Preparation before an Interview

Actually, the interview already starts with the request. In preparation, you have the opportunity to find out more detailed information about what the interview is actually about and also how you can make it work for you. What questions is your interviewer most interested in? Have the interview questions sent to you and answer them for yourself in advance. Then, think about your “why.” Why do you do what you do? And why do you want to tell a story about it? When you tell this story, think about certain images and concise situations that you can present to get your point of view across.

Because you are interviewed, there is nothing wrong with leading interested audiences to your offers. And think about what your “call to action” is. Also, think about the specific keywords you would like to drop into the interview.

1 hour before the interview

The technical check begins: Is your microphone connected correctly? How is the sound and the video quality? Is the camera clean? Is the camera angle in the best position?

Next, it is very important to consider your background: is everything around you nice and tidy? Avoid dirty socks being visible in the background, or the boyfriend walking around in boxer shorts… Find these and more embarrassing options in this video. Ask yourself: do you want to appear like that?

One final point, I definitely recommend you try out beforehand how you get into the interview room. Normally, for a virtual interview you will have been sent a link in advance. If that is the case, then make a test call. Is it worth having a look ahead of time? What information do you need to enter that particular interview, in virtual space? And what else might you need to enable on your browser, in terms of permissions, so that the camera, mic, and everything else performs well? As a rule, Google Chrome is the best option for carefree logging into a virtual interview room.

After all this is done, the rule is: be relaxed and get into your energy zone.

15-20 minutes before the interview

The interview will begin in 15 to 20 minutes. Be on time, log in beforehand. Make an appointment with the interviewer so that both of you can relax and go through another technical check together.

And this is very important: how is the sound? Is there feedback? If there is, then I recommend that you simply use headphones so you are quiet and there is no unpleasant feedback noise. Also, it is very important to check your cropping. Perhaps you are sitting a little bit too high, or a little too low? You and the interviewer must be at the same height and looking into the camera.

During the Interview

Then it begins. The interview starts, and it’s a bit like a chair lift when skiing, where you are pulled up a bit, and you are allowed to let yourself fall first. Let the interviewer get underway and give yourself over to the process.

At the same time, you have full control over how the interview goes. You can determine the course of the interview with your answers and perhaps also with counter-questions. You don’t have to answer every question in a straightforward manner if you can think of something better. I would recommend that if the interviewer talks for too long, just open your mouth a bit. That signals that you want to say something now. And always look into the camera. Turn off your cell-phone and always stay in the present moment. Seek dialog with your interviewer and thus also your connection with the viewers. Stay relaxed and you will be fine.

Final considerations, and how to be invited to an interview

Now, you might want to know: how do I actually get interviewed? How does someone approach me about being an interview guest in the first place? Being proactive can be super helpful. Approach a person you would particularly like to be interviewed by. Give a topic and a few suggested questions as an idea. Find a perspective and an angle on how your topic can be of benefit but only approach people you trust. As an interview is aired and hosted by another party, you would do well to choose quality over quantity.