Smile! You’re on “Interview” Camera
During this past month I had the opportunity to do a presentation I have done many times on the number of different ways that people are interviewed by companies. Historically, the most common ways have been face-to-face and by telephone. Telephone is usually first in the process. During telephone interviews, clients are initially pre-screened, often by a recruiter, a representative of Human Resources or possibly even the hiring manager. To the extent the interviewee shows promise during this stage, they are asked to come to the company for an in-person interview with one or several people.
The current corona virus pandemic, and its need of “social distancing” for individuals has turned that process on its head. While the concept of video interviewing did exist before the virus and its fallout, only some experienced the need to interview that way with a perspective employer. However, it appears that this approach to interviewing will be around certainly for a good portion of the rest of 2020, and may possibly become more the way things are done as opposed to the exception.
Video interviewing brings new considerations into the picture for the job searcher. How do they show up during the video interview? Where in their home (the usual location they will be) do they conduct the interview? How comfortable are they speaking to someone over a computer screen? These and other considerations are all part of the video interview process.
While one could just hope for the best the day of the actual “video interview” occurs, the wise job searcher looks to do preparation ahead of time. They will first make sure that indeed they have a device with both strong camera and speaker capabilities. In addition, they’ll ensure they have strong internet or WIFI access from the location where they will do the interview. They’ll take the opportunity to look at how they appear on the screen. Do they show up with shadows on their face? If so, they’ll look to set up with the proper lighting.
However, preparation goes beyond equipment and lighting. It will involve many of the same things that go into a live person to person interview. They’ll make decisions on the proper clothing to wear for the interview. Just because the interview is being done from the comfort of a person’s home, is no reason for them to conduct the interview in their pajamas, or in clothes they would never wear to the work site. They will still need to thoroughly research the company, the company’s needs and be prepared in explaining how they have the skills and talents to meet those needs. Also, the prepared job searcher will also look to learn about the people with whom they are interviewing. That usually starts with reviewing the interviewer’s profile on Linked In. Or perhaps speaking with someone who knows the interviewer to learn about their viewpoints and preferences. In addition, they’ll look to anticipate common questions they’ll likely be asked, and have their answers prepared for them.
The prepared interviewee will look at themselves on camera ahead of the interview day. How do they appear? They’ll practice smiling at the camera. They’ll look to set the camera at eye level or perhaps slightly above them. Therefore, on the day of the interview they are not seeing themselves on the screen for the first time. They already have an understanding of how they are coming across.
In addition, the interview from home via video may present other challenges that need to be managed. Family must be counseled to stay away from walking behind the person and run the risk of showing up on camera. In addition family members must also be spoken to about being quiet during the interview, and not being heard by the interviewer in the background on the other end. The house should have no blasting radios or televisions going. If possible, if the interviewee is in a room where they can close the door and keep others in the house out, the chances of a mishap are minimized.
Above all, accept the fact that this is part of the “new normal.” It certainly is part of it now, and likely will be for several months to come. Longer term, the reality may be that more teams work virtually. Companies are getting to “try out” what it is like to have the staff work in a virtual environment, even if they resisted the idea before. Perhaps they do not need the office space they are renting, (or as much of it). Upkeep, even on buildings that a company owns, is expensive. While no one can predict exactly what the future will be, I think the best advice to consider for now is “Smile, You Are on “The Interview” Camera!”
