10 Tips to Set Up the Perfect Broadcast Interview (and Land a National Placement)
How to Ace Your Next Virtual Media Interview (or Zoom Meeting)
If there’s one thing we’ve learned while working through a pandemic for the last year, it’s that the vast majority of us have a strong love/hate relationship with virtual meetings or interviews. Whether you’re a Zoom user or a Google Hangouts kind of person, you’ve likely struggled through virtual meetings this year. Luckily, you’re in good company when you’re inevitably reminded that you’ve been on ‘mute’ for the last 20-seconds…
We’re here to tell you there are easy ways to completely ACE a virtual media interview. Whether you’re having the interview at home, in the office, or somewhere in between, follow these 10 simple steps to ensure a successful virtual interview and greatly improve your presence and performance when you see your segment air.
1. Stable Internet is Key
When possible, use a wired internet connection rather than WiFi. This will ensure you avoid the dreaded “Your Internet Connection is Unstable” notification and glitching or freezing during your interview.
2. Clean Up Your Computer
Close all web browser tabs, programs (especially messaging apps, email, etc), and applications other than your video conference program prior to your interview. Keep open any documents you will reference. This simple practice accomplishes two feats. One, it’ll help clear the digital clutter to help your computer run faster, and two, help clear the mental clutter that may keep you from focusing on your interview if you have email alerts popping up!
PRO TIP: Also print out your key messages or any other prep documents in addition to having them pulled up on your screen. Technology is your friend until it isn’t.
3. Location, Location, Location
Find a quiet, private, well-lit place to conduct the interview that is free from possible interruptions. Ideally, this place has a locking door that you can hang a “do not disturb” sign on.
4. Watch Your Back
Make your background present as nicely as possible. You want it to look nice, but not distracting. Ideally, you’ll have plenty of light coming in 45-degrees from your camera. This angle keeps you from appearing washed out on camera, as well as under-exposing your background (which would make you look like you’re interviewing in a dark room). You may need to draw the shades (or open them) depending on the time of day and how bright it is out. Adjust the camera placement and make sure to not move it right before or during the recording.
PRO TIP: Hang your company sign or logo in the background for a great visual reference during your interview.
5. The Camera is Your Friend
We all do it — look at ourselves on a video call instead of the camera. Though it seems harmless, it does make you appear far less polished. It’s a difficult skill to master, but if you can maintain “eye contact” with the camera, you will come across as far more attentive in the interview. Plus, it will look less like a Zoom interview because your eye contact with the camera will replay like you’re making eye-contact with the viewer.
6. Dress the Part
Just because you’re interviewing from home, doesn’t mean you should dress like you’re working from home. Dress professionally! Avoid bright colors and distracting patterns to keep the focus on you and your story.
7. Be Prepared
Have a pen and notepad next to you to jot down notes to help you keep track of the conversation and keep yourself on topic. Also, keep a glass of water on hand in case you get the dreaded dry mouth feeling during your interview.
8. Practice Physical Listening
Remember the camera is always on. When listening, nod and smile to show you’re engaged and understanding what is being asked. This practice also makes for a more interesting interview to watch because it can allow you to show your personality throughout the interview.
9. Put Your Phone Away
Cell phones are incredibly distracting and can easily break your concentration. Place your phone on silent mode and put it in another room.
10. The Camera is Your Friend
Consider using a headset microphone or external microphone rather than your computer’s built-in microphone. It’ll always give you a cleaner, clearer audio. Make sure to give yourself enough time to test your audio connection prior to your call-time to ensure you won’t be scrambling to set up your AirPods at the last moment.
These 10 rules are what we live by when it comes to virtual meetings and interviews!
If you're ready for more tips and tricks and refined strategies to acing your interactions with media, you're in luck!
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