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- Charles Hipps
Charles Hipps explains how job applicants, filled with horror at the thought of video interviewing, can use the technology to their advantage.
Many companies now use video interviewing as part of their recruitment process. Video interviewing allows organisations to save both time and money, while testing the candidate’s verbal skills, character and timekeeping.
Both one-way (candidate uploading a video) and two-way video interviews help companies narrow down candidates invited for further screening. The key question for candidates is how do you make sure you stand out on screen?
Advanced planning
It is important that you’re fully prepared before the interview. This will help you to relax and think clearly, portraying the best version of yourself. Be ready early, giving yourself time to settle down.
Furthermore, provide the recruiter with all requested information in advance. Finally, take the time to test out and make yourself familiar with the equipment to be used. The more at home you feel the more comfortable and confident you will appear.
Control the situation
Make sure that you have control of the situation and your surroundings. Set up the camera so it focuses on you (a head and shoulders shot is preferable). Be sure to keep other objects out of the shot and minimise background movement to keep the recruiter engaged in what you are saying. Remember that microphones pick up and often amplify sounds, so be careful about shuffling papers and tapping on the table.
Most people dress conservatively for an interview, but I would go one step further and advise that stripes and busy materials don’t look good on screen; the equipment has to work harder to reconcile these patterns, thus creating a delay.
The interview
During the video interview you will face a series of questions aimed to test your verbal skills, character and timekeeping. This helps companies narrow down the candidates invited for further assessments or face-to-face interviews.
The video interview looks to determine if a candidate has an understanding of the company, the role, and relevant experience. So make sure you have done your background research. Be clear and concise during the interview and avoid too much ‘umming’ and ‘ahhing’ as this will only be accentuated via the video feed.
If the interview is one-way then remember that a set time will be allocated to each question and there will be no human interaction, so there is no chance to build rapport. Be succinct.
Engagement
During video interviews you are unable to ‘turn towards’ a specific interviewer to indicate whom you are addressing. Likewise, you cannot make direct eye contact. It is therefore imperative to get the names of the interviewers in advance, and to use the names to specify who you are talking to at any point. This creates a personal feel and keeps them engaged in what you are saying.
Non-verbal listening cues have become more prominent since the introduction of video interviews. While you are talking, you will become more aware of the facial expressions of the interviewers, and they will be more aware of yours. So try to be more conscious of what your expressions are saying. Do you look like you are listening? They will notice.
Use the technology to your advantage
Video interviewing can actually be used to your advantage, if you remain as natural and confident as possible. Interviewers know that not many people have used this form of interview before, so if you can adapt swiftly to this new process, it will reflect very well on you.
Many organisations view a successful video interview as proof that you will be a good fit for a progressive company’s culture. Being adept at using new forms of technology or challenges thrown at you will always be perceived positively.
Charles Hipps is CEO of e-recruitment software provider WCN.
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