• by Daisy Whitney , Op-Ed Contributor, June 21, 2012

One of the newest business case uses of video is for recruiting and job interviewing. With tech startups like Ovia and enRecruit offering technological platforms for companies to implement video pre-screening of applicants, on-camera skills are going to be even more vital for -- well -- anyone. And not being good on camera won’t cut it as an excuse. You don’t need to be model gorgeous or talk like a news anchor, but there are a few things anyone can do better on video to improve the quality. Here they are.

1. Good audio. A picture is vital, but if you can’t be heard, who cares? Go to a quiet room, turn off the dishwasher, and make sure you aren’t picking up sirens or barking dog sounds. Often, the best room in the house to record in is the smallest room. Just don’t record in the biggest, echo-iest room. 

2. Decent lighting. Place a lamp behind the computer so it lights you. Don’t put the light behind you.

3. Look at the computer’s camera. Keep your eyes focused, not darting around. Don’t wiggle your shoulders or swivel in a chair.

4. Keep your answers short and to the point.

5. If memorization scares you or if you don’t speak well off the cuff, buy a prompter app in the iTunes store and clip your iPhone onto your computer screen and read your answers, as if you’re a TV anchor. 

6. Choose your background carefully. Don’t shoot in front of your messy bookshelves or with your cat sleeping on your bed next to you. 

7. Practice, practice and practice. Don’t send it in until you get it right.