You’re Booked! Now What?
read time: 3 minutes | prep time: 15 minutes
before we chat
If you plan on using our preferred method of cell phone, download the Riverside app. Our partners at Riverside have made a product that is industry leading, with better sound and video quality than Zoom - and it’s free for our clients to use. Your calendar invite has a link you’ll click on your phone or computer that will take you to our digital studio. Remember, a front-facing cell phone camera is higher quality than a laptop. Once your interview is over, feel free to delete the app.
setting up
Try sitting at a desk or dining table, using books, prop up your phone so you can see into the front facing camera. Open your camera app to the video option and see how you and your background appears. Play around with how far away the phone is and if you need to stack a book under the phone depending on your height.
background
Find someplace that represents you (we don't want boring white walls!) with good natural light and preferably 3 feet of space behind you. It's best to not have windows, TVs, or doors or anything else that is distracting in the frame. We will spend some time once you log into your interview getting this right before we hop into the conversation.
framing
Try copying the set up in the instructions above. You know you’re successful if the top of your head and shoulders are in the frame, but your waist is hidden. This perspective makes it feel like you’re at a coffee shop just chatting with a friend.
How Can I Prepare?
Our goal is to showcase the authentic you. The more our interview is a relaxed, enjoyable conversation the better! We also know if you’ve booked a CoverStory, you might be the type who likes to prepare. So, below are some suggestions on how to show up for your interview.
The Format
There will be about 6 questions total. We cover all the basics plus some fun questions about how you work and your experiences. We don't send questions in advance to avoid it all feeling rehearsed. We want the real you and promise we will make you look great!
This may sound simple, but think about how you want to frame yourself. Your current title, job, and company may not be where you want to go next. You might have an incredible business concept but you struggle to explain it in a way strangers understand. Think about who you want to reach and we can always work on your narrative together.
Dress like yourself and err on the side of professional casual attire. This doesn’t mean suit and tie, but it also doesn’t mean basketball jersey. Should feel like you’re meeting someone for a work coffee or lunch.
Ok, enough homework. We’re excited to talk to you soon!
Anecdotes
Think about some moments of personal success, where you derive your energy, and the skills that you bring to the table. It's all about you as a whole person rather than a list of bullet points. Think of what you would tell people about at a cocktail party. Quick, fun and light.
