Online interviews have become all the more significant in these times of social distancing and lockdowns. Travel restrictions due to the pandemic have resulted in cancelation of face-to-face interviews. Many people have lost their jobs, but finding another one can be a daunting task. The good news is that many companies are still recruiting people. A recent CNBC report pointed out that employers are increasingly using digital technology for initial screening. That’s why you need to prepare thoroughly for video interviews. Keep in mind that most companies record job interviews and rely on interview transcription providers to get them transcribed for preview and evaluation at their convenience.
Besides offering many benefits for employers, video interviews are an ideal option for job seekers, especially during lockdowns:
- You can go through the process from the comfort of your home.
- Multiple interviews can be conducted in one day.
- Digital interview systems (like that offered by pymetrics) allow you to record responses at a time convenient to you.
- You can practice as many times as you want on the pymetrics platform and re-record answers once if required.
Here are five video interview tips that will help you succeed in the current competitive scenario:
- Harness the power of social media: Having an online presence helps when it comes to showcasing your skills to prospective employers. Research shows that more than 90% of employers use social media for recruiting. Many companies use social media profiles to get an idea about candidates’ personality and character and it’s important to project a positive image of yourself on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other platform you’re on. Using social networking effectively can also help you learn about new and existing opportunities. So, make sure you have a digital footprint and keep your profile updated.
- Create an impressive video CV: A digital graphic resume could be a great way to impress a potential employer. A video CV is meant to supplement your text resume and not replace it. Create a brief, professional looking self-promotional piece which explains your skills, experience and goals, and what you can offer the company. The video can be introductory with links to other videos showcasing your Once you have done with making your video CV, get feedback from a few people and improve on it if needed. Upload the video to the internet or email it to the hiring manager.
- Do some research and ask for relevant instructions: Doing research on the company and industry is recommended whether it’s a face-to-face or remote interview. Visit the company’s website and check out industry forums. To prepare for the interview, you can ask your recruiter/potential employer for relevant information such how the interview will be structured, its length, and the decision-making process. Get acquainted with the video interview format and prepare proper answers to questions that you may be asked. If the interview is a real-time session, think about relevant questions that you can ask.
- Choose a quiet place, test your equipment: Choose a quiet place for the interview, switch off your phone, and remove all other distractions. Make sure your audio and video are working properly. Check your internet connection and your system’s camera and microphone. See that your laptop/tablet is fully charged before the interview. Test your technology and be ready to begin at least ten minutes before the interview begins. Pick a professional user name to project a professional image.
- Maintain a positive mindset: Many people who are seeking jobs during the lockdown are those who were laid-off or furloughed. Regardless of your situation, you need to maintain a positive attitude and mindset. Dress as you would for a regular interview – it will boost your confidence. Answer all the questions and convince your interviewer that that you are a reliable prospect.
Practice and the right mind-set can help you succeed in your video interview. After it’s over, send an email thanking the company for the interview. Then be patient and wait for the results!
Most companies get the job interviews they conduct recorded and converted into text format by expert digital transcription service providers. This will allow them to better evaluate the candidate’s intelligence, skills and other qualities, which will ease and speed up the selection process.
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