Being interviewed for a corporate video can be quite a daunting task. It can be uncomfortable being in front of a regular camera, but when you’ve got a large crew with bright lights, big cameras, and lots of microphones; nerves can suddenly come racing to the surface.
It’s only natural to feel this way. You’d be surprised how many people we interview who can speak in front of hundreds of people, but then crumble when they’re in front of a camera.
It’s understandable because with public speaking you know how many people are watching you. But with video, you don’t know who it could reach, so you want to come off as best as you can. But these nerves will often hinder your interview performance and stop you from being yourself.
So what can you do to prepare for your corporate video interview? We’ve interviewed hundreds, if not thousands, of different people from Quantum Physicists to Office Cleaners. So here are our top tips to help you look great in your next corporate interview.
Don’t Panic, Just Relax
Easier said than done, but do your best not to worry about it. The video crew is there to help you and have your best interest at heart. It’s also in the video crew’s interest that you look your best as they’re going to want your interview to look good for their client.
Don’t worry about stumbling, chances are it’s not live so if you make a mistake, then just ask the video crew if you can start that answer again.
Don’t Try and Learn Lines
We would usually recommend that you don’t write and learn lines. The reason for this is that, if you’re just reciting lines you’ve learned, then your delivery can come off very wooden and unnatural. The video crew is only going to be interviewing you about stuff you already know, so just answer as you would normally. It really does make the interview look so much better if the interviewee is speaking naturally. If it’s a long script that needs reading then chances are you’ll have an autocue in front of you anyway.
You can also become so fixated on trying to recall your lines perfectly, that it can become a huge distraction and cause more stumbles.
Get Friendly with the Crew
Don’t be scared, we don’t bite. Don’t be afraid to have a bit of banter with the crew. You’ll find that it will relax you and help take some of the awkwardness out of the interview. You’ll also find that it makes it a much more pleasant experience. Good video crews will be friendly and do their best to make you feel at ease.
Be Energetic
One of the best ways to come off well in your interview is to be energetic. Put a bit more personality into your voice than you normally would. It all helps to add a bit of life to the interview and also makes your audience more receptive to what you’re saying. Also feel free to use your hands, unless the video crew tells you otherwise, as it can also be a good way to add some energy.