Forward from Roz Usheroff: The art of being selected for a job interview has dramatically changed.  Your resume no longer has the depth of impact as in the past. Today, your ability to project, connect and sell yourself digitally will determine whether you even have a face to face interview. I am excited to feature the wisdom of Barbara Schultz, a successful and dynamic HR Executive, responsible for developing and driving profitable organizational effectiveness for her clients. She is sought out for her expertise in succession planning as well as talent acquisition and management.

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR CLOSE UP? 

While “digital interviewing” is not a household term just yet, it is quickly becoming a popular screening tool for tech companies, as well as organizations with high volumes of positions to fill and a limited time to fill them.

Let’s be clear on what a digital interview is and what it is not.  Picture a hybrid of a phone interview with an added video aspect. This screening tool is referred to as “on-demand” as opposed to a “live” video such as Skype.   The interview will be conducted from your home where you record a session that a recruiter can view on their time. Your recording can be done within 3 days of the employer’s invitation, making the time for you to show up for the interview less prescriptive than a traditional interview.

The actual mechanics work like this.  You apply online and if your resume is selected, you will get an invitation sent through e-mail to access the interview session.  Questions will be presented to you in the form of text on your PC screen.  Simply answer the questions verbally while your video image is displayed; there will be no interviewer’s face on the other end.

PREPARATION

Each employer has a slightly different set up within their system. It is therefore critical that you open the invitation and read through the instructions before the actual recording. This will help you to be nimble in navigating their screens.

• Your first step is to literally have your house in order as it will serve as the backdrop for your session. This means you will need a neat and tidy space to set up your PC.
• You will need to take on the role of sound technician. Do you have a quality microphone? Is your video camera clear? Have you checked your surroundings for any background noise?
• Add the dimension of lighting and background. Consider how they impact your messaging. You need to conduct a screen test.  This dry run allows you time to observe how your hair, complexion, and voice promote you as a candidate or serve as a distraction.  A completely neutral backdrop is acceptable, but if you add wall art, trophies, etc. make sure they support the image you want to portray.
• All the rules above are essential but never underestimate the importance of your personal appearance. Research validates that it takes less than 7 seconds for an interviewer to determine if you are worth listening to.
• You want to be perceived as both approachable, energetic, and confident. Simply imagine that there is a real person on the other end. The more natural and credible you come across to the interviewer, the better your chance to proceed to the next round.
• The camera height must be level with your face or you will appear to be looking down, rather than at the (virtual) interviewer. Look directly into the camera on your device and begin with your biggest smile.

 

NOTHING REPLACES PREPARATION

As important as it is to be succinct, each question is timed with a countdown clock located in the corner of the screen. As you respond to questions, the time is visibly running down on the clock.  If you complete the answer before the time allotted, advance the screen to the next question to avoid falling into the abyss of a visual dead zone until the next prompt appears.

Conversely, answer the question within the time limit so you’re not cut off midsentence.  You’ll also need to get it right the first time as you can’t go back to a question that you already answered.

SHOWCASE YOUR BEST SELF

The good news is that you do the interview when you want, where you want; within the company’s prescribed response time.  Questions are standardized allowing for a more level playing field.  Unfortunately, you won’t be able to gauge the Interviewer’s response, but you do have the opportunity to see how YOU come across.  Actually, that’s more than you would know about your appearance compared to a face to face interview or a traditional phone screen.

REHEARSE

No need to wait till you get an actual invitation for a digital interview.  Do a dress rehearsal with an objective friend, using Skype or any other video conferencing app. This allows you to test out your equipment, see how your voice sounds; check out your overall look and delivery. Your friend can provide constructive feedback to modify your presentation as needed.

BE PROACTIVE

By the way, don’t forget to keep using all the tried and true rules of preparation for a “normal” interview.  Prepare responses to questions that are likely to be asked, especially those that may be difficult for you.  The less you leave to chance, the more confident and successful you will be.

You can be a real star of your own show, just follow these cues and wait for your casting call!