Tag: interview

Telephone interviews were once used as a way to speed up the hiring process. Now we’re all for that, but with the rise of video interviewing platforms we believe that telephone interviews are a thing of the past. Here’s our three main reasons why.

Never Miss a Candidate 

First off, we’re all super busy. Which means it’s not always possible to find half an hour or more to have a conversation with a candidate over the phone or in person. It becomes even more difficult if the candidate is still in a different role or interviewing at multiple places. 

This is where video interviews can allow flexibility for both parties via a link for candidates to answer at a time that suits them. It also means that you’re able to screen a higher volume of candidates in a shorter timeframe.  

Improved Screening

Next up, there’s the added advantage of being able to actually see shortlisted candidates over video before deciding whether to progress them to the next stage or not. Unlike with phone interviews, video will give you a much better indication of the candidate’s fit. 

You’ll be able to assess their mannerisms and gauge how confident they are, or if they’re struggling to make eye contact. You can see how they’re dressed and if they’re smiling or not, none of which can be done by phone. Yes, in a phone interview candidates will answer your questions and it can help speed things up, but the added advantage video offers takes the screening process to a whole new level. 

More Control, Less Investment 

With video interviews you have complete visibility and greater control of the entire interviewing process. At Discovered People we use software that can easily record and create a shortlist of candidates that have been through our video screening and best meet your criteria. You don’t have to take our word for it that the candidate is a good fit for the role, you can see for yourself through recorded video interviews. 

The shortlisted candidate videos will appear in your own dashboard, with their CVs and any other documents you’ve requested attached. You can then watch their videos and read all accompanying documents at a time that suits you. By the time you’re ready to meet the candidate yourself, you’re already way ahead of the game. Which means avoiding spending an hour with a candidate who you’ve discounted in the first five minutes, but feel obliged to meet.

Don’t Get Hung Up

So when weighing up the pros and cons, it’s clear phone interviews have had their day. Video interviewing allows us to provide a much better service to you, plus it gives your candidates a better experience too.

 

Looking to hire? Get in touch with our team here. 

 

 

Video interviewing is by no means a new concept, however since COVID-19 they’ve become far more popular amongst hiring managers and recruitment agents. While more traditional face-to-face interviews are not possible right now, many companies have now realised just how convenient and time saving video interviewing is. 

We use industry-leading video software to make sure you have the best experience, but still know it can be a little intimidating to have your first interview over video. We’ve pulled together our top tips and a bit of background information on how to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward when the time comes for that first video interview!

Why is it so popular?

Video interviews are far more flexible than a typical on-site, face-to-face. There’s no traveling to and from involved and no time off work required. Simply open a link and you’re good to go. This means you can complete the video interview anywhere, anytime and on any device.

Types of Video Interviewing

There are a few different ways of conducting video interviews. The most common is a live, two-way video call. In this case, you’ll likely be sent a link which you simply click on to enter an online ‘interview room’. There you’ll come face-to-face with the interviewer(s) via a split-screen. The process of a live interview thereafter is exactly the same as it would be in person, only you’ve got a screen between you.

Another less common but increasingly popular method of video interviewing is known as a Solo Interview. The main difference is that instead of coming face-to-face when you enter the virtual room, you’ll be taken on a journey through a number of questions. The questions appear on screen for you to answer one by one and you’ll be able to review your finished responses before submitting it for the recruiter and client to watch back. 

While you can start over if you feel you didn’t give your best answers, we’d recommend keeping the attempts to a minimum as the more versions you do, the less natural you’ll come across. Also avoid writing all your answers out and reading them, as you’d never attend a face-to-face interview and read off answers.  


Preparing for an Interview 

Prepare for your video interview in the exact same way you would for a face-to-face interview. Think of quality answers for any and all situations, do your background research on the company and compile some questions to ask the interviewer at the end. 

Specifically for video, here’s some last minute checks to do beforehand. 

  • Set up – test that your microphone, speakers and camera all work properly.
  • Connection – check your internet connection, close-down unnecessary programs and web pages and make sure you aren’t downloading, installing or about to run updates.  
  • Surroundings – be mindful of your backdrop in terms of what’s in the frame. Consider your position and check your lighting. A plain background is ideal. 
  • Where to look – This can be a bit awkward, but look into your camera, rather than at the interviewer. This way it’ll appear like you are looking at them. 
  • Do not disturb – unlike in a face-to-face interview, you’ll likely be at home or even on your lunch break at work. It may seem obvious, but make sure people around you know not to disturb you. Ideally, find a place where you feel completely at ease and where you can speak freely and comfortably without fear of interruptions or distractions. 
  • Appearance – just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you don’t need to look the part. You should dress exactly as you would for an in-person interview. Psychologically, you’ll feel more ready too. 
  • Stay focused – Because you’re not face-to-face, it can be easier to become distracted and do things you wouldn’t do in a face-to-face setting. 
  • Notes – avoid reading off notes. It’s okay to refer to notes but don’t try to be sneaky about it. Equally, avoid taking excessive notes. And definitely do not try to Google during the interview, no matter how subtle you think you’re being they’ll definitely be able to see. 
  • Smile and engage – a tendency on video versus face-to-face is that candidates are less focused on being engaging and less aware of ensuring their personality comes across. Avoid falling into this trap and bring as much to the video as you would if you were sitting across from the interviewer. 

While video interviewing may be new to you, try and treat it like every other interview you’ve done before. While you may feel a little unnatural and out of your comfort zone, with these quick tips we’re sure it’s nothing you can’t overcome. 

Just like any normal interview, practice with friends and family or even just record yourself and rewatch it to get a feel for how you come across on video. As with anything else, the usual combination of research and advance prep will go a long way.  

Good luck! 

 

How many times have you had the exact same first interview? Explaining over and over what’s on your resume, some generic situation based questions and your career motivators. Depending on how long your job search is, it can get pretty repetitive. 

Rather than having this same first interview again and again, video interviewing is an increasingly popular way to showcase yourself as a candidate and skip this first interview step. 

With the rapid changes to how businesses use technology since COVID-19, it’s shown that video interviewing is just as effective, if not more effective than in-person interviewing. Given how much easier it is for both employers and candidates to now connect, we should really be questioning anybody who now insists on meeting in-person for a first interview. 

For any candidates searching for jobs, heres 5 reasons why video interviewing software is a huge benefit (and time saver!) for you. 

 

  • Interview From Anywhere

Apart from the obvious reason of minimising your risk of exposure to COVID-19, the fact is that taking the time to meet for interviews as a candidate can be difficult. Having to take time off work, schedule a fake doctors appointment or take leave can be frustrating, especially if you don’t get the role. 

Recruiting hasn’t stopped over this pandemic, it’s just changed to video interviews. This is really proved there’s no real need for face-to-face interviews anymore, which will ultimately save both the candidate and employer time.

  • Use Any Device

Not everyone owns a laptop, or only has access to a work device which may be a little awkward to use for an interview. With video interviewing you can easily meet and interview through your mobile phone or tablet, without any hindrance to the process.

  • Get Real Feedback 

Whether or not you get the first job you apply for, that interview can be used as an opportunity to give you valuable feedback to put you ahead of the competition next time. You can rewatch how you did, learn your strengths and improve where you need to next time. 

  • One Interview, Multiple Opportunities

Your one interview can be used multiple times for many different roles. Rather than waiting to hear if your CV made it to the top of the applicant pile, with video interviewing you either get an interview or valuable feedback to put you ahead of the competition next time. 

  • Skip the First Interview

With so many redundancies lately, it means there are hundreds of candidates’ CVs landing on recruiters desks. As some jobs are advertised by more than one recruitment agency and the client themselves, your CV can end up showing up on the hiring manager’s desk more than once.

If you’re successful, your video will be sent to top clients so you can skip that first interview stage. You can be moved to the second or even the final stage of the interview process. 

Sounds great right?

 

Looking for your next role? Get in contact with the Discovered team here.