You love being a caregiver be it for the youngest, oldest or furriest of family members. Your profile is perfect and posted, and then you get the interview! But your potential employer throws you for a loop she wants to interview you over video. No worries. Video interviews can create an even better connection (literally!) than phone interviews (and done easily through Booking function on the Care.com app).
But heres the thing: Even though its over the phone and casually done in your home its your first chance to win this family over. Video interviews can actually give such a great sense of who you are, that it might be the only interview you have before getting the job.
We asked a few experts for tips on how you can ace this interview without any hang-ups!
- Find the Right Location
Lisa Quast, a certified career coach and author of Secrets of a Hiring Manager Turned Career Coach: A Foolproof Guide to Getting the Job You Want Every Time recommends taking the time to find the best location in your home good lighting, sound, and seating are key! You want the focus to be on you, not a crazy-looking picture on the wall or a messy room in the background, she says. Youll want to be well-lit too, which is done best when light is in front of you not behind.
- Prepare
This is not the time to wing-it. Study possible interview questions a family might ask and learn ways to talk about your experience, professionally. Conducting a few mock interviews with friends or family will allow you to get comfortable with the process. Youll also want to practice your video eye-contact. Dont look at yourself on the screen but directly at the camera lens — and try to position the lens at eye level if youre using your cell phone, propping it against a book on a table works like a charm.
- Be Comfortable
Dont forget that it should be a two-way conversation. Youll want to have questions prepared to ask your interviewer, but be sure to relax! It helps to do your research on the family. Paul J. Bailo, career expert and author of The Essential Digital Interview Handbook, suggests knowing a little bit about the person and their location so you can build rapport, making both of you more at ease. Do this by reviewing their job post ahead of time, learning about their kids, the job needs and what town theyre from. Think of the video interview as if its a friendly conversation youre having with your interviewer over a cup of coffee, recommends Quast. So go ahead tell them the time Fido thought it would be fun to play with a skunk! - Dress Professionally
What to wear? Definitely NOT that super soft t-shirt you won in college or the fave sparkly shirt you wear out. The best thing to do is treat this interview like your first face-to-face meeting and dress accordingly a business-casual top is very nice. And remember that video might have a glare, so no materials or stones that might be too flashy.
- Work on Body Language
Take advantage of the fact that this is as in-person as possible, and seeing you clearly will make the best impression. Bailo advises you lean in and make sure that the screen fully shows the top of your head, left shoulder and right shoulders (and thats all thats necessary) like a triangle, advises Bailo. Resist the urge to fidget or play with your hair. But dont be afraid to show your personality by talking with your hands every now and then, adds Quast, Your interviewer doesnt want to hire a robot, they want to hire a real person!
While video interviewing is a great medium, there are some hiccups, like lag time to prepare for. Wait until the other person finishes asking a question before you begin speaking, and vice versa, says Quast. Armed with these tips, youll knock their socks off!
>>And when you meet in person, check out the 11 things to bring on a nanny interview.
