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How to Handle One-Way Video Interviews
For decades, we have embraced the face-to-face interview, whether it was in person or via a virtual connection. This new style shakes up everything we hold dear about just what an interview is supposed to entail.
In the land of job interviews, we have come to rely on and expect the 2-way or face-to-face interview where the employer asks the questions and the job seeker responds, hopefully turning the process into a conversation and connection.
In virtual land, we have seen the 2-way conversations take place with videoconferencing and recently with Skype VOIP technology (or something similar).
However, now we have something altogether new on the horizon which makes me think of a singer cutting a demo tape – it’s the 1-way video interview.
The concept is simple. The employer can request a video from a job seeker, wherein they answer pre-scripted interview questions.
Benefit to the Employer
The benefit to the employer in requesting videos is that they cut out the initial manpower hours of scheduling live interviews for 2-way interviews, and can greatly cut down on the time spent reviewing candidates. If an interviewee doesn’t start out great, the reviewer can just move on instead of what would have happened in a live interview – wasting the time to see it through, or giving the candidate false hope.
The other plus for the employer is that the reviewer or recruiter/human resource person is not identified, so he/she will also cut down on calls from job seekers checking in. Of course, not so good for you the job seeker!
How to Handle One-Way Video Interviews
So what can you do when faced with the 1-way interview? Prepare.
- Have your answers ready.
This is a fabulous opportunity to have a list of questions in front of you in advance! It’s like being handed the keys to the kingdom. Script out your answers in advance, again remembering to tell clear and concise stories that are examples from your experience.
Focus on the challenges you faced, the actions you took, and the results you attained.
- Practice, practice, practice.
I could say this one hundred times but you have to know your script well enough to be natural. When you answer the questions you need to sound like it is second nature to share this information. You won’t have that unless you memorize it, practice it aloud, and grow into it, just like an actor does with a script.
- Do your homework on the company.
In today’s digital world you can learn all about the company, its competitors, its products, and its goals in short order by spending some time on the Internet.
Review their website, press releases, products and services to know who they are and where they are going. Then, be sure your answers align with their goals and mission.
- Dress the part.
Just because you are not face-to-face does not make this any more casual. You want to be well-groomed and well-dressed, avoiding distractive prints, overly bright colors, and loud jewelry. You want the focus to be on you, not on what you are wearing.
- Be the best you.
The best you sits up straight and leans slightly forward, makes eye contact, remembers to smile and show personality, and talks in a clear, well-modulated voice. Don’t whisper, mumble, or fidget.
Practice will also help you overcome issues like fidgeting so again, there is more reason to prepare. If you can record yourself in practice, do it! You will rapidly see what needs to be fixed.
Some virtual interview platforms that are conducive to face to face interviews include cool tools such as Interview Stream, JobOn, and Async Interview.
Bottom Line:
While the how might change, the goal remains the same: Present the BEST you to the interviewer by focusing on knowing the job and the company and having clear answers and stories that demonstrate why you are the best fit for their position. You can do it!
© Copyright Laura DeCarlo, 2012. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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About this author: Laura DeCarlo is recognized as the career industry’s "career hero" making a difference to both job seekers and career professionals as the founder of Career Directors International. She possesses 11 top-level certifications in resume writing, career coaching, and career management; 7 first place resume and job placement awards; and has written three books on interviewing and job search including Interview Pocket RX, Interviewing: The Gold Standard, and Job Search Bloopers. Follow Laura on Twitter; username: @careerhero.
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