Companies around the world are changing their business model to accommodate working from home. Because of this, video conferencing has become a huge part of the lives of people everywhere who have switched to working remotely. Whether you are working remotely or have a virtual interview, you need to know what to do. From what to wear and where to sit while at a video conference, here is what to do and what not to due during a video conference call.
Do Close All Other Apps
Close out all of your other apps that may be running in the background. Doing so will increase the efficiency of whatever video conferencing equipment you are using. If too many apps are running at the same time, it can slow down your computer while you are on the call. This could make your video or audio lag, which can be frustrating to deal with. One telltale sign that you have too many apps open and running are if you hear your computer fan going.
Do Be Careful When Sharing Screens
How embarrassing would it be if while sharing your screen during a senior-level departmental meeting you accidentally showed everyone on the video call that you were looking up ways to get rid of hemorrhoids. Yikes! If you know ahead of time that you will be sharing your screen, have whatever you will be referencing up and ready to go. That way you are not fumbling around with your computer when the time comes. Close out all your tabs, especially anything you may not want your entire department to see. If you are a Mac user, enable “Do Not Disturb.” Doing so will prevent any text messages or emails from spontaneously popping up while sharing your screen.
Do Not Lose Focus
Just because you are not there physically does not mean you should mentally check out. Pay attention and focus as if you were physically in the meeting or interview. Avoid looking at your email, checking your text messages, answering emails, looking up articles, cat and dance videos on Tik Tok. When someone is speaking, try keeping your eyes on the camera. You want to be sure that you are giving the other person your undivided attention when possible.
Do Not Stress Out
Remember that you are at home just like everyone else on the video call. Try your best to keep away any distractions like your pets or children, but sometimes their interruptions cannot be stopped. In the event this happens, do not freak out. Do not stress out. People are more understanding when it comes to these things because we are all living in unprecedented times. If the distraction is requiring your immediate attention, just a simple request to your colleagues will be just fine to excuse yourself and to handle the situation. Just make sure that you mute your microphone and turn off your camera so you are not a distraction to everyone else on the call.
