In a recent survey conducted by OfficeTeam in the US, six in every ten HR managers reported using two-way Internet based video chat to interview job candidates. The 500 HR managers who participated in the survey reported pressure to cut costs and interview greater number of applicants targets as the reasons for adopting video chat technology. If you are thinking of progressing your career, you are very likely to come across video chat job interview. Here are some advanced techniques to further expend on the two remote job interview tips already discussed on the blog.
Ensure stable Internet speed – Video chat requires bandwidth which is why a stable and preferable broadband connection is essential for the smooth running of the interview. Choose a location where you are certain to benefit from stable speed.
Download, Install and Configure Beforehand – If the interviewer has requested you to download and install particular software, do this well ahead of time. Depending on your Internet speed, the process of downloading, installing, configuring, and at times registering the app can take some time. Clearly ten minutes before the interview is meant to start isn’t the right time, but several hours, even a day before is more appropriate.
Have a Backup Device – The most common job interview apps such as Skype, Facetime, GoToMeeting and others are cross platform and cross device. It gives you the possibility to install the app on two or more dissimilar devices and have a backup just in case your default device runs out of battery, crashed or gets chewed by the family dog. A useful backup device alongside your PC tends to be a tablet or smartphone.
Stage the Background – In interior design the process of temporarily de-cluttering the interior is called ‘staging’. Before the interview is meant to start, take a long look at the background behind you and the area around you. Stage the environment so the area comes across fitting for the occasion.
Master the Software – If you are unaware of the workings of the software, take 10min of your time to familiarise yourself with its workings. Head to YouTube and search for software name plus the word ‘tutorial’. Without fail you will come across handy tutorials, which will help elevate any concern you might have about using the software.
Take a Mock Interview – A mock interview is traditionally designed to test your interviewing skills, but this time you can use this opportunity to test your connection, your device (speaker and microphone) and to help ensure that the software is working as it should. During the mock interview use the ‘picture-in-picture’ feature that most apps offer to see who you are likely coming across to the other party.
During the Interview – It is important to establish eye contact as opposed to looking at your desk, the window or the screen. A useful tip is to position the video chat window next to the webcam. Now, when you look at the webcam, you are making eye contact with the interviewer, result!
Troubleshooting Technology – It is possible for the interview to cut short due to a technical problem. Instead of accepting the interruption, it can turn into an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are a problem-solver. If your device failed and you have prepared a backup, you can ask to resume using the backup device. If your Internet is slow or has disconnected, try rebooting your router or if that failed, use your mobile 3G or 4G as a temporary hotspot. If the interview cannot continue by means of video, perhaps due to a problem at the interviewer side, request to continue by phone. Better by phone than non at all.
Thank you for reading. Good luck in your job search.
Written for Margaret Buj of interview coach by The Carling Partnership. CPL (The Carling Partnership) is an international search and selection company in the brewing, distilling and wine industries.
