SPECIAL GUEST POST FROM DAN CHRISTENSEN
In the modern landscape of college athletics, your first interview doesn’t usually happen on campus, it often happens on Zoom. Whether you are interviewing with a search firm or a 6-person committee, the virtual interview is no longer a mere screening tool. It is a high-stakes evaluation of your leadership and personality.
Research shows that hiring committees often make a baseline judgment on your competence and trustworthiness within the first 90 seconds. In a virtual setting, your “presence” is compressed into a small digital box. If that box looks cluttered or sounds muffled, the committee may subconsciously tag you as “not ready for the big stage.”
To ensure your expertise isn’t overshadowed by poor execution, follow these seven strategic keys to mastering the video interview.
1. Frame Your Authority
Your camera should be slightly above eye level, not looking up from your desk. A low camera angle creates a “looming” effect that can feel aggressive, while a high angle can make you appear diminished. Aim for a “medium-close” shot: head and upper torso. This framing allows the committee to see your posture and hand gestures, which are vital for conveying energy and confidence.
2. Prioritize Audio
If they can’t hear you clearly, they can’t hire you. Built-in laptop microphones often pick up echoes or fan noise, which causes “listener fatigue.” A high-quality external microphone or a discreet wired headset can make a big difference. Or if not, make sure you’re in a quiet setting without distracting noises in the background. Clear audio is consistently linked to higher perceived competence.
3. Master the “Digital Handshake”
To look someone in the eye on Zoom, you cannot look at their face on the screen. You must look directly into the camera lens. This is the hardest skill to master but the most rewarding. It creates a sense of direct connection and trust. Practice looking at the “green light” while delivering your most impactful points.
4. Create a Clear Visual
Don’t sit in front of a window during your interview, if it is day time. You’ll end up looking like an angel coming down from the sky. Instead, focus on strong lighting in front of you or above you, that will allow your face to be visible and clear on the call. You don’t need to upgrade to crystal clear video with some expensive camera. Your phone or laptop camera is fine as long as your lighting is done right.
5. Dress for the President, Not the Sideline
Even if the daily job requires a tracksuit, the interview requires a suit or high-level business attire. Solid, muted colors like navy or charcoal work best. Avoid busy patterns that “vibrate” or distort on camera. Yes, they may remember your funky looking shirt, but it might be more of a distraction than something that helps you stand out amongst the candidates. Dressing fully, from head to toe, also improves your posture and psychological readiness. Even if they only see your upper half.
6. Practice the “Strategic Pause”
Audio lag is a reality of virtual communication. Speaking too fast or interrupting, even accidentally, can be interpreted as nervousness or a lack of composure. Use intentional pauses at the end of your points. This not only ensures you aren’t cutting someone off but also gives your answers a sense of weight and thoughtfulness.
7. Manage the “Quiet Red Flags”
Technical glitches happen, but it’s your reaction that the committee is watching. If your Wi-Fi stutters, stay calm. A candidate who handles a tech issue with poise demonstrates how they will handle a crisis on the sidelines. Conversely, visible frustration or “tech-scrambling” during the call signals a lack of preparation.
The Bottom Line
In a crowded field of qualified candidates, “executive presence” is often the tie-breaker. Don’t let a poorly lit room or a muffled microphone be the reason a committee says, “They just didn’t feel like the right fit.” Command the screen with the same intentionality you bring to your game plan.
Dan Christensen is the Director of Collegiate Consulting for Bechler Leadership. Founded by Jamy Bechler in 2018, Bechler Leadership helps schools, athletic departments, and organizations build stronger cultures and maximize their potential. In the last three years, they’ve worked on 60+ searches, specializing in meeting the needs of “smaller” colleges. Dan can be reached at dan@bechlerleadership.com.