Is it true my chances for a job or internship could be lessened because of an inability to properly use video based interview systems? Can poor lighting, head-bobbing, placing the monitor too close to my face, casual attire, and distracting background images and noises really undermine the quality of my answers enough to cost me the position? The answer? Yes, yes, and yes.
General Electric, Ocean Spray, Hilton Worldwide, Red Bull, eBay, McGraw-Hill, Nike, Lear, Morgan Stanley, and Urban Outfitters (to name a few), all use “canned” computerized-video interview systems to pre-screen candidates to determine suitability for interview advancement.
Surprisingly, not only entry-level candidates, but well-seasoned candidates with impressive credentials and a wide range of experiences have challenged their successful progression through the hiring process because they failed to do the following:
- Create an optimal environment for a video interview. Be sure to review the background setting to make certain it is professional, tidy, and organized; also check the microphone level so it reads “normal.” Position the computer and camera lens at eye level (set the computer on a box if needed). Adjust the monitor so it is at least an arm’s length away capturing a nice head and shoulder shot.
- Check the lighting in the room so you are seen clearly. Turn off your cell phone and reminder ringtone devices, televisions, and stereos to eliminate all background noises. If you are at the office, inform colleagues that a video is in session and post a “do not disturb” note. If you are video recording your canned interview from home, choose a time when you can control family and pet traffic and noise levels. At home, you may have to set the stage by choosing a space with a blank wall or placement of plants prior to video recording so your space has a more proper setting.
- Promote your professional presence, be well-groomed, and wear business attire from head to toe. Don’t take short cuts by having a shirt, tie, and sports coat on your top half, but from the waist down be dressed in sweats. By wearing the entire professional ensemble, there are no mixed messages. You mean business.
- Know the scope of your strengths, and be ready to substantiate these with examples. With canned interview systems, you are in the driver’s seat. You have the advantage to steer your answers to questions by showcasing transferable skills in relation to the job for which you applying, but you can only do this effectively if you are able to recall with ease those positive moments in your career.
It is not enough to have an outstanding resume, you must be able to make those experiences on the resume be memorable. Be prepared to quantify and/or qualify outcomes to make your answers believable. Your credibility is enhanced when you walk the interviewer through the process of how you made decisions and problem solved and intentionally link those actions to well-defined challenges, levels of complexities, and problems faced. Your demeanor and personality will show through when describing various experiences concisely, along with your ability to work with others.
- Maintain energy. Canned interviews have their own challenges, and one of the challenges is the ability to maintain energy from the beginning to the end. Take on each question as if it were the first. With each question, don’t let your answers fade at the end, but bring it back full-circle to the job in which you are applying or describe a positive outcome. You will be surprised how your face will naturally take on a brightness and smile when recalling experiences where you were successful.
Penn State students have the advantage to better prepare and practice for such interviews by using InterviewStream which is available through the Career Services offices. It is the same video interview system that many employers are using.
Getting the leg up on competition can be as easy as a click of a button. To view InterviewStream at Penn State Harrisurg, www.harrisburg.psu.edu/career-services, and click on ‘Mock Interviewing’.
By the way, you may send your digital practice interview file to the Career Services office and request a critique. Please mention seeing this on our Career Blog if you do.
(Our thanks to Heidi Friederich of the PSU Shenango campus for sharing her message with us.)
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