As the workforce transitions to integrating digital platforms, creating a compelling virtual brand is imperative. In short, creating a virtual, personal brand means being conscious of how you are portraying yourself during virtual interactions, including virtual classes, meetings, and interviews. The Career Center has recommendations on how to best conduct yourself while interacting over the internet. Some tips are intuitive, others aren’t. Read on to learn more.
Eliminate Visual Interruptions
You may be able to concentrate with a roommate walking in and out of a frame, the dog jumping around on your lap, or the cat sitting on your head, but these visual disturbances will distract other viewers. Keep in mind the people you interact with virtually will not be accustomed to what you consider white noise. To that end, consciously control your environment and what appears on your video feed. Avoid multitasking and be stationary, not driving or walking. Where possible, conference in a room at your home with a closed door, and avoid moving in and out of the video frame. Before the meeting or lecture begins, gather whatever resources you will need to make it through so that you do not create a visual disruption by repeatedly moving in and out of your video feed.
Eliminate Noise Disruptions
Silence all devices prior to the beginning of the video conference. Email notifications, text messages, and calendar hits all briefly interrupt flow. Keep pets out of your work space during conferences to avoid interruptions from barking dogs or Polly asking for another cracker. When you are not speaking, mute your microphone.
Consider your Setting
If you can, choose a place that has a background that communicates order and calm. Consider the lighting of your work-space. If you are back-lit (a window is behind you) your face can be lost in a shadow. Instead, have lights next to your webcam. Ensure your space is tidy. Make Marie Kondo proud and have an area that looks put-together (e.g., no visible junk).
Critique Yourself
Watch yourself and your movements. What can you do to be a more effective communicator through your body language, hand gestures, facial expressions, and voice quality? Peer Career Advisors can give constructive feedback as well.
Dress the Part
If you are doing a virtual interview, you should wear business attire. For all other professional video conferences, consider the audience and dress accordingly. When in doubt, take the conservative route.
Test, Test, Test
Before you have your meeting, ensure you know the program being used and test out audio and video capabilities on your device well in advance. You want to avoid scrambling and troubleshooting moments before you need to exude a capable demeanor. Consider investing in headphones. There are plenty of economical options available for you to use.