I am writing this material out of a strong desire to help candidates/employees and employers in the transition to online video interviews. We need preparation for this type of interview. Especially candidates, not being aware of the impact of their actions, miss out on a job they want.
In recent interviews conducted online, we have seen exactly where candidates lose out in this form of interaction, but also where employers feel that information is provided based on what the candidate is asking for. In other words, if they ask questions – they are answered targeted and to the point. If these candidates omit asking clear questions, they are left without relevant information. Communication is considerably poorer in the online interview format, but we have ways to enrich it.
Let’s prepare together a video interview, ???? in stages and organized ????.
Before the interview:
- Choose a device that supports you so that communication is as complete as possible – laptop or desktop. That way, on platforms like MS Teams or Zoom, you’ll see everyone involved in the interview on screen. You’ll see their reactions, you’ll realize if any of the interviewers, get impatient, because the answer is not on topic. You get to capture all the reactions of those involved. In most cases, the final interviews involve a person with an active role in HR and the GM/department manager/the one who takes over the coordination of the new role in the organization. In our case, my role is to coordinate the interview, I notice where aspects are lost in the communication or where they are taking too long and intervene. The telephone gives you a partial picture of yourself, especially if it is not fixed. But, fixed at a distance, it allows you to get at least shoulder level into the picture. Most of the time, after two or three reminders, especially if the phone is hand-held, I give up on attracting attention, and the interview unfolds with a nose-up view, which later becomes a chin and neck. I also add that on the phone, you often see the image of the speaker, you don’t have the image of all the interviewers, you can’t see their reactions, including nonverbal language. As such, avoid the phone as a tool for online interviews.
- A downloaded app gives you more options than one in the browser – no payment required, just defining a user and password. And the desirable user is to be first and last name… gone are the days of Batman_01 or Flower_25 ????.
- Also check the quality of your internet connection, and if you have the cable option – use it. The stability of the connection is important, and Wifi sometimes plays up just when we don’t want it to.
- Do a test with the application you are using, even with the Psihoselect representative you are interviewing, or with a friend. This way there will be no delays caused by lack of experience with the app, or various settings on your laptop. Make sure that the video camera also allows you to connect with your interviewees, that it is in front of you and not to the side or too far away.
- Eliminatedistractors that can take your attention away from the content you want to communicate. We’re human, we can understand when a child or a cat appears in the frame, but when it demands your attention, you’ll find it hard to focus on the valuable response you want to make. ???? Put your phone on Silent mode and turn off audio notifications on your laptop ????. It lets you know an email has come in, but at the time it might be less important.
- Prepare exactly as you would for a face-to-face interview. Starting from the outfit you choose, how neat you look, to the interview position and location. Ideally it should be at a table/booth, possibly with a backdrop activated in the background if you find the setting too personal. We can tell you from experience that lying in bed or on the carpet, the message you convey is impacted by the looseness of the place ????. On the same note, casual dress does not help you emphasize the level of competence and seriousness of the situations you have handled.
- For your convenience, have a glass of water handy, your laptop charged or with the power cord handy …if necessary – just plug-in ????. A notebook for notes and a writing utensil, if you outline questions along the way, so you can ask them when the time comes, without leaving out important points.
During the interview:
- Adjust the sound so you can hear the conversation very well.
- Use shorter descriptions of situations to make your point. Shorter but to the point and very clear.
- Ask precisequestions , without too much description beforehand, because you risk missing the essence of the question.
- To keep the listener attentive, when answering a question, try to keep within 2 minutes. That way, your answer will be received in full.
- Be aware of the advantages of using your voice and facial elements in interview communication. Online – face and voice – become very important. The nonverbal language you use in online meetings is limited, so make the most of it. Be expressive in your communication.
- As much as possible, look at the camera and not the screen when talking ????. It’s difficult… I know. Check the light, and if it helps, use a lamp for a guided light.
- Avoid chewing gum ????.
- This being the season, if you want to cough, blow your nose, etc., excuse me, turn off the microphone for a few seconds and then come back.
If the above information helps you, we’re glad. It means that you will be able to focus on the content of the discussion. This way, you will provide relevant information and ask questions that will help you to understand aspects that were not yet clear to you.
The end of the meeting must be a success ????.
Love,
