phone. A job interview is one of the worst times to have to take a call. If you want to make sure that you don’t have to deal with a ringing home phone or a buzzing mobile phone, turn them both off until the interview is finished. You’d be surprised at what a big pet peeve phones can be for those who interview people via telecommunications.

7.      Ask questions, but be aware of time. Many video interviewers are pressed on time, so they may not have the ability to answer all the questions that applicants may have about the position or the company. This doesn’t mean that they don’t appreciate being asked, though. Show that you have a certain level of curiosity in what you can provide for the company – it may get you a shot at the job you want. 

Remember, a video interview can be one of the easiest ways to show off your best face. You won’t need to worry about traffic, your body odour, or tripping in front of the interviewer if you aren’t used to dress shoes. Take that opportunity seriously, and do your best.

If you’re still struggling to even get any type of interview let alone a teleconference or video interview, make sure you check out our video on How to Write a Resume.