Video Interviews: 6 Mistakes To Avoid

9 Job Hunt Tips For Older IT Pros

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Video interviews have grown in popularity: According to a report by Right Management, 18% of candidates were interviewed via video last year -- more than twice as many as in the year before. According to the report, that trend is set to grow: Two thirds of hiring managers expect this interview format to be used more often in the next few years.

Hiring managers have turned to video over on-site interviews to save time and costs, says Chris Brown, VP of human resources for the unified communications group at InterCall. While they're more convenient for both hiring managers and candidates, they save businesses money, too.

"Video interviews are all about efficiency," Brown says. "There are a number of recruiters working with remote hiring managers, and it just makes the interview process a lot easier for everyone."

[Which tech jobs are the most lucrative? Read IT Jobs: Best Paying Titles Of 2014.]

But video interviews pose unique challenges that on-site interviews don't. Here's are some common mistakes and how to avoid them, plus tips to ace your next video interview.

1. You don't test the software
Hiring managers tend to schedule video interviews back-to-back, which leaves no time for error, he says. Make sure you test the video conferencing software or application before your interview and resolve any plug-in or browser-related problems.

"You don't want to discover any Mac-to-PC issues or that you don't have system admin rights when you log on for the interview," he says. "That's a waste of precious time you could be spending making a good impression."

2. You don't check your webcam and audio
Before your interview, test out your webcam, he advises. You want to make sure that you're not framed too far away or too close up. If you're running dual monitors, remember to look into the camera -- not your monitor -- to make eye contact. Looking into a webcam doesn't feel natural to many people at first, so take time to practice that in advance of your interview.

You should also test your audio before the interview, and use a headset if possible. Computer microphones and speakers don't always produce the best sound, Brown warns, which could pose problems.

3. Your setting is noisy and cluttered
Hiring managers understand that you're probably logging into the interview from home, but that doesn't mean your setting shouldn't be professional, he says. Make sure there's nothing behind or near you that could distract the interviewer.

"You don't want your laundry machine humming in the background, or screaming babies or barking dogs. Those are all distracting," he says. "I've interviewed candidates who did the interview at their workplace with a logo of their company in the background, which is completely inappropriate. Another

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