19 Steps to Have a Great Stress-Free Video Interview
With the rise of startups and remote working culture, video interviews are becoming more common. While they can be easier than in-person interviews because you aren’t exactly in the presence of the person, they are still feared by many.
Last week, I talked about what interviewers are looking for, so I thought writing about tackling the dreaded video interview was the natural course for me to follow. Here are 19 steps that will help you ensure that you have a stress-free video interview or even a client call anytime.
1. Research the Company
Researching the company is the starting point of preparing for an interview, a video interview is no exception. Because you don’t get to have a first impression of the company as you would if it were a physical interview, you need to familiarize yourself with the way it works in addition to the information about the market the company works in.
This gives you the confidence needed because you feel a sense of familiarity with the company and also feel prepared to answer questions in relation to the market and can also ask intelligent questions to the interviewer based on the information.
2. Know Who Your Interviewer Is
When a video interview is scheduled, you will usually be told who your interviewer is. It is a great idea to look them up – read their employee information on the company’s website and go through their LinkedIn page – look at the posts they engage with on LinkedIn.
It will give you an idea of the person behind the name and will help you connect with them on a more personal level because then you can spin your answers in a way that works for them. This in no way means agreeing to things you don’t believe in, this just gives you a way to find things in common that will make your case stronger.
3. Practice Behavorial Questions and Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked interview questions have a way of cropping up even into the most casual of interviews. It is a good idea to have some answers prepared, don’t try to wing it. There’s no need to memorise answers word for word, but having a structure prepared is the best way to answer with confidence.
Companies have started evaluating the person more than their skills because you hire the person hence there are a lot of behavioral questions that the interviewer can ask. Be prepared to talk about your strengths, your weaknesses, what you would do in a difficult situation, how would you react to working in a team, and so on.
4. Choose a Plain and Neutral Background
Position yourself against a plain and neutral background for a professional feel. Choose a quiet place so that you can better hear your interviewer and also focus on the questions and your answers. Avoid going to cafes or public places for your interview unless you know that it isn’t going to be crowded and won’t interfere with your interview.
5. Elevate Your Laptop
Place your laptop at eye level to make it easier for you to look into the camera. Avoid staring down into the camera, place your laptop at a desk. Your laptop should be in your line your vision when you look straight ahead. This helps you have a proper posture and maintain eye contact during the interview.
6. Test Audio and Camera Quality
Test your audio and camera quality beforehand. You don’t want to be testing the audio with the interviewer and connecting and disconnecting again and again. It will stress you out even before the interview begins and also will show a lack of preparedness on your part if your mic doesn’t work and you didn’t check it before.
7. Check the Lighting in the Room
Even if you have the best quality camera, poor lighting will do no justice to it. Make sure you are in a well-lit room so that the interviewer can see you.
8. Dress Professionally
Just because you aren’t meeting the interviewer in person is no reason to not dress professionally. The interviewer can still see you, so make sure you dress professionally. Don’t forget your pants, just in case. Even though they can’t see your bottom half, if you have to get up to get something, it can get awkward, so be prepared to be on the safer side. It will also give you the confidence to get through the call.
9. Close All Other Applications On Your Laptop
You don’t want your laptop’s memory engaged running various apps and the one that matters the most at the moment to start hanging up. Close all the other applications so that your laptop can function smoothly without glitching from being stretched thin by supporting many applications running simultaneously.
10. Put Your Phone on Silent
You don’t want your phone creating a disturbance during your interview. Calls and notifications can be distracting and don’t exactly provide a professional look. Make sure to silence your cell phone and also disable vibration alert because that will divert your attention away from your interview, making you break your chain of thought.
11. Ban Your Family From the Room For the Duration of the Interview
Like putting your phone on silent and not giving video interviews in public places, it is important to let your family know not to disturb you during your interview. You don’t exactly want your kid running in asking for a snack when you are explaining how tactful you are at handling difficult clients or your dog barking and crying for your attention when you are talking about your professionalism.
Make sure to ban your family – kids, pets, and even your spouse from the room for the duration of the interview and also let them know that they are not supposed to make any noise during the interview.
12. Have a Pen and Paper in Reaching Distance
It is important to be prepared. You don’t want to leave the interviewer hanging and staring at an empty screen while you fetch a pen and a paper to note down something they are telling you or to show them something. Try to keep everything you might need within your reaching distance on your desk, around your laptop.
13. Have a Glass of Water Next to You
Have a glass or bottle of water at hand so that you can take a quick sip if your throat feels dry from talking or you feel nervous. Taking small sips during the interview helps keep you talking smoothly and also helps calm your nerves.
14. Have the Phone Number of the Interviewer Ready
Having the phone number of the interviewer at hand is a smart move in case the video connection breaks due to some reason. You can call them up immediately to figure out what the issue is or to finish the interview over the call.
15. Have a Hard Copy of Your CV/Resume Ready
While you can always look at your Resume on your laptop, it is a good idea to have a hard copy at hand if the interviewer wants to discuss something from your resume. This gives you a chance to see what they are talking about exactly and not panic about your answers.
It can sometimes get difficult to recall what you put on your resume exactly when in an interview, so having a hard copy is a big help.
16. Stick Post-its Around the Laptop Screen
Because the interviewer can only see what is in front of the camera, use all the things you can to your advantage. If you are nervous about remembering all the things, then stick post-it notes with prompts and questions you wish to ask your interviewer on your laptop, around the screen.
You can color coordinate them to further simplify them. Stick one color notes on one side with things you want to say, answers to questions, and another color on the other side with questions to ask and doubts to clear. This will help you put yourself out there without fumbling over sentences and trying to remember what to say next. You will also not miss something important that you wanted to let the interviewer know.
17. Speak Into the Camera
When not talking in person, maintaining eye contact can get tricky. We are automatically drawn to the screen and can’t help looking at the interviewer. We forget that looking at the camera will help us make eye contact because that is the focal point of your video screen. Remember to look into the camera when you talk and not on the screen.
Keep the laptop at a considerable distance so that even though you are looking in the camera, the screen is easily visible for you to gauge the non-verbal cues of your interviewer. Keeping the laptop too close will not give you distance enough to take in everything and you will end up switching your gaze between the camera and the screen, which can be taken as fidgeting or nervousness.
18. Practice With a Friend
Like with a traditional interview, practising a proper video interview with a friend or family member will give you the preparation you need. Set up the video interview like you would with your interviewer and tell them to ask you questions. It will also help you get used to talking to the camera and help you practice looking at the camera and not the screen.
19. Send a Thank You Email Within 24 Hours of the Interview
While this isn’t mandatory, it is a good practice to email the interviewer within 24 hours of your interview to thank them for their time and efforts. This helps put you on the radar. If they are interviewing multiple candidates, then it will help you stand out. Showing politeness and gratitude doesn’t hurt.
Final Thoughts
Having a proper setup will help you go through your interview smoothly without constantly worrying about things. Keeping things you might need within reach is another of the great tips for a stress-free interview. To finish it off, practising is the final touch. These are the three main things in a nutshell that will help you ace any video interview without sweating buckets.
Entrepreneurs
9 Trending and Most Popular Gifts to Sell This Christmas
For individuals who own a Shopify store catering to both B2B and B2C customers, this year’s Christmas arrangements have to cross beyond mere revelry. Christmas holds a unique significance for everyone, along with eCommerce entrepreneurs.
As a Shopify store owner, prioritizing your customer’s needs becomes essential. Typically, the vacation season spells success for eCommerce agencies, imparting clients a respite from the strain of vacation purchasing.
The key to boosting sales during the festive length lies in the ingenuity of product offerings, present courses, and implementing effective advertising and marketing techniques. Look for a product design tool that simplifies the customization process, supplying a continuing and fun experience for clients to specify their style.
Christmas T-Shirts
One of the best Christmas products to create and market is personalized t-shirts. They are a cherished year-round wardrobe essential that is adaptable and timeless.
Customers adore using these humorous and lively graphics to flaunt their festive zeal. When it comes to Christmas gift ideas, custom t-shirts are plenty of possibilities to fit any taste, ranging from Santa Claus patterns to snowflakes and reindeer motifs.
Add festive patterns, landscapes, greetings, sayings, verses from the Bible, Christmas trees, pictures, names, and more to your holiday t-shirt.
Christmas Mugs
Whether custom home decor, engraved accessories, or personalized apparel, the exceptional collection of customized products permits people to make a statement and leave a long-lasting impression.
In recent days, mugs have made brilliant Christmas presents. Personalized mugs are one of the pleasant things to manufacture and promote for Christmas.
The best mugs for families and couples are a pair with photos and quotes. Additionally, mugs are printed with people’s favorite previous year’s events.
Christmas Candles
With personalized candles, you can add the lovely scent of the holidays to any house, business, or venue, elevating the atmosphere.
Look for candles made from eco-friendly soy wax blends. These candles have the perfect balance of sweet and fresh scents, making them wonderful presents and stunning home décor pieces.
With our carefully chosen personalized candles, a harmonious blend of sensory delight and festive charm, you can completely transform the experience of gifting and decorating.
Christmas Calendars
Giving personalized calendars as Christmas presents is a way to start a new year. These aren’t just seasonal products for December, and they function as yearly prompts with lovely pictures, inspirational sayings, or even custom pictures for every month. Giving a calendar as a Christmas present is similar to giving someone a fresh start, and people may personalize it with adjustable options.
These calendars become more than date trackers when important dates, holidays, and events are added; they become treasured memories. During festive times, a gorgeously created calendar for the upcoming year is usually a hit, whether used for personal use or given as a present to loved ones.
Print shops implement web-to-print software to gain a competitive edge by offering clients a convenient and intuitive platform to bring their creative visions to life through customized print materials.
Christmas Wall Art
Customers can add a charming festive touch to their houses with Christmas wall art. There is a wide selection to suit every taste, whether choosing classic pictures of Santa and his reindeer or modern abstract holiday patterns.
Incorporating captivating Christmas images into wall tapestries and canvas prints enhances the visual appeal of interior spaces while also bringing coziness and happiness.
This festive artwork creates a positive atmosphere by turning walls into expressive canvases. Add a festive cheer to your living area by choosing Christmas wall art that suits your style choices.
Christmas Notebooks
Custom Christmas notebooks are useful for recording treasured moments, preferred recipes, and everyday thoughts. These diaries are memorable and useful presents, whether used for recording holiday recipes, reliving memories, or just doodling down daily thoughts.
Make these customized notebooks and market them to those who value writing, giving customers a useful and thoughtful choice for the holidays.
This year, give people looking for a special and personalized touch something that combines sentiment and usefulness by using your imagination.
Christmas Tote Bags
Christmas-themed tote bags are beneficial and environmentally pleasant. They make notable presents and are best for excursion purchasing. Adding a customized touch or festive elaborations to their design makes these bags even more appealing and stand out from the competition.
These tote bags go from easy functionalities to spectacular statement pieces that allow people to include sustainability and bring the vacation spirit with them.
Whether for private or gift-giving functions, eco-friendly tote bags offer a sublime and sustainable manner to unfold happiness this holiday season.
Christmas Storybooks
You may need to try personalizing Christmas storybooks as a specialized magical present. Customers can customize those books by means of including the names and images of their loved ones in a joyful and endearing story.
These books make reading an extremely good experience for youngsters and adults, whether it is a tale about Santa’s travels or a completely unique Christmas adventure. Make every book a valuable holiday memory by way of adding personalization options like dedications and greetings.
With the intuitive features of the product design tool, ecommerce companies can easily experiment with colors, shapes, and layouts to deliver their visions to existence in the global of customized storybooks.
Christmas Cards
Personalized Christmas cards are a classic holiday gift that offers a meaningful way to communicate with family and friends. Providing a wide range of styles and customizing choices enables clients to send well wishes in a distinctive manner.
These cards become more than just greetings when you include special notes, family photos, or select from various festive themes.
They become a representation of your unique sentiment. Give your clients the means to forge memorable and customized connections to enhance their experience this holiday season.
Final Words
For online sellers, navigating the world of this year’s top-trending presents can be a lucrative endeavor. The power of customization is at your fingertips with the cutting-edge online designer tool, enabling you to design and preview personalized products seamlessly. Embracing the latest trends and providing the most sought-after gifts can make your sales plan overwhelmingly successful.
Entrepreneurs
How To Choose The Greatest Legal Structure For Your New Business
Starting a new business is an exciting venture, filled with dreams and possibilities. However, laying a solid foundation for your entrepreneurial journey is crucial.
One of the first and most important decisions you’ll face is selecting the most suitable legal structure for your new business. This choice impacts your tax obligations, personal liability, and potential to raise capital.
Here’s how to make the selection process easier:
1. Assess Your Needs
Before you take a step by step LLC lesson in Arizona, remember that choosing the best structure is not a one-size-fits-all situation. You’ll need to assess your business needs, financial goals, and the level of risk you’re willing to take.
Consider the scale of operations you plan to establish. Are you opening a local boutique, or do you aspire to have a presence across multiple states? Your choice should support your current size and anticipated growth.
Reflect on your long-term strategy. Do you intend to expand quickly, or do you prefer to maintain control as you steadily grow?
Also, think about your need for external funding. Certain structures, particularly C-Corps, are more appealing to investors and financial institutions due to the ease of transferring shares and the established legal precedents in corporate governance.
2. Understand Your Options
Familiarizing yourself with the various legal structures available is important. Regardless of the types of businesses you want to consider, here are the options you can choose from:
Sole Proprietorship
If you’re venturing out solo, a Sole Proprietorship may be attractive. It’s the simplest structure and requires minimal paperwork to start. You have complete control, but your personal assets are at risk if the business faces any liabilities.
Partnerships
Are you considering a business partnership? It’s an effective way to combine resources and expertise. However, it’s not a decision to take lightly. You’ll choose to decide between a General Partnership or a Limited Partnership, each affecting control and liability differently.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
For flexibility with a safety net, an LLC is an attractive option. It provides legal separation between personal and business assets, offering protection while allowing operational flexibility.
Corporations
Corporations are structured to support growth and investment. They function as independent entities, safeguarding your personal assets, but have more compliance requirements. Determine whether the benefits of an S-Corporation or C-Corporation align with your vision.
Each type has specific implications for business operations. From Sole Proprietorships to Corporations, understanding the nuances will guide you in the right direction.
3. Consider The Tax Implications
Don’t overlook the tax implications of your chosen structure. Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships benefit from pass-through taxation, which may be simpler but not always the most tax-efficient.
When considering corporations, it’s important to remember that C-Corporations are subject to what’s known as ‘double taxation,’ where the corporation itself is taxed on its profits, and then shareholders are taxed again on any dividends they receive. It can be a significant factor if you plan to reinvest earnings back into the company.
On the other hand, S-Corporations are designed to avoid this double taxation. They are ‘pass-through’ entities, meaning that profits are passed directly to shareholders and taxed individually, avoiding corporate income tax. Such can be advantageous for smaller businesses looking to minimize their overall tax burden.
4. Plan For The Future
In selecting the best legal structure, consider not only the present but also the future. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Scalability: As your business grows, so will its needs. Can your structure accommodate this growth, or will it become restrictive? Assess whether your chosen form can integrate new partners, investors, or international market expansion.
- Exit Strategy: If you plan to sell your business or transfer ownership, some structures simplify this process. For instance, a Corporation might facilitate ownership transfer more straightforwardly than a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership.
- Adaptability: The business world is ever-changing. Is your structure flexible enough to adapt to new laws, tax codes, or economic shifts? Being able to pivot without complex legal restructuring could be crucial for long-term success.
By considering these factors, you can select a structure that meets your current needs and supports your business as it enters future chapters of growth and change.
5. Consult The Experts
Seeking advice from legal and financial experts is not just a formality, but a necessity for making an informed decision. A legal expert can help you understand the intricacies of each structure, informing you of the legal implications and liabilities.
Similarly, a certified public accountant (CPA) can provide invaluable insights into the tax consequences of your decision. They can customize their advice to your specific business needs, helping you navigate the complex tax environment.
Investing in expert advice early can prevent costly errors and ensure that your business structure aligns with your immediate needs and future aspirations.
Conclusion
Choosing the best legal structure for your new business is a decision that sets the tone for your entrepreneurial journey. It affects everything from your daily operations to your ability to scale.
Take your time, conduct thorough research, and seek expert advice to make a well-informed decision. With the right structure, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful and sustainable business.
Entrepreneurs
Ultimate Guide to Managing Workplace Health And Safety
Workplace health and safety is a paramount concern for employers and employees alike. A commitment to a safe working environment not only preserves the well-being of the workforce but also contributes to increased productivity and overall job satisfaction. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into some of the key aspects of managing workplace health and safety, offering insights, tips, and practical solutions for organizations to create and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
Understanding The Importance of Workplace Health And Safety
Ensuring the health and safety of employees is not just a legal obligation but a fundamental ethical responsibility. A safe workplace fosters a positive company culture and promotes employee morale. Beyond the ethical considerations, prioritizing safety contributes to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism. Employers must recognize that a proactive approach to health and safety is an investment in their most valuable asset – their workforce. By understanding the importance of workplace health and safety, organizations can lay the foundation for a resilient and thriving work environment.
Creating a Comprehensive Safety Policy
A robust safety policy is the cornerstone of an effective workplace health and safety program. This document outlines the organization’s commitment to maintaining a safe working environment and provides guidelines for employees to follow. The policy should cover a range of topics, including hazard identification, emergency procedures, and reporting mechanisms. Regular review and updates are crucial to ensure that the policy remains relevant in the face of evolving workplace conditions. By involving employees in the creation and review of the safety policy, organizations can cultivate a culture of shared responsibility for health and safety.
Occupational Health And Safety Certificates
Obtaining the necessary occupational health and safety certificates is a crucial step in demonstrating compliance with industry standards and legal requirements. Certificates from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the United States or its equivalents in other countries attest to an organization’s commitment to maintaining a safe workplace. You can choose to achieve the NEBOSH certificate or any other that you see fit. These certifications often involve training programs for employees and management, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to identify and mitigate workplace hazards. Employers should view these certificates not just as regulatory checkboxes but as tools to enhance overall workplace safety.
Conducting Regular Risk Assessments
Risk assessments are proactive measures that enable organizations to identify potential hazards in the workplace and take steps to mitigate them. These assessments should be conducted regularly, considering factors such as the nature of the work, the equipment used, and the work environment. By involving employees in the risk assessment process, organizations tap into valuable frontline insights and promote a culture of collaboration in maintaining a safe workplace. Regular risk assessments not only prevent accidents and injuries but also contribute to continuous improvement in safety protocols.
Implementing Effective Training Programs
Employee training is a linchpin in creating a safety-conscious workplace. Training programs should go beyond mere compliance and instill a genuine understanding of the importance of safe work practices. Employees should be educated on hazard recognition, emergency response procedures, and the proper use of safety equipment. Regular refresher courses ensure that the workforce remains well-informed and up-to-date with the latest safety protocols. Investing in comprehensive training programs not only safeguards employees but also positions the organization as a responsible and caring employer.
Promoting Mental Health in The Workplace
While physical safety is a top priority, organizations must not overlook the importance of mental health in the workplace. Stress, burnout, and other mental health issues can significantly impact employee well-being and productivity. Employers should foster a supportive and inclusive culture that encourages open communication about mental health. Offering employee assistance programs, promoting work-life balance, and reducing stigma around mental health issues are essential steps in creating a holistic approach to workplace health and safety.
Establishing a Robust Incident Reporting System
No matter how thorough the safety measures are, incidents may still occur. Establishing a robust incident reporting system is essential for timely response and continuous improvement. Employees should feel confident and comfortable reporting incidents without fear of reprisal. Organizations must investigate incidents promptly, analyze root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. A transparent and accountable incident reporting system not only improves safety but also builds trust between employees and management.
Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Safety
In the digital age, technology offers invaluable tools to augment workplace health and safety efforts. Employers can leverage state-of-the-art systems for real-time monitoring of environmental conditions, equipment performance, and employee well-being. Wearable devices, sensors, and smart safety equipment contribute to a proactive approach by providing instant alerts and data for risk mitigation. Additionally, software solutions can streamline incident reporting, tracking safety training, and managing compliance. By embracing technological advancements, organizations can stay at the forefront of workplace safety, ensuring a swift and informed response to potential risks.
The ultimate guide to managing workplace health and safety emphasizes that the well-being of employees is a holistic commitment that extends beyond mere compliance with regulations. It is a dedication to fostering a culture where safety is ingrained in the organizational DNA, and employees feel secure, valued, and supported. From the foundational elements of crafting a robust safety policy and obtaining necessary certifications to the dynamic aspects of risk assessments, training programs, mental health support, incident reporting, and technological integration, each component contributes to the creation of a workplace where individuals can thrive professionally while safeguarding their physical and mental health.
As we navigate the complexities of the modern work environment, it is essential for organizations to recognize that investing in workplace health and safety is an investment in their own success. A safe and healthy workplace not only protects employees from harm but also enhances productivity, reduces turnover, and strengthens the organization’s reputation. By prioritizing the well-being of their workforce, organizations not only meet legal obligations but also position themselves as responsible and caring entities, contributing to a society where workplaces are not just spaces of employment but communities that nurture and empower individuals to achieve their fullest potential.
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