What is video interviewing?

In a video interview, candidates answer interview questions using a webcam so that the employer can see and hear the answers.  Video interviews can replace phone interviews as a candidate screening process, giving hiring managers more information than from a resume or phone interview only.  Video interviews allow a hiring manager the chance to see a candidate’s energy, enthusiasm, personality, and presentation skills, giving the hiring manager information which could previously be found only in personal interviews.  Through video, hiring managers can interview candidates regardless of geographic location, enlarging the pool of talent from which a company can draw.  Using video interviews can speed up the hiring process, saving the company time and money. 

Companies can tailor questions for each specific job, and every candidate receives the same questions and the same amount of time to answer them.  Interviews can be saved and reviewed by the hiring team at their convenience.

The Video Interview Process

• Companies select and then invite candidates via e-mail to take a video interview.
• Candidates arrange to take the interview using a webcam, either on their personal computers or at a designated site.
• Tutorials on using the webcam and interviewing are available for candidates.
• Candidates typically receive 10-15 questions, each with 2 minutes allowed to answer them.

Tips for Taking a Video Interview

A video interview is as important as a face to face interview. It is one more way that the prospective employer can get to know you. So, plan your interview as you would any other job interview.
Plan ahead

• Have a glass of water nearby
• Make sure that you won’t have any distractions
• Try to have a solid background – maybe use a sheet as a backdrop if there is a lot of clutter in your office.
• Turn off the telephone, the alarm clock, your email alert….anything that could be distracting during your interview.
• Reduce or eliminate any background noise.

What to Wear

• Dress professionally. Wear the same interview attire you would for a face to face interview.
• Don’t make the same mistake one candidate did! He wore a suit jacket, dress shirt, and tie, presuming that only the top half would show. However, when he stood up the interviewer saw a full-length view, including the jeans he was wearing.

During the Video Interview

• Make sure the table is clean and neat. You don’t want to distract the interviewer.
• Be aware that the microphone picks up all the noise in the room. Don’t tap your pen or shuffle papers.
• Place your head and upper torso in the frame. Try to keep yourself in the framed area for the entire interview. When speaking, keep an eye contact with the webcam and speak directly to the webcam.
• Make eye contact. If you don’t the camera will be focused on the top of your head.
• Be personable.  Pretend there is another person the other side of the camera and look directly at and speak directly to the webcam to make your interview as personable as possible.

INTERVIEW on DEMAND - removing the barriers between TOP CANDIDATES and the COMPANIES that seek them.
Hiring managers - make faster, better hires while reducing costs.
Recruiters - make more placements with more companies, faster.

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