Surviving the video Interview

Recently, we have noticed more and more that, despite people’s best efforts to set up a Skype/Video-Conference (VC) facility on the other side of the world – things do go wrong. So let’s explore this issue a little further to help you remain unflappable in the face of technological meltdowns.

It is very important to remain calm, patient and to be aware of adapting your style to accommodate the situation. As frustrating (and also nerve-racking, if you’re sitting there waiting for the technology glitch to correct itself!) as these technological difficulties can be, use this scenario to handle yourself in a way which paints you in a positive light. This is just another one of those times when your resolve will be tested in the workplace. Your interviewers are taking notes of how you handle that situation. The cynic in us might argue that they stage these things to test us!

What can sometimes compound the problem is the reaction you may be getting from the people interviewing you on the other side of the screen. These people may be partners who have had a long day (despite it being your crack of dawn over there) and who are not in the mood to deal with the IT department who are all suddenly unavailable. It can be upsetting watching your potential future employer react in this way.

However, don’t let it affect your resolve. Everyone has their tipping point – and on that day, that was that partner’s tipping point. Stay calm, strong and patient. Despite their appearances, they will be impressed by your ability to keep a level head in this scenario – and after the fact they will probably regret not displaying a similar type of behaviour. So, remain composed, appear easy-going, stay solutions-focused, and whether the Skype/VC works or not – you’ll come out on top, even if you’re interviewers don’t.

The bottom line in all of this is that – regrettably – we will have to continue to deal with Skype/VC facilities until a better alternative presents itself. It can be annoying, awful and disappointing – mostly because it’s completely out of your control, but just accept it and move on. You cannot do anything about it, change it or control it.

And for the perfectionist in us – this is even harder to handle. So, take a deep breath, allow for the 5 second delay, look into that little camera, smile and give it your best – because that’s all you can do.