So you landed an interview. Great work! Chances are between now and the appointed time you’ve made plans to conduct research, to have a mock interview, and to select attire. But have you staged an acceptable interview space?
Before virtual interviews turned into a norm, the environment was a given: an office, a conference table, etc. These were relatively bland, controlled environments. But now interviews take place over webcam, and interviewers are, in a sense, in your home. Before inviting them in, set your interview space with these considerations in mind.
The camera is “fixed focused.”
Web cameras do not zoom in or out. This means you can manipulate how large or small you are and how much of the background is in view by elevating the camera (not by tilting it up and down, but by propping a laptop up on something level like books), or by pulling it back or closer to you. You want to be centered and prominent. Play with the proportions and space between you and the camera. Ideally this will look like a large portrait photo.
Consider your backdrop
Even if you have a thoughtfully put together gallery wall, this may not be the best backdrop to your interview. A wall with a neutral color, free of frames, mirrors, and snarky cross-stitched sayings is best. You ought to be the most exciting thing in view.
Crowd source.
It could be that you have a high tolerance for visual clutter-not everyone does. Consider snapping a photo of your chosen interview spot and sending it to a few friends, your tidy grandpa, or type-A cousin. Ask them what seems out of place to them. They may spot a random stuffed animal that you no longer notice.
Cut through the noise.
It well may be that you live in a noisy neighborhood and share a ceiling, floor, or walls with another household or two. Pay careful attention to the noises happening during the workday, and if they are audible to you, a computer microphone will pick it up too, causing “gating” on the interview. Use headphones to help anticipate and reduce sound interruptions.
Another measure you can take is to download and use a background noise canceling application like Krisp.ai. Before using any software of this kind, review the privacy policy to ensure you feel comfortable with their terms. The Krisp app’s privacy policy is located here.