As the world becomes more digitized, HR teams are taking notice and using new forms of technology throughout the hiring process. In particular, video interviews are growing in popularity. 40% of employers use some form of video in their recruitment process, and for good reason! The flexibility that this strategy offers makes it easier (and more convenient) for both parties to meet, which can lead to faster hiring decisions.

Although you won’t be heading to the office to interview, you can’t slack off in your preparation. Along with doing your research on the company, you’ll need to be ready for the nuances that come with a video interview.

Not sure how to get started? Our 6 video interview tips below will put you on the right path:

Ensure Your Technology Is Working Properly  

Nothing can set the stage for a poor first impression like a technical glitch. Not only might it make you look unprepared and flustered, but it can drain your confidence for the rest of the video call. For a smooth sailing interview, you’ll want to ensure all your computer or phone technologies are functioning properly. Make sure your webcam is working, your mic resonates clearly, and your internet connection is set up correctly beforehand. If you can, ask a friend to do a test call with you. This can help you catch any potential issues before it’s too late.

Check Your Surroundings

Location is key when it comes to a successful video interview. You’ll want to choose a well-lit, quiet area where you are free to talk openly. Once you’ve chosen your space, organize and clean up any clutter that could be a distraction to your interviewer. This will keep the focus on you and your answers instead of a distracting background during the interview.

Dress The Part

While it can be tempting to only dress for your interview waist up, wear the full outfit you would wear for an in-person interview. You want to be in the right mindset when you speak to your potential employer, and wearing sweats or pajama pants may lead you to come off more casually than expected.

Maintain Eye Contact

Making eye contact during an in-person interview is essential. While this also holds true for video interviews, it is often easier said than done. To maintain strong eye contact, remember to look at your interviewer in the camera and not your face on the screen.

Limit Distractions

The last thing you want in the middle of your interview is to be distracted by a pop-up message or a video ad.  To avoid this type of situation, click out of any browsers and systems you do not need for the interview.  You’ll also want to set your status as “Busy” or “Do Not Disturb” if you are using a messaging system like Skype of Google Hangouts while you are interviewing.

Organize Your notes

A benefit to video interviews is you can have notes to reference without the interviewer seeing. For helpful reminders and talking points throughout the interview, keep your resume, the job description, and a list of questions nearby.