Due to the coronavirus, applying for jobs has probably been put on the back burner for a while. Companies are somewhat cautious in hiring new staff. Yet there are still companies that may need people right now. Many employers then prefer video applications to a telephone application. Logically, if you only call someone you miss an important part, namely non-verbal communication. Do you have a video application planned soon? Monsterboard gives 5 tips for the perfect video application!
1. Dress neatly.
Make sure you look presentable. Put on the same thing you would have put on if it were a face-to-face conversation. You may think:they only see my top, so I can keep my sweatpants on, but changing completely often also works as a good motivation.
2. Choose the right environment.
Be careful where you sit. Choose a place with a calm, neutral background. Also pay attention to possible sunlight or shade and do not sit near an open window if there is a lot of noise from there. And if you're having the conversation on your laptop, turn off your phone! You would also do this during a live application, so don't forget it during a video application too.
3. Watch your posture.
Although video gives a better picture than just a phone call, your posture is more difficult to judge on video than in real life. Our tips:make eye contact, don't look at yourself on the screen, but look at the person you are having the conversation with. It is also important that your arms and hands are in the picture, so you can show more of yourself. Show that you are enthusiastic!
4. Be yourself!
Of course this sounds like an open door, but when applying via video there is a great temptation to use a 'cheat sheet'. This is also possible, but make sure that you come across as spontaneous and do not read the answers to the questions. Would you like to use a cheat sheet? Then only put keywords on it, and use it subtly as a mnemonic.
5. Practice, practice and practice.
Turn on Skype or FaceTime, and practice the conversation with yourself! Or with a family member or friend at a distance. This way you get used to yourself on screen and that self-confidence will only benefit the real video application. And don't forget to check the equipment. It will happen to you that at the very moment the Skype app on your phone or laptop does not work or your microphone refuses. So ask carefully which video tool will be used and test, test, double test!
