How To Maximize Video Interviews [Useful Tips]

A job interview can be a nerve wracking experience. At interviews you are not only being appraised for what you say or for what you can do, but also you are being examined on the way you present yourself, on whether you will fit within the company’s corporate philosophy, and on your general demeanor.

In recent years the format of job interviews has begun to reflect the increasingly technological world we live in. Video conferencing is now a popular choice when it comes to personnel selection. There are dedicated software programs, specialist interview techniques, and a wealth of advice on how to do well in a video interview.

Key advantages of video interviews for employers

The advantages of using video conferencing to interview job candidates can be classified into employer benefits and candidate benefits. Among employer benefits, the following can be highlighted:

• Video interviews allow for greater consistency. By using a pre-determined script and format, all candidates are asked the same set of questions

• Video conferencing captures the moment, and it does so permanently. Therefore, employers have the opportunity to replay, review, and rate the interviews online. Interviewers can also make use of videotaped material to compare candidates’ answers and performance during the interview

• Having visual material associated to the interview can help employers better remember outstanding candidates. This is especially true when video interviews are compared to audio interviews (for example, Skype-based interviews). By using video, employers can associate a candidate’s name to a face, so in fact, video interviews can help provide a more personal touch

• Time is at a premium for most human resources departments. Video conferencing allows employers to carry out a large number of interviews in a short space of time. This interview format is particularly useful when it comes to interviewing candidates who live in a different city or country. Video interviewing can cut recruitment costs by 50%

What are some of the benefits that job seekers can draw from video interviews?

Here is a (non-exhaustive) list:

• Video interviews are also advantageous to candidates in terms of time and money. There is no need to stress about being late to the interview because of traffic, and similarly, there is no need to travel to another city (with the associated expenses that come with it). The only investment you need to make is a computer with Internet access and a webcam, and almost everyone has that kind of equipment these days

• There are psychological benefits associated to video interviews. A job interview can be a lot less stressful if you can go through it from your own home

• You can practice for a video interview by recording yourself answering typical interview questions. You can then assess your performance and make the necessary changes, so that you feel confident and prepared on the day of the interview

• Video interviews are ideal if you already have a job but are looking to move elsewhere. Online interviews do not require you to take days off, something that could arouse your boss’ suspicions.

Can a video interview improve my chances of getting the Job?

The good news is that if you approach it correctly, a video interview can help you be successful in your job search. If you can perform well using video conferencing software, you’ll show that you’re at ease with modern technology. You’ll also have the opportunity to practise with the software until you’re comfortable with it. If you have picture-in-picture during the interview, you’ll be able to observe the appearance you’re projecting to your interviewers and adjust if necessary, which is something you don’t get the chance to do in a traditional interview format.

By preparing thoroughly for your video interview and taking care to give the best impression possible you may be able to secure the job without even entering the office!

Essential Video Interview Tips

Prepare yourself ahead of time: As you are not meeting your employer face to face, you should think about emailing the interviewer your CV and any other applicable documents before the day of the interview. Two days before is the best time to send all the relevant papers.

Practise: If you are not comfortable being in front of a camera then a good way to feel at ease with it is to practise the video interview with a friend over Skype. Get your friend to ask you the questions you expect to be asked and then ask for feedback. This way, you will also hopefully gain more confidence which can be used to your advantage when you’ve got the real video interview.

Background and light: If you have the video interview in your own home then make sure you test the software and also check your background and lighting. If the sun is shining, the light often blocks out the screen so make sure that that doesn’t happen by checking everything first.

Look in the camera: You may be tempted to look at yourself when you have the video interview but it is extremely important that you look throughout the interview at the webcam and not the screen. This will ensure you are keeping good eye contact with your interviewer and also gives the impression that you are very confident.

via How To Maximize Video Interviews [Useful Tips].

How To Maximize Video Interviews [Useful Tips]

Why Online is the Future of Job Interviewing [INFOGRAPHIC]

Job interviews are daunting enough, but now more and more are moving online and using video. This infographic by iMeet explains why online is the future of job interviewing.

Takeaways:

• Since 2011, the use of video interviews has risen by 49%.

• 66% of candidates prefer to use video during the interview process.

• Communication is conveyed by the human face (55%), tone of voice (33%) and words (7%).

 

via Why Online is the Future of Job Interviewing [INFOGRAPHIC].

Why Online is the Future of Job Interviewing [INFOGRAPHIC]

How To Interview Someone On Camera [Useful Tips]

Every interview is an exercise in psychology, with YOU playing the therapist. Here are techniques to get the best responses when you need someone to spill their guts…or just explain something, on camera and in full sentences, whether it’s for a corporate video, your website, or YouTube.

The Basic Outline of a Good Interview

Warm them up with easy and broad questions. For example, “Tell me what you are working on?” or “What was your last project?”

Make them describe the situation. Ask for specifics: “Give me an example of what it’s like to bake bread (or whatever)?” or “How common is whole grain baking?”

Dare them to take a stand on the subject. If they say, “There just isn’t enough whole grain baking in the US!” Follow up with a why question: “What makes you say there isn’t enough whole grain baking?” Open-ended questions always elicit more than a yes or no answer.

Save the tough questions for the end. For example, if you are producing an internal video, ask: “What would you say to employees would are concerned about layoffs?” or finish with broad questions that move the conversation forward like, “What’s the most challenging part of your job right now?” or “Where do you hope to see this situation a year from now?”

Wrap up by re-asking your big question, when the interviewee is on a roll: “Just to sum up, why is this issue so important right now?”

The key to any great interview is research. Don’t walk into an interview to get facts that you can get online. Your interviewee will take you more seriously if you come across as educated and prepared. If you aren’t, you could end up like Kathie Lee Gifford when she asked Martin Short how his wife is doing (she’s dead).

Men: What You Should Wear on Camera

Gents, looking good on camera is extremely important! Whether you are creating a video for your website, running a meeting via Skype, or appearing on the local news, every viewer will make a snap judgement about you based on your looks. Here are some rules and tips to keep you looking awesome on air or online . . . and stop the audience from being distracted by your outfit!

Go for:

A well-cut (NOT baggy) suit and consider pairing it with a bold orange or purple tie rather than the usual conservative red or blue (unless you are running for President).

Casual shirts can work but skip the colors white, gray, or light brown. A T-shirt is fine if you are a surfer or doing home repairs but go for a collared casual shirt if you are an entrepreneur or business owner.

If you are appearing on camera because you are a doctor, fireman, or some other recognized role, then wear the uniform. Play the part.

Avoid Wearing:

Green if you are in front of a “green screen.” Your body will be invisible.

The color of your backdrop. For example, if you are going to be a guest on Charlie Rose, don’t wear black. The black background will make you look like a floating head.

Sometimes red. A red that is too bright may look oversaturated and smudged on video.

Bright white shirts (unless you are wearing it under a jacket). It’s too risky. The white might glow, making you look like you descended from heaven. Unless that’s the look you’re going for.

Some patterns: You may need to reconsider a checked, thinly striped, or herringboned top or tie. Sometimes video can’t accurately “read” a pattern. Your clothes may look like they are vibrating, giving your audience a headache.

The Bottom Line:

I know several TV reporters who only wear ill-fitting ensembles composed of grays and mud browns. Snooze fest. If you want to come across as dynamic, look dynamic. Wear clothes that fit you well and add a bit of color so you pop off the screen!

via How To Interview Someone On Camera [Useful Tips].

How To Interview Someone On Camera [Useful Tips]

Video Interviews - How NOT to look bad on cam (Infographic)

 

Pin by Undercover Recruiter on Undercover Recruiter | Pinterest.

Video Interviews - How NOT to look bad on cam (Infographic)

6 Ways To Look Great On A Video Call

Face to face meetings are the most natural way to communicate. But if that’s inconvenient, then video conferencing has a lot going for it over phone calls. People pay more attention when they can see the people they’re talking to.

Unfortunately, for all the benefits, video conferencing is incredibly easy to screw up. “Everyone thinks they know what they’re doing but they’ve never been trained to do it,” says Paul J. Bailo, author of The Essential Digital Interview Handbook. Here are some tips for looking like a pro:

1. Get the right lights.

Overhead lighting is the worst kind of lighting for video conferences because it makes shadows under your eyes. Unfortunately, that’s what most people have by default. You may not care about the lighting if you’re doing a quick snow-day check-in with the team you’ve worked with for four years. But for high-stakes situations (like job interviews) when you need to look your best, Bailo recommends using three natural, soft light sources: two behind your web cam (one on the left, one on the right) and one right behind you.

2. Watch your angle.

Are you using a web cam clipped to the top of your monitor? Chances are it’s not capturing you from the ideal perspective. If it’s angled down too much, you’ll put your fellow meeting-goers in the position of towering over you. You want the lens to be right at eye level. A tripod can get you there and hold the camera steady.

If you’re using the built in camera on your laptop, it may be too low–and looking up your nose. While it’s not ideal, you can put hardcover books under your laptop until the angle’s right. You want the camera to capture the triangle of your forehead to your left shoulder and right shoulder in the frame.

3. Look presentable.

Even if only your face and shoulders are in the frame, you never know if you’ll need to stand up for some reason. So look decent from head to toe. Put some flattering, solid colors near your face, just like television news anchors do. Check your teeth for remnants of lunch. Make sure the temperature is such that you won’t be sweating, and won’t need to start taking off layers, which is disconcerting for all watching.

Less obvious? “Make sure you’ve got the right chair,” Bailo says. Fidgeting is fine on audio but deadly when you can see someone moving like a hyperactive school boy in the corner of your screen.

4. Look behind you.

The people you’re interacting with will be treated to the view of whatever is behind you through the whole meeting. Junk and clutter is bad enough. Your bed with dirty laundry on it is unprofessional. Or worse, you may have something sitting there that’s part of the scenery to you but jarring to everyone else (e.g. that Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders poster your kid moved out of his bedroom but never put away). Bailo recommends investing in what’s called “seamless paper” (what professional photographers use in their studios) if you’ll be doing a lot of digital interaction.

“If you wouldn’t want it in a live meeting you shouldn’t have it on a video conference.”

If you’re in an office, Jay O’Connor, chief marketing officer of Blue Jeans, a video conferencing service, suggests painting a spot of wall with the company colors and a copy of the company logo to serve as the backdrop. “You look like a million bucks,” he says. “You look like this incredibly established company. It’s a very low-cost way to make yourself come across as a professional big business.”

5. Minimize distractions.

Bailo suggests making an “On Air” sign for your office door when you’re live in order to keep other people from walking in. If you’re working at home and the people you’re concerned about those who are too young to read and obey such a sign, then you need to hire a babysitter or ship them off elsewhere. Pets too. A barking dog can ruin a conversation, as can a cat that runs across your keyboard. “First impressions count when it comes to video conferencing,” says O’Connor. “If you wouldn’t want it in a live meeting you shouldn’t have it on a video conference.”

6. Be prepared.

Video is closer to a face-to-face meeting than it is to a conference call, yet most people treat it like a conference call. So they’re trying to look at their notes, or are squinting at their computer screens. This is much like holding a piece of paper in front of your face in a live meeting. “You come across as not listening,” says O’Connor. Know your main points and look up, so you can interact normally and score the benefits of seeing people and being seen.

via 6 Ways To Look Great On A Video Call | Fast Company | Business + Innovation.

6 Ways To Look Great On A Video Call

Video Interviewing – Innovative Interview Techniques

Video interviewing has always intrigued me. While the concept made sense to me, I wondered if companies would adopt and administer the technology in the most effective way. I was also curious to see if candidates would be open to the option or if they’d lean toward companies with a more traditional interviewing process. As a recruiter, I was able to utilize video interviewing for my own recruitment efforts and realize the benefits of using this as one of my interview techniques.

It’s easy to see why more companies are investing in video interviewing:

It identifies qualified candidates faster. Video interviews enable recruiters to identify talent earlier in the process, therefore cutting down time spent vetting candidates. Recruiters who are overwhelmed with resumes can develop prerecorded interview questions to send to potential candidates. This helps recruiters broaden their candidate pool without wasting time scheduling lengthy phone interviews. Additionally, this gives candidates with poorly developed resumes a chance to show why they’re qualified.

It increases flexibility. A significant number of candidates are currently employed. Unfortunately, this can make it difficult to coordinate a convenient interview time. Video interviewing gives candidates the option to participate in a prerecorded interview and record their answers on their own time. This enables recruiters to keep candidates in the running while ensuring interviews are done within a reasonable timeframe.

It can cut down costs. Candidates are becoming more mobile. And, companies are realizing that they’re limiting their talent pool by only sourcing from their immediate area. As a result, many companies are interviewing candidates who may live too far to be able to easily interview face-to-face. In lieu of flying candidates to interview on-site, video interviewing is an ideal option to gain the value of interviewing face-to-face without the cost.

It can reduce potential biases. In the beginning stages, interviews are typically done on a one-on-one basis. Consequently, whether a candidate is hired or not can be determined on a single person’s opinion. Video interviews can be saved and documented, allowing multiple members of the hiring team to collaborate on the decision. The ability for multiple people to review a candidate’s responses will help companies make better hiring decisions.

It can kick your talent pool up a notch. It’s one thing to have categorized resumes sitting in your applicant tracking system. It’s another to have documented video interviews tied with those resumes so you can easily and quickly review your candidates. These video interviews add value to your talent pool, bring candidates’ experiences to life and aid recruiters during their search. They enable companies to quickly identify talent that recruiters already established a relationship with before spending money on additional job advertisements and implementing a new recruiting strategy.

It humanizes the process for a better candidate experience. As the number of candidates increase, interview processes become rushed and impersonal. Although phone screens cut down the volume in a timely manner, it still lacks humanistic elements that only a face-to-face interview can provide. Are your candidates dropping out of the interview process early due to disengagement or a poor candidate experience? Video interviewing will do your employment brand justice by creating a better first impression. According to Aberdeen Group, “Video is one of the most powerful talent acquisition tools for improving processes and creating a positive candidate experience.”

Video interviews are on the rise; the number of employers that have implemented this technology increased by 10 percent in the past year. As part of a comprehensive talent acquisition program, video interviewing has time, cost and quality benefits. Video interviewing will create a consistent brand message and provide a positive candidate experience, and help your hiring team make the best hiring decisions.

via Video Interviewing – Innovative Interview Techniques | WilsonHCG Blog.

Video Interviewing – Innovative Interview Techniques

Don"t Fall Into This Interview Trap

Can’t find work? Blame your webcam. Video interviews—which roughly half of all employers report using—can tank your job prospects, shows new research from Canada’s McMaster University.

In the study, hirers judged candidates who interviewed via video to be 13 percent less competent and 11 percent less trustworthy than face-to-face applicants.

Why? Videoconferencing programs like Apple’s FaceTime or Skype erect a “technological barrier” between you and the interviewer, explains study coauthor Greg Sears, Ph.D. Important social cues—such as good eye contact or appropriate facial expressions—don’t always translate on video, which can spoil the interviewer’s perception of you, Sears says. For those same reasons, phone interviews are even worse, he adds.

Whenever possible, push for an in-person meeting—especially if you know other candidates will have face-to-face sit-downs. But if you’re applying from out of town and video is your only option, here are two ways to improve your odds:

Position your webcam no more than 2.5 feet from your face to ensure the interviewer can clearly see your expressions. This will help him feel fully engaged with you during the chat, Sears says.

Be sure to look into your camera’s eye (and therefore the interviewer’s)—especially when introducing yourself at the start of the call and whenever the hirer is asking questions, Sears recommends. If you’re looking at your computer screen instead of into your camera, you’ll come off as inattentive and untrustworthy, he says.

via Don’t Fall Into This Interview Trap | Men’s Health News.

Don"t Fall Into This Interview Trap