There’s plenty of ways that you can be interviewed for a job. But in today’s job market, companies are deploying different methods that involve technology for screening candidates. From robots to virtual reality, you can face a variety of tests. Below we discuss how you can ace these new types of interviews.
Experiencing a Virtual Reality (VR) Test
Some companies are using virtual reality (VR) to test candidates in digital environments rather than asking them direct questions. This allows interviewers to see how well you perform a task or deal with a possible work situation.
Lloyds Banking Group began using VR to screen candidates in 2017. The company aimed to place individuals into scenarios that they might face once employed, and a part of the team. It also gave people a chance to show off their skills.
Other companies have deployed this technology at career fairs. You can experience anything from company culture to testing out equipment used for daily tasks in these sessions. It also allows you to see if the jobs within the organization interest you, or if the businesses core values are the right fit.
Depending on when you entered the job market, you may have already experienced VR in your college classroom. Some institutions have chosen to let students prepare for public presentations or interviews using VR headsets. If you haven’t experienced VR, some cell phone companies offer headsets to pair with your phone to try out the experience.
It won’t be long before we all are interacting with a robot for numerous daily interactions. It’s not surprising then that recruiters are using robots to perform interviews. Whether it’s narrowing down a large pool of candidates, or testing your ability to handle different situations, companies are embracing this tool.
When you sit down for an interview and face this situation, treat it as if it were an actual person. Using machine learning and artificial intelligence, these bots can read you just as well, if not better, than a human interviewer. Your facial expressions and reactions are being read by the machine and assessing them just like a person would.
Remember to sprinkle in keywords related to the position and company. Read the job description and company mission statement before heading into the interview. While robots don’t pay attention to small talk or compliments, it does pay attention to the words you use and if you understand what your role will be.
Preparing for the Video Interview
No matter your location, video interviewing allows you to apply for jobs either some place you intend to move or that offers remote work options. When you do agree to a video interview session, remember some of the following tips.
● Practice, practice, practice – Just like you would practice for an in-person interview, you should do a test run for a video interview. Ask a friend or family member to act as the interviewer, and record your yourself. Afterwards review what areas you need to improve – do you start slouching in the middle? Are you loud and clear enough? Do you look at the camera straight on?
● Location is key – Find a quiet place, you don’t want someone walking in half way through the interview in the background. During practice sessions take note of the background noise your microphone picks up in order to eliminate excessive noise. Consider the light source as well. Don’t sit with a bright window behind you, but don’t hide in the shadows either. Clean up any clutter or distractions, you may be in your parent’s basement, but the interviewer doesn’t have to know that.
● Equipment and Position – Using a mobile device is not a good option for a video interview, but if it’s your only choice, set it up on a tripod. During practice sessions, check whatever device you are using for sound and video quality. If there’s something wrong with your equipment, it’s better to catch it beforehand than the day of your interview.
Also look over your position on camera. You want to be at the center of your shot, and looking straight into the camera, as if it were the person performing your interview. Too high or low a camera angle can make you appear in an odd position. And remember to sit up straight with your hands in your lap.
While businesses continue to employ technology for interviewing candidates, you should not be worried. As long as you take the time to prepare yourself prior to the meeting, the process itself should go smoothly.
Author Bio:
Amanda Peterson is a software engineer and regular contributor to Enlightened Digital. When she’s not binging Netflix with her Puggle, Hendrix, you can find her scouring record stores in New York City.
