How to Fail Your Video Interviews

First impressions are not easy to repair, so try to get them wrong the first time. One place to start is to think of your past interview failures and ask yourself how you can repeat your mistakes in an even more disastrous way.

Some people get nervous before a recorded interview, but there is no need for that when you come 100 percent prepared to be the worst candidate you can be. Follow the thinking behind these tips and you will surely fail. Read carefully.

1. To show the interviewer that you deal well with challenging obstacles, don’t silence your phone, lock your door or keep your dog/cat/rabbit/goat/hippo away. In real life you will be interrupted. Why deny them the chance to see how you handle problems?
2. To demonstrate your superior social skills, have all of your friends, acquaintances and their acquaintances over to your house for a party with live music. Your employers will realize you have a life outside of work. The background noise will help your potential employer see that you care about work-life balance.
3. Lighting is key. So why not have a couple of candles burning? Everyone knows candlelight is the most flattering to your skin.
4. Try not to know what you’re talking about. No one wants to hire a know-it-all. Besides, if you prepare your answers, you will sound like a robot.
5. For best results, maintain eye contact at all times. Do not blink or they may doubt how much you want the job. You can start practicing this before the interview with anyone you meet. The gas station attendant, your children and your neighbors will be impressed with the attention you’re giving them.
6. You want to let your employers know you have personality and have LOTS of confidence. Adorn yourself in your best kilt, platform sneakers, speedo or towel! Now you’re dressing for success. Bonus points if you wear every piece of jewelry that you own.
7. We are all beautiful in our own way. The height and distance of the webcam doesn’t matter. Even if the interviewer has to get to know every pore on your nose, it’s okay. Your nose is amazing.
8. Employers want you to be yourself in video interviews. So there’s no point taking down band posters, making your bed or rearranging furniture. Why pretend to be someone you’re not?

Learning to handle your many mistakes as useful knowledge for future interview possibilities will be a beneficial approach to NOT getting hired. Just think, by trying your best to fail, you are giving all the other candidates a better chance! Now, go out there and ruin your interview. The only thing standing between you and your bad interview is you.

About The Author

Esteban Gomez is a marketing consultant with interviewstream. He loves learning and has a passion for traveling, having visited many countries including China, Colombia, Italy, and Peru.