Virtual Interviews and What Type of Video Interview Background is BestMay 13, 2021
Video interviews are becoming more common these days. With so many people working remotely, a lot of companies do not have the option to bring potential employees in for an interview. And since even the bosses are working from home, there isn’t an office space to conduct any types of business. Therefore, virtual is the way of the future. When you decide to do a virtual interview, you must be slightly more prepared than you would be for in-person interviews. The video interview background is very important. If you normally work from your favorite recliner, you may need to create a virtual interview background that is more visually appealing than the back of your chair.
Keep These Things in Mind when Searching for the Best Video Interview Background
We understand there is only so much space in your home. And that your home office may be the kitchen table or a small corner of your bedroom. You won’t want your interviewer to know that though. Just like you won’t want them to see your kids or dirty laundry.
Many people choose to set up their virtual interview space in front of a bookcase. This is an excellent option, because it shows you are quite intelligent and very well-read. Even if the opposite is true! We recommend choosing a bookcase that is not filled with books though. Too many books can be distracting to the interviewer, because they may be tempted to see what genres you read. If they find a book they consider questionable, it may cost you the position you are interviewing for.
It is best to have a few select books on the bookcase you are using for your virtual interview background. We recommend trying to choose books that fit with the job you are seeking, as well as a few uncontroversial bestsellers.
Sometimes, bookshelves are filled with souvenirs instead of books. You may think your souvenirs are amazing and excellent conversation starters. But they could be a distraction to the person interviewing you. This is especially true if that person loves to travel as much as you do.
It is best to limit your souvenir collection to a few key items, so the interview can proceed forward with limited interruptions.
Speaking of interruptions, there are going to be times when you must have a video interview when the rest of your family is home. In these scenarios, you may have no choice but to do the interview in your bedroom. After all, a closed and locked door equals minimal interruptions.
Speaking of interruptions, there are going to be times when you must have a video interview when the rest of your family is home. In these scenarios, you may have no choice but to do the interview in your bedroom. After all, a closed and locked door equals minimal interruptions.
However, there is no way the person interviewing you is going to want to see your bed. No matter how nicely your bed is made, it never belongs in a video interview background. If this is your only option for the location of the interview, start rearranging furniture. Or try to find an angle where your bed cannot be seen behind you.
The last thing many potential employers do not want to see when they are conducting virtual interviews is lots of clutter. So, no matter where you conduct the interview, you must put away that huge stack of papers, remove piles of clean clothes, and even make sure the dirty dishes in the sink are not showing. Basically, do whatever you must do to show an uncluttered video interview background!
Improve Your Video Interview Background with These Tips
Improve Your Lighting
Unless you have a ton of windows in the room you are interviewing in, you are going to need a little more lighting. You should be facing any natural light, while avoiding any sunlight that is shining through the same window. If you cannot set up your computer in front of natural light, you will need to make do with lamps. It is best to place those lights in front of you as well, so there are no shadows.
Check Everything in View of the Camera
As we mentioned above, the person interviewing you is not going to want to see a lot of clutter around you. Therefore, we recommend checking the entire area that can be seen on camera well before your video interview begins.
There should be no laundry hanging up, no clutter, and no artwork that could be considered questionable. Using your child’s room? Make sure those cartoon or concert posters are out of view!
The goal is to create a video interview background that is professional. Every company has their own standards when it comes to professionalism, but if you need to question an item, it is best to remove it.
Find Another Room for Your Pets
Yes, your pets are going to be cute. However, those same pets won’t be quite as cute when they are interrupting your interview. Barking dogs and cats walking on the computer are definite no-no’s for interviews.
Put Out a Do Not Disturb Sign
Even though you may tell your family that you have a video interview, they may not remember once it starts. And if you plan on doing this interview when you are home alone, you never know when someone may walk in the door early. Both these scenarios require a do not disturb sign on the door. This sign will let everyone know they shouldn’t bother you unless it is an extreme emergency.
Keep Your Cell Phone Out of the Room
Unless you know you have important information you will need to access during your interview on your cell phone, you should leave it in another room. This will prevent it from ringing or making other noises during your interview. While you can silence your phone, certain alerts may still come through. If you must have your phone with you, we recommend turning it completely off and placing it out of sight.
These tips should help you find the perfect video interview background. This will be helpful when you know you have an upcoming virtual interview and need to make a good impression. If you are still struggling with your virtual interview background, we recommend looking at your space like an employer would. This will allow you to see things that shouldn’t be there when your interview takes place. So, keep things professional and get the job you have been waiting for!
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