As Skype and Facetime interviews become the order of the day we are often left wondering, how to excel a digital video interview? With the onset of digitization, face-to-face interviews are being fast replaced by either online text-based interviews or via a digital video interview.
No longer do you need to flag a date inviting candidates to your premises from across the country or even the globe. Instead, do a one-to-one with them from the confines of your office using digital video interview options.
This creates an important question for interviewees: How do you excel in a digital video interview?
Digital video interview in the corporate world
Digitization has resulted in the world becoming an even smaller space. As the new age transcends all barriers of time and distance, the highest impact is being seen on the corporate world.
Companies are using digital means to maximize revenues and minimize costs.
HR remains a key process for corporates so they are using digital in many innovative ways. So does the need to excel in a digital video interview.
The answer can only come from an expert. SimplyHR Solutions founder and managing partner Rajneesh Singh says, “With the crunch of space and time, digital video interviews are here to stay. Any day it’s a better method compared to a telephonic interview but will always be debated vis-a-vis a face to face interview. Whether it’s a live or recorded version, both can help the recruiter take the important decision of hiring.”
So, how do you crack a digital video interview where you have no chance to correct yourself? It goes without saying that you must dress up professionally as well as behave like one true-blue professional. What else?
TechThirsty sought the help from Rajneesh Singh and other eminent corporate personalities to create a five-point expert advice.
Our top tips to ace a digital video interview
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Prepare and practice
One good way to prepare for a digital video interview is accessing free online softwares called “Interview Buddies”. They help you prepare and practice for the interview by recording an interaction about yourself and watching it over and over again. Revisions done using this tool help you to rectify your errors, which is a great way to hone your interview-taking skills. Practice also requires you to know the technology and ensure it is working and you are aware of how to use it.
Tips to appear for a Skype Interview:
a) Learn how Skype software works (there are free online tutorials)
b) Watch sample Skype interviews (again free sample available even at YouTube)
c) Practice a Skype interview with a virtual buddy
d) Improvise your shortcomings by reviewing your recording
Rajneesh Singh adds, “Just like any face to face interview, the importance of being timely and well groomed makes a lot of difference.” In short, becoming familiar with various technical aspects of virtual interviews will help your present yourself with confidence.
Also Read: #SkypeDown: Great For Other Voice Chat Apps
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Have a good set up
Ample lighting, good internet signals & clean background are some of the key things to consider if you are going to engage in a digital video interview. Founder of SimplyHR Solutions Rajneesh Singh asserts, “The logistics play a key role wherein not only the technology, but also the place makes a difference.”
This aspect is easy to understand if you have made a video call to a friend or family member. And even if you haven’t, then also it is general intelligence to understand the importance of good amount of light at your face, a clean-clutter-free background (which otherwise is a distraction to the interviewer) and break-free internet signals.
Avani Parekh, Director of Empathy, SHEORES explains it like this: “Your appearance matters and first impression is usually the last when it comes to an interview. A shabby appearance whether yours or that of your background, will only get you a negative score.”
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Do Question, Don’t Hesitate
At times, despite good signal on either side, you may not be audible during a digital video interview. Do not hesitate to ask a question again. And do it in a manner you would have done in person, be polite. Don’t lean forward to adjust signals mid-way an interview unless really required.
Online digital video interviews are a relatively new tech-aspect, even for the recruiters. So at times, even they might feel awkward or appear not-well-prepared. Neither judge the other side, nor act smart. Simply stay calm and focussed. Also try diffuse the uneasiness on the other side. Remember, you learn and grow as a team.
“And to top it all, the subject knowledge will continue to be the key to sway the outcome of the interview,” says an assuring and smiling Rajneesh Singh who has been the Network18 Group-HR chief in the past.
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Don’t Read-off the Computer Screen
During a digital video interview, don’t try to mug-up answers to obvious questions like ‘Introduce Yourself’ or ‘Give a brief summary of your past work’. Nor should you read these answers off-the-screen from a side-window open at your computer considering this is a digital video interview.
“No one is a fool; experience of the recruiter will land you in a caught-and-bowled situation. And if that happens, even a future chance to get recruited by the same company/person in future is rare,” advises Anamika Nath, a senior brand strategist who has worked with media houses like NewsX and Zee Media in Delhi NCR.
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Extend Personal Warmth
Remember that your personality must shine throughout the digital video interview. Just the right amount of eye contact, a warm smile, friendly-and-confident body language work wonders. Also remember to nod when you are being told or asked something so that the interviewer knows that you are all ears.
Your words and body language must “anticipate success” because a positive attitude marks the final score in every interview. Here, Rajneesh Singh gives us a parting shot with a smile, “However, what the digital interview will miss forever is the touch of a firm handshake which conveys the degree of confidence.” Nevertheless, we are sure after following this expert advice you will be able to achieve that handshake to the new job even online!
So all the best for your digital interview. If you have any queries, do write to us at editorial@techthirsty.com. You could also Tweet us or leave your queries it in the comments section below.