x

Get a Personalized Demo

Acing Online Interviews

Published: August 27, 2015 In: Interview Tips

You just received a word from the human resources manager that your resume has made the cut for a coveted job. Interview process starts here.

You have been given the opportunity to showcase your talents and skills from the comfort of your home with the automated interview. Automated Interview is a cost-effective and a comfortable way to attend an interview. It is a boon for job seekers, you could be part of as many hiring processes in a day without traveling or taking a day’s leave. And you need to invest your time and effort only once the employer has selected you for the next interaction.

The job interview is your chance to create a positive impression of yourself. The objective here should help the employer assess if there is a match between you and the organization. Automated interviews are also making it easier for employed candidates to look for change without affecting their current jobs. The time zone differences between employers and job seekers is no longer an impediment it once was.

The trend of video interview is catching, especially with automated video interview it is important that you learn the best practices, so that you don’t miss out on opportunities.

Types of Video Interviews

There are several types of video interviews, each with their own unique features and benefits. Some of the most common types include:

  1. One-way video interviews: These are pre-recorded interviews that candidates complete on their own time. Employers can then review the interviews at their convenience and make hiring decisions accordingly.
  2. Live video interviews: These are conducted in real-time and are similar to an in-person interview.
  3. Automated video interviews: These are pre-recorded interviews that use artificial intelligence to evaluate the candidate's responses. They can be used to assess a candidate's skills, qualifications, and fit for the role.
  4. Hybrid video interviews: These are a combination of live and one-way video interviews. They allow employers to conduct initial screening and shortlisting through one-way video interviews and then schedule live video interviews for selected candidates.
  5. Asynchronous video interviews: These are similar to one-way video interviews, but the interviewer and candidate do not need to be online at the same time. The interviewer can watch the recorded interview at any time and provide feedback to the candidate.

Tips for a Successful Online Interview

Take the Practice Test

This will enable you to be comfortable with the technology and work out any kinks. Ensure that there is ample light in the room. Check if the internet, camera, microphone and speakers on your device is properly functioning. Avoid overhead lighting and unwanted shadow on your face. Ask for assistance from online support team if you're not sure how to use the tool. In case there's a technical glitch during the interview, dial them up immediately.

Plan Ahead

Some interview tools may prompt you to upload a copy of your resume, cover letter, and photographs; keep a soft copy of it on your device. Know your resume at the back of your head so that you don't contradict yourself during the interview. Many employers leave room in the interview for you to ask questions, don't scramble. Do your bit of the research on the company and make a list of anything you might want to know from the employer.

Dress Appropriately

Online interviews are as effective as a face-to-face meeting, so ensure you dress professionally. Wear the same interview attire you would during an in-person interview. Just in case you shift places during the interview; dressing waist up could prove precarious for your job. Wear light colored clothes against a dark background and vice versa against a light background.

Tidy Up

You don't want to distract the interviewer with a cluttered table. Microphones pick up noise in the room, so don't tap your pen or shuffle papers. Make eye contact with the camera, not the screen, to avoid this pretend your webcam is the person interviewing you. Most interview tools provide with a reference box to see how you appear, make use of it to adjust your device to reveal only what's necessary to the interviewer.

Calm Your Nerves

Maintain your etiquette between questions and choose your words carefully. Keep track of time and ensure that you complete your answers before submitting. Don't take more time between two answers. Beware that online interview tools are designed to pick any hint of malpractice. Avoid using search engines while attending the interview. Any unexpected behavior will be noted by the evaluators.

Automated Interviews’ objective is to help employers find the right talent in a candidate. Once this has been established, they could call the candidates to invest time and effort for further discussions in an face to face meeting.

Most employers also put in a lot of effort to showcase the opportunity for the candidates in the in their organization so that they can decide if they should accept or reject the offer.

The questions thrown at you will typically be close-ended and your answers could be as detailed as possible. Practice and be prompt. When you are well prepared with the right responses you stand out in the crowd and the positive impression you make can help you in the subsequent rounds.

 

Tags: Interview Tips, Remote Hiring

Written by: Arun K

Leave a Reply