This "What to Expect" page about the Laudable process:

Laudable's Video Interview Process: What to Expect

Forget everything you know about Zoom recordings. This is the FUN interview.

The process is super easy. Your interview is completely remote, takes about 30-40 minutes, and is done completely on your phone.

  • You use the link we provide to opt-in and choose your video interview time.
  • Laudable will send you a recording supplies kit to improve video quality.
  • You’ll download a video chat app on your phone that records in high quality.
  • The interview will be quick and conversational, and Laudable will guide you through each step.
  • You’ll mail back your recording kit using a pre-paid label (and Laudable can set up a pickup for you).

Once they sign up for an interview, we'll also send them this interview prep guide on how to get ready and set up their equipment:

Let's get you camera ready.

Here are details on preparing for your video interview.

Gather your supplies

  • USB brick plug
  • Headphone jack adapter
  • Tripod with LED light and phone holder
  • Lavalier microphone
  • If you have an iPhone, download the interview app on your phone.

Choose your environment

Pick a location with some space behind you. 10 feet of background depth is great, if you have it. Visible decor is a plus and plants are always photogenic.

Avoid sitting with a flat wall or window directly at your back.

Get your lighting right

Natural, indirect light coming from behind the camera is best. We repeat, don't sit with a window behind you!

If your light is bright and casting hard highlights, diffuse it by partially closing the shades or blinds.

If the lighting is bright enough to read, turn off overhead lights and lamps, which are typically yellow-toned and will clash with cooler natural light.

Your LED ring light (on the tripod) will point towards you. And if you wear glasses, remove them or turn the light down to minimize glare.

Assemble the tripod

  • Stand up the tripod base
  • Put together the three pieces of phone holder, and attach it to the tripod
  • Screw the LED light on to the top of the tripod

Plug in and adjust the LED ring light

Plug in the light using the USB brick, and use the remote to adjust the brightness and color temperature. Press the arrows button to change the color; if you're using natural light, find its coolest setting.

Attach your phone to the tripod

Place your phone in the tripod, horizontally, with the screen facing you so you can view your framing and easily start and stop recording. You'll stretch the phone holder first, place your phone in it, then let the holder grip your phone tightly.

Your phone should be at eye 👁 level!

Mic yourself up

Attach the mic to your phone. If you've got an iPhone, you'll use the dongle (officially known as a lighting port to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter.) String the mic through your shirt and attach it to your collar or jacket lapel.

Frame your shot

Remember, your phone camera should be at eye level.

Use the "rule of thirds" to frame your position on screen, so you're slightly off center with your head near the top of the frame.

Have fun and be spontaneous!

Be careful not to jostle your surface top, which will shake your tripod and footage.

Good luck, you've got this!