Let’s Reframe

We started out by reframing our current situation from “this is not a good job market” to “hiring is being done differently now - it’s being done over video and to succeed in this environment, we have to learn how to master the video interview.” Ryan shared tons of tips from his years doing video training that we can all use to shine on a video interview.

“Authenticity Works!”

First, remember that authenticity works, but even an authentic storyteller needs to plan how they are going to tell their story. Ryan encouraged “knowing your frame” which is being really aware of what’s around you when you are doing a video interview. Since we’re all living in our home production studios these days, just find a simple, uncluttered space in your home where you’ll set yourself up for your interview. Including a plant in the scene can warm things up. Pay attention to what the audience can see - know what’s in your frame.

Ryan had lots of good advice for how to appear on camera. Here are a few gems: 

• Face your laptop toward a window to have natural light on your face. If this isn’t possible, put a lamp behind your laptop for optimal lighting.
• Raise your camera to eye level or 1-2 inches higher.
• Drop your chin down as you speak. This opens up your eyes to your audience, which helps with your ability to connect to them.
• Use your voice and vary your tone to keep things interesting. (But practice this before to get it right!)
• Eye contact is important - be sure to look at the camera, but just like during an in-person conversation, you can occasionally look away to glance at your screen. You wouldn’t stare into someone’s eyes throughout a normal conversation, so you don’t want to do it on video either.

Your Energy Level

Know how your energy translates to video: Record yourself doing a practice interview and notice how you feel as you do it. Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 for the level of energy you feel you are putting out. Then watch it back and rate it as an audience member. Ryan says you should push yourself to be an 11 on a 1-10 scale! Bring the energy! Research shows that people won’t remember your message so much as they will remember how they felt talking to you. Your positive energy can leave them with a great impression.

1-Way Video Interviews

For 1-way video interviews, you’ll be answering questions auto-generated by a software package and there won’t be a human on the other end at all. Prep for these by anticipating the questions and rehearsing your answers. Have talking points prepared. And remember to show up with some urgency for these interviews: People tend to slow down while doing these types of interviews because it’s hard to maintain high energy without seeing a person on the other end, so be sure that you’re keeping your energy high.

Video Resumes

Video resumes are a great way to stand out as a job seeker. Remember that these should not be a verbal recitation of your paper resume. Ryan says to keep it to 90 seconds max and start off by getting your viewer hooked. First impressions matter, so lead with the information that’s most relevant and interesting to the viewer and have a unique introduction.

Tools to use for your Video Resume

There are lots of tools you can use to record your video resume such as PhotoBook on Mac or Zoom. Upload it to YouTube and then link to it on your LinkedIn profile and email out the link.

Try Loom

Ryan’s favorite tool for doing a video resume is Loom. Here’s a great idea for job-seekers: Record a customized video introduction that you email out to companies or include in a LinkedIn inMail. You’ll stand out - not many job seekers have a video resume yet.

How to reach Ryan Carey

You can reach Ryan at [email protected] for video coaching or to help your business use video to stand out. You’ll find BetterOn at www.BetterOn.video on the web.