Are You Ready For Your Video Interview

Are You Ready For Your Video Interview Your next job interview may be a video interviewlike it or not. Video interviews are just one more way companies are trying to improve their recruitment process and I think its good news for job seekers. That is, as long as you are prepared! I had the opportunity to talk to Dan Finnigan, CEO of Jobvite, about the advancements in their social recruiting and applicant tracking software. Its pretty exciting for both job seekers and companies! And Jobvite isnt the only provider. HireView, Spark Hire, VidCruiter and other video interviewing providers have entered the market. They all work about the same. But you should ALWAYS read the instructions and follow the directions the company sends you. This is how it works. The applicant applies for a job. The recruiter/screener reviews resumes and selects those they would like to pre-screen. Instead of scheduling phone interviews with a manageable number of candidates, the recruiter can conceivably invite more candidates to submit answers to the pre-screen questions through the candidate-recorded video. This is going to free up the recruiters time considerably. Think about all the calls they make, the messages they leave, the lag in response time- juggling of their time between returning emails, talking to candidates, and reviewing more resumes. Benefits To The Employer According to the Jobvite, these are just a couple of benefits: From a single login recruiters will be able to invite, interview, screen, schedule, track and hire effortlessly from their desks. These capabilities will not only accelerate candidate screening, but also reduce remote hiring costs and facilitate panel feedback early in the hiring process leading to better candidate matches. Advantages To Job Seekers There are numerous advantages for job seekers with Jobvites new solution. Dan Finnigan says this advancement will help eliminate the black hole applicants find themselves in because companies will be able to interview more candidates. The candidate will have the opportunity to review and re-record each answer before submitting them according to Finnigan. This is the equivalent to an open-book test in my mind. There will be no excuse NOT to submit the best interview responses possible. That is unless the candidate doesnt review their answers first. More Benefits to the Job Seeker Have you ever said, if I could only get an interview, I could prove Im a great fit? Video interviewing can help make this happen. It takes seconds for employers to send out a video interview request versus hours scheduling and conducting a single in-person conversation. With this technology, recruiters can conceivably interview more people. Plus, there are no more surprises. Instead of getting caught off guard by a rogue question, you now have time to think deeply about the answer you provide. The interview may now feel more like an open-book test versus an interrogation because you can ensure youve taken your time and provided the best answer possible. Last, you no longer have to stress over traveling to the employers office. Video interviews are done from your location, which eliminates traveling to a place youre unfamiliar with and meeting people you dont know. Youll save money on gas or transportation too. Never fear, this is a preliminary screening, so chances are youll eventually be invited for an in-person interview if you make it to the next stage in the selection process. Disadvantages To Job Seekers If you dont have the technology or know how to use your webcam, youre going to be out of luck. Prepping For The Video Interview Like any other interview, you want to prepare by conducting research on the company, its competition and prepare answers to standard interview questions. You can see a detailed list of interview prep steps here. Dan Finnigan says that most 20-somethings (Gen Y) will be comfortable with video interviews given their lifetime exposure to technology and mobile devices, but just in case, here are some reminders to prep for a video interview. Test your technology and know how to adjust the volume and the camera. Make sure the lighting isnt too dark or too light. Pay attention to what the camera sees behind you. Dress the part. Make eye contact with the camera. Dont watch yourself on the screen, which is admittedly difficult. Parts of this post originally appeared on  US News World Report On Careers Want more interviewing help? Get your copy of “Do I Want This Job”