With the advancement of technology and the increasing levels of overseas recruitment, the ways in which interviews are conducted are changing. Many candidates are now being hired into full-time, high paying positions without ever having met the interviewer in person. How is this possible? Video conferencing.
What is video conferencing?
Video conferencing allows an opportunity for a person to still apply for positions across the globe, while still allowing the company, and potential employee to have a face-to-face interview. Often, the best way to get to know a person is through body language and overall appearance. This is why video conferencing is so popular – it allows the applicant to make the same impression they could in a real live interview.
How to make a video conferencing interview a success
Practice is essential. Just like one would practice before going into an actual interview, you should also practice prior to a video interview. Think about the best position to sit in, perhaps even the background. Remember, everything the interviewer can see portrays a part of you and may be judged.
Dress for success
As with a regular interview, make sure you dress for success. Even though they may only be able to see a portion of you, if you are wearing a suit jacket and tie with pajama pants you are not going to feel as well-dressed or as confident as you would properly dressed. Avoid pale outfits that may be difficult for the camera to focus on, or colours that will blend you into your background.
Be prepared
Being prepared is key. If you are going somewhere for the interview, ensure you are there in enough time to prepare yourself and be comfortable with the equipment. If you are doing it from your home, ensure you know how the programme works and that it is properly set up. It is also vital to know who will be initiating the conference. Researching the company will help as well. The more knowledge you have about the company, the better questions you can ask and the more you will understand the whole process of the interview.
Relax
Try and treat the interview itself as a normal, natural conversation. Be aware of your body language and the fact that they can see you. Also ensure you find a comfortable position. Jerky or rapid movements can look even worse on a delayed system. This is also important when talking. Remember there may be a slight delay in the transmission, so don't try to fill every silent void. They may already be replying to your last comment, you just are not seeing it yet.
Questions
Ask questions. By asking questions such as the career progression, details about the position or those you will be working with and the general company direction, you can better guide the interview and also show you are positive about your application for the position. Do not ask about wages at this point. This is best left until they ask you. Preparing a list beforehand can make this part of the interview easier.
A video conference interview is no different than any other interview other than the fact you are not in the room with the person. By keeping that in mind, you can make it a much more positive experience.