How to FaceTime, Zoom, and Skype While You Work From Home
Kent R.
A couple of years ago, as companies were increasingly relying on video-based interactions, we wrote about some tips and tricks for performing well in a video interview. Why? Because people tend to perform pretty poorly when interviewed via video.
And then along came a global pandemic, COVID-19, and we all find ourselves living in an environment where nearly ev-er-y-thing is conducted via video – team meetings, interviewing, videoconferencing, chatting.
Since – in addition to work in the Career Development realm – we do a lot of business consulting, we’re often participating in these video events as leaders, trainers, participants, panelists, etc. Given that, I want to present an updated list of tips that will help you with all things video in this current reality.
No one wants to see your bed. The sudden onset of work-from-home due to coronavirus led to a lot of forgiveness during the clunky transition period. Everyone was doing the best they could to navigate Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc. The “anything goes” forgiveness period has passed. Do not participate in any kind of business / professional call with your bed in the background. Period. In September, I was part of a major, global business conference and was astounded that a key presenter’s unmade bed was on full display in the background. It’s distracting. Stop it now. We’d all rather see your garbage can lurking back there.
Keep your responses brief. Video interviewing is uncertain (and new!) territory for most candidates. When something is uncertain, it’s human nature to either freeze up or blab. Video interviewees know they can’t choke, so most tend to go on and on (and on). The majority of video interview platforms do not allow for second chances. Go in thinking: Direct. Succinct. On topic. This applies to your video-based professional / business meetings as well. Keep it short. A lot of people on that screen have things to share.
Position yourself in good light. Rearrange lamps, move your table, open blinds. Position yourself in strong light with no shadows. You’ll look better, and it completely changes the psychology of how other attendees will see you. This is especially important when you are interviewing.
Consider your backdrop. Now that we’ve got “no beds!” out of the way, do take a moment to consider how you are framed. You’re checking out what’s behind everyone you are seeing on video; why wouldn’t they do the same? Although a blank wall is better than a bed, would it kill you to throw up a piece of art. Better yet, position yourself in a place with some dimension. Try putting a plant or something colorful on the counter or shelves behind you. And, of course, every book you have visible is communicating something. That copy of Atlas Shrugged or the Art of War are saying more than you probably are.
Stick to the topic. This is not the time for you to informally catch up with people. These meetings work best if the leader – after a brief, friendly introduction – jumps right in, knowing that too long spent on chit chat can spiral out of control. We advise our corporate clients to have a “referee” (not leading the meeting) who enforces side chatter, time limits, etc.
Be distraction free. Get your pets and family members out of the room. Do you think we can’t see you looking down at your phone? Or looking out the window? And be on mute (double check it!) when you are not speaking.
Smile. It’s very disheartening to see a video interviewee looking sad and scared. Because this is uncertain territory for so many people, it’s tough to not look sad and scared. Organizations don’t want to hire people that look terrified. I hear a lot of “If they can’t handle this confidently, how are they going to handle leading a team?” sorts of things. Breathe. Sit up straight. Smile as though you see a friend in the distance (not like a crazy person). Hereto, the same goes for any kind of video-based interaction.
Video-based living and working will continue for a long time – even after we have a vaccine. In fact, many companies are committing to allowing entire workforces to work from home. So jump on the bandwagon and do things right by following the tips above.