OSPE - The Voice - Fall 2020 - 23

NEWS & EVENTS

Tips to Prepare for the Virtual
Engineering Employment Event (VE3)
Paul Hill, Transition to Hired, partnered with OSPE to bring members Job Search Workshops and the VE3
OSPE'S Virtual Engineering Employment Event (VE3) invites job candidates to answer three questions through self-recorded video.
Employers will review the videos and select which candidates to meet for a live, two-way video meeting on the day of the event. Here are
some tips to prepare for your self-recorded introduction and for the live video meeting.

1. Dress for success: First impressions are important so do your
best to look professional. Consider wearing business attire like a
tie and a sport coat, or a blouse and a pant suit.

6. Affect: Tone of voice can say more than the words you use.
Enthusiasm, emotions, and passion go a long way in making a good
first impression.

2. Prepare: Do a run-through of your answers before recording.
The questions are available for your review, along with the job
description, on OSPE's VE3 page. Try not to read your answer or
memorize completely, as it does not come off as natural. Instead,
utilize a checklist to create some talking points and keep yourself
on track. For the meeting portion, learn about your employer
and attend OSPE's job search workshop, "Acing the Virtual and
In-person Interview."

7. Environment: Control your environment. Outside noise,
background images, and the like are distracting and unwelcomed.

3. Lighting: Make sure your light source is coming from in front
of you. Avoid positioning yourself directly in front of a window so
that your face is clearly visible to the camera.
4. Eye contact: Make eye contact with the camera, not your
screen. Remember, you can break eye contact from time to time.
5. Warm introduction: Remember to introduce yourself when
answering your first introduction question. Smile and take
advantage of your opportunity to connect. Something simple as
saying "Hi," and waving is well received.

8. Stature: Relax your shoulders and sit up straight or stand. Lean
in rather than lean away from your camera. Avoid swiveling or
fidgeting in a chair.
9. Body language: You can use hand gestures, but keep in mind
that sudden movements could affect your video quality.
10. Beware of perfectionism: When I first started doing video
and live streaming, I personally found it hard to watch my own
videos. I became overly critical of everything I did on video, from
the way I sounded, to my movements, to my facial expressions. This
of course affected future performances because I was stuck, as we
say, in my head. The way I got over it was by watching my videos
repeatedly (over 20 times) to get used to my video self. If you're
anything like me, I recommend recording yourself answering the
questions and rewatching your recordings repeatedly in order
become familiar with, and accept, the video-you.

Fall 2020 THE VOICE

OSPE - The Voice - Fall 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of OSPE - The Voice - Fall 2020