There’s no denying that technology is having a huge impact on recruitment processes. One trend we’re seeing is employers moving to an online format for interviews.
This format is often used for the initial screening of candidates, but it is also sometimes used in place of a face to face interview. Video interviews are increasingly popular because they make the whole process more efficient for employers. Remote interviews can be convenient for candidates too – no battling the traffic or mastering a new public transport route.
But if you’re a return-to-work mum who’s been out of the paid workforce for a while, the prospect of a video interview may scare the pants off you! Keep calm, and follow my four easy steps to make your screen debut a cinch:
Step 1. Test your technology
Video interviews can either be live or pre-recorded. For pre-recorded interviews, candidates are usually required to log in to a website and respond to questions using their webcam and computer audio. Or you may be asked to pre-record your own ‘audition tape’ and upload it to a website.
Live interviews often take place over platforms like Zoom. Ensure that you have the appropriate software installed on your device well in advance, and that you know how to use it. If you’re not sure what to do, you can find on-line tutorials on You Tube you can access to help you. Alternatively, ask a tech-savvy friend to teach you in advance. Test out the technology – perhaps set up a mock interview session with a friend, and ensure that all is working before the real interview. It’s also a good idea to get a mobile contact number for the company. That way, if there’s a technological issue, you can call and sort it out straight away.
Oh, and don’t forget to charge up your device before the allotted time!
Step 2. Sharpen your image
What image do you convey when you are on the screen? It’s important to present yourself appropriately – get dressed just as you would for a face-to-face interview. Yes, that includes the bits you can’t see on screen. Wearing your slippers may go unnoticed, but being fully dressed will help get you in the right frame of mind for an interview, I promise! You might want to also test out different clothing colours to see how they look on video.
Experiment with the angle of the webcam to ensure the best results. If you are using a tablet, you might need a stand or a prop for under it. Going hands free during the interview will help you to sit straight, and express yourself fully.
Be aware of what’s in your background! Displaying a stack of dishes in the sink, or an open doorway to your teenager’s room is not a good idea. Set up your device in advance using a bare wall, home office, curtains or bookshelf as the backdrop. Also check the lighting and sound quality in your chosen space. You might need to move a couple of lamps close by to brighten it up. Or perhaps you need to close the window to block out noise from the street.
Pre-record yourself in this position to test out how you look and sound.
Step 3. Prepare, prepare, prepare
Whatever the format for your interview, the groundwork remains the same.
Joining Career Smart Mums will give you access to a full range of interview preparation techniques. My key tips are to hone your elevator pitch and prepare responses to the questions you think the interviewer is likely to ask.
Find out who the interviewer or panel members will be so that you can refer to them by name. And prepare two to three relevant questions to ask of them.
For pre-recorded interviews, you are usually asked to record your response to the questions one by one. Work out if there is an option to re-record your answers before you press submit or go to the next question. If there is a practise question available, do it! It will make you feel more comfortable with the process, and give you a chance to see how you present on screen.
Step 4. Eliminate distractions
I don’t know about your place, but mine is a hive of activity, with grocery and parcel deliveries, the phone constantly ringing, and kids running all over the place. A family home in full flight is not conducive to a successful job interview.
In fact, video interviews can often feel like a bit of a contrived experience, so ensure that you stay ‘present’ in the moment by reducing distractions.
Ask a friend or relative to mind the kids, lock the dog out, and put a ‘do not disturb’ sign on your front door. Your ‘bestie’ popping by for a cuppa right when you’re in the middle of recording is not what you need!
Video interviews need not be intimidating. With just a bit of preparation, your talents will shine through on the screen. And you’ll be one step closer to a career that you love.