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Direct To Video Interview

Direct to video interviews have become the new normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the technology has been around, virtual interviews now account for 99% of interviews compared to only 5% previously. Both interviewers and interviewees need to prepare adequately for the virtual format, paying attention to technical setup, environment, attire, and engagement. Interviewees should rehearse and ensure proper lighting, backdrop, and attire. Interviewers need to coordinate questions and ensure the process is well-organized from their end. Virtual interviews require awareness of their different characteristics compared to in-person interviews.

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45 views

Direct To Video Interview

Direct to video interviews have become the new normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the technology has been around, virtual interviews now account for 99% of interviews compared to only 5% previously. Both interviewers and interviewees need to prepare adequately for the virtual format, paying attention to technical setup, environment, attire, and engagement. Interviewees should rehearse and ensure proper lighting, backdrop, and attire. Interviewers need to coordinate questions and ensure the process is well-organized from their end. Virtual interviews require awareness of their different characteristics compared to in-person interviews.

Uploaded by

stephluk
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Direct to video: ‘the new normal’ for job interviews

The novelty of the job interview via video doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be any less
scrupulous in your preparation. Here’s how to get it right – and get the job.

Despite the economic slowdown driven by the COVID-19 crisis, hiring is still taking
place, although social distancing rules and remote working requirements mean that
job interviews are increasingly being done through computer screens rather than face-
to-face.

“The technology for virtual interviews has been around for some time but prior to the
COVID-19 crisis it was not used often, maybe 5 per cent of the time,” says Matthew
Gribble CPA, regional managing director of recruiting firm Michael Page ANZ.

“That has changed radically. They are now the new normal and happen in 99 per cent
of cases. And we expect that even after the crisis has passed many organisations will
embrace the efficiency gains from using them, especially in the early stages of the
assessment process.

“So, knowing how to handle a virtual interview is a skill that anyone looking to move
up or move on will need.”

In many ways a virtual interview should be treated like a face-to-face interview: taken
seriously, with research and preparation. 

There are numerous platforms used for virtual interviews, and Gribble nominates
Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Hangouts as the most popular. They are
fairly easy to install and use but checking software compatibility and internet speed
with the interviewer are important steps. There are useful tutorials on YouTube and
most of the platforms provide guidance. 

For first-timers a rehearsal with a friend in a remote location makes sense. This not
only helps to identify any technical issues but can go a long way to ameliorate
nervousness.

The overall goal is to be relaxed enough about the technology so you can focus on the
substance of the interview itself.

Setting up the home environment for video interviews


If the interview is conducted from home, the interviewee should ensure that there is a
quiet, controlled, indoor space, preferably backed by a blank wall.

Pay attention to lighting. Aim to have natural light behind your computer, or bounce
lamp light off a nearby wall so your facial expressions can be clearly seen, as they
would in a face-to-face conversation. Avoid having your back to a light or bright
window. 

There should be no interruptions from other adults, children, pets or neighbours.


When speaking, look at the webcam on the computer and not the images of the
interviewers. It is better to use a computer than a mobile phone but if a phone is the
only option then it should be in a fixed position. A hand-held selfie-style image does
not say competence and professionalism. 

Attire should be the same as you would wear to a face-to-face interview, although it
should be noted that stripes, bright colours and complex patterns do not work well on
a screen. 

Most platforms have an option that allows the interviewee to see themselves as they
appear to the interviewers, and this should be checked before the interview. 

Any supporting documents should be provided to the interviewers prior to the


interview. Having a hard copy on hand can be useful. You do not want to have to exit
the video platform to check documents that you have only in digital form. 

A virtual interview provides fewer visual clues than a face-to-face interview so an


interviewee should demonstrate their engagement with some extra nods and signs of
agreement. A common problem with video platforms is that there is often a lag of a
few seconds, and the interviewee should time their responses accordingly. The degree
of lag can be established with a rehearsal and is not difficult to address once you are
aware of it.

Paper for taking notes and a glass of water should also be on hand. Don’t forget to
ensure that the connection is terminated before you relax at the end of the interview.

Interviewer obligations for video interviews

For interviewers, preparation is also essential to get the best out of the process. Most
platforms allow for several interviewers to be involved on a split-screen basis.
Familiarity with the technology is as important for interviewers as it is for
interviewees. 

Interviewers should realise that virtual interviews, like face-to-face interviews, are a
two-way street, and that they and their company are being assessed as well as the
interviewee.

“The chief issues typically come with coordinating the questions,” Gribble notes. 

“A good briefing is important so that all interviewers are clear on the background of
the candidate and their progress through the process so far, as well as the run of play
and the questions to be asked.”

Prior to the interview, the interviewee should be informed about the length of the
interview, the participants, and the general subjects for discussion. It might be also
necessary to check any differences in time zones.

For both sides, virtual interviews are not difficult, but the special characteristics
should be understood. Interviewees should realise that just because they are in their
home environment does not mean they can be overly casual. Likewise, interviewers
should acknowledge that they have obligations to ensure that the process is organised
appropriately.

5 tips for virtual interviews

1. Ensure software compatibility and internet speed


2. A rehearsal allows for problems to be identified and addressed
3. Find a controlled space free of distractions
4. Use a fixed camera and not “selfie-style”
5. In panel-style interviews, interviewers should ensure their co-ordination

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