How to Prepare for a Video Interview
Unlike photography, there’s no magical Photoshop trick to fix what happens on camera. While it’s natural to need to do several takes there are some things that simply can’t be edited out.
Learn more about what you need to do to prepare for your video shoot.
Image by Sam McGhee (@sammcghee) via Unsplash.
How to Prepare Before Your On-Camera Interview
Start by reading these tips on how to prepare for a photo shoot. Men, click here for tips designed for you.
The links above set the foundation, but video requires some extra preparation and reminders.
Tips for Outfit, Hair, and Skin
Plan to hydrate so skin is soft and less dry (this helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles)
Apply chapstick or a more hydrating lipstick. Avoid licking your lips which can chap them.
Avoid major dental work or any skin peels (even sun exposure) less than a week before your video shoot—anything that would lead you to feel uncomfortable or swollen can alter your appearance.
Brush your teeth and check them for lipstick (women).
This piece is absolutely critical: Try on your clothes a week beforehand to ensure fit. Iron and lint-roll your perfectly spot-free, clean-as-a-whistle outfit like your job depends on it. Neither wrinkles nor pet hair can be “edited out” of a video.
Get a good night’s sleep or bring a lil’ concealer to touch up if a little one kept you up all night.
Consider getting professional hair and makeup. These pros have experience in a commercial filming/photography setting and understand why flyaways and bad face highlighters are a no-go for pro on-camera jobs.
Tips for Your Surroundings
Tidy up any work spaces or areas of the home where you might be filmed.
Put up a “do not disturb” sign on the door to avoid interruptions if you’re in a shared space. Even with directional, lavalier microphones, loud coworkers or furry friends can quickly disrupt a good session.
Turn all phones, computers, alarms, etc. to silent. There is nothing worse than a good filming sequence ruined by a preventable issue.
Rehearse INterview Questions or your video script Ahead of Time
Even the most seasoned speakers get nervous when filmed. So how can you be as flawless as possible on camera?
Photo credit: Seth Doyle (@sxth) via Unsplash.
Practice what you’ll say in a mirror ahead of time. How we play out the words in our head is often a different experience when we hear our own voice speaking out loud.
If you have interview questions, write down your answers first. Then, ask those questions to yourself out loud and answer them with your responses. Your answers will be natural, but with practice, you’ll avoid fumbling over your words or include too many “ums” and “ahs” which make you appear less confident.
Let the videographer know if you need a break or feel uncomfortable. When smiles feel fake and interviews feel forced, it’s best to rest.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A Video Interview?
Photo credit: Sam McGhee (@sammcghee) via Unsplash.
A good videographer will affirm you and coach you along the way so, remember, the pressure isn’t all on you.
You’ll get posed and positioned properly in your seat (no slouching!) and the videographer will check for things like hair in your face, background distractions and lighting. It may take several minutes before you get rolling so be patient.
Before we hit record button, do your best to relax! Be your natural self. Breathe in, slowly breathe out.
If you’re asked an interview question, repeat it back no matter how simple the question seems. Why? The videographer is looking for soundbites.
Examples:
Q: What’s your name?
A: My name is Michelle Loufman.
(See how easy that is?)
Q: What are a few things you enjoy doing on weekends?
A: On weekends, I really enjoy hiking, cooking and spending time with my husband. Those are all great ways for me to disconnect from the constant ping of technology and, as a business owner, I get to reconnect with my personal world again.
See what happened there? It’s ok to elaborate when a question is open-ended or invites you to share more. Just don’t go into a monologue or too many tangents that make it hard to follow (e.g. edit out later).
Photo credit: Keagan Henman (@henmankk)
Understand that you may be doing a few takes, even if it feels like a filmed segment went smashingly well. Why? Sometimes you get something better in the next take, or a different angle to level up the production value.
Project your voice. There’s no need to yell but if you’re a soft-spoken person like me, you’ll need to amplify, even when a mic is present.
Have water handy (non-carbonated, please!) in case you get dry mouth. I personally love Throat Coat tea because it seems to do exactly what the name says it does — coat the throat and keep you from going parched as a result of nerves. Please sip carefully to avoid spilling on your clothing.
Otherwise, flexibility and great communication will make the rest fall into place smoothly.
Contact me if you want to learn more about video projects and storytelling.
