Michael DeSafey | Executive Recruiter and HR Professional
A Guide To Video Interviews – Tips For Success!!
A Guide To Video Interviews – Tips For Success!!
What Is Video Interviewing?
Video interviewing is the practice of conducting an employment interview on the internet via video communication software, such as Skype or Facetime. There are two types of video interviews, a one-way video interview, and a video call. For one-way interviews, the employer gives candidates a series of questions and you record your interview video and send it for later review. In a video call type interview, you answer the video call when the interviewer calls and talk to the person over video. The conversation is in real time, unlike the one-way interview; you can see them and they can see you.
Video interviewing is becoming a common new trend among employers in the construction, engineering, and environmental industries. It is very cost and time efficient, and can be used anywhere in the world. Employers can learn everything they need to know, without all the travel and hassles of the interview process. Interviewing in this way can be very different than the face-to-face meetings used in construction, engineering, and environmental industries in the past. Rather than talking to someone in person, you will be talking to someone through a computer screen. It may feel a bit awkward talking to a face on a computer screen, but learning how you can prepare yourself can be a big help.
This blog will explain the pros and cons of video interviewing, as well as everything you need to know to get through your next video interview in the construction, engineering, or environmental industry, with success.
The Pros of Video Interviewing:
- Very cost and time efficient for both employers and candidates
- Candidate can be interviewed anywhere in the world, closing the gap caused by geographical location.
- Great way of screening candidates before calling in for a face-to-face meeting
- Interview can be recorded for additional review
The Cons of Video Interviewing:
- You must have access to internet to be a candidate
- Connectivity problems can happen, and can be very inconvenient and stressful
- Talking over computer can be awkward and increase nerves
- Some people feel they do not interview as well over video as they do in person
How to Prepare for the Interview:
Make sure your computer’s software, microphone, and webcam are all working properly before the interview.
Make a test call to a friend or family member an hour or so before the interview and familiarize yourself with video calling. Make sure you give yourself enough time to fix any problems that may arise. Check your internet connection to try and avoid any connectivity problems during the call.
Prepare your surroundings
Employers will not only see you, but your surroundings. Make sure the area behind you is neat, clean, and not distracting. Go somewhere quiet and make sure to turn your cell phone ringer off. Make sure the lighting is good and the interviewer can see you clearly.
Dress Nicely
Even though you won’t be seeing the interviewer in person, it is important to still dress nicely, as if you were going to the job interview in person. The construction, engineering, and environmental industries can be a very competitive job market, the interview needs to be taken very seriously, even though it is not what you are used to.
Familiarize Yourself With The Company
Learn about the company you are interviewing for. Know what the company does, what they stand for, and what they look for in an employee. You will stand out as an interviewee if you have taken the time to get to know the company and can make sure you are the employee that they are looking for.
Last and most important, do not be late or miss the video call! This is the same as being late or missing an in-person job interview.
As the internet bridges the gap between nations, video interviewing is becoming a much more common practice in the construction, engineering, and environmental industries. Applying for jobs across the world is now possible with video calling. It eliminates the need for travel and saves time for both parties. It has its pros and cons, but overall is a very useful and reliable option for construction, engineering, and environmental professionals.
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com
Are You Prepared: Research The Employer Before Going To The Interview..
Are You Prepared: Research The Employer Before Going To The Interview..
As a professional recruiter who has been working and recruiting professionals in the environmental, engineering and construction industries for over 18 years now at Webuild Staffing, I have found many people exceptional career opportunities, but some do not prepared themselves for the interview.
Have you done your homework on the company you are interviewing with? Do you know what they sell? How they market their products? Who the executives are?
Well, it’s time to start learning about the company you are interviewing with. Their products, services, corporate culture, personnel, financial stability, etc. This is an essential step in succeeding to have a successful interview.
Following these tips and doing your homework before the interview will allow you as a candidate to stand out in a crowded pool of applicants and show the hiring manager how your skills and qualifications will benefit their organization.
Employers Website – Review It!!!
The easiest way to research a company is the internet. The company’s website provides a content rich environment in which you can learn about the organization, products/services, financial history, and personnel.
Review the products, services and gain an understanding of the market niche the company focuses on, who they sell to, the type of people they hire, and how the company is performing financially will all aid you greatly in having a fruitful conversation while at your interview.
News And Press Releases
While on the company website review the press releases they have published. This will provide you with a history of performance, accomplishments, and news about the organization in which you can use during the interview. Having a solid understanding of where the company has come from and how they have succeed will go a long way in the hiring manager’s eyes. Candidates that take an interest in the company and follow a company’s growth will always give them a step up in the hiring process.
Current Employees – Do You Know Any?
Research who is working at the firm currently, do you know anyone? One of the best ways to learn quite a bit about an organization is to talk with people who have worked there or are currently working for the firm. Use internet resources like LinkedIn to search and network. See if you can strike up a conversation as it can give you insightful information about corporate culture, company successes, and challenges, etc. The more networked you are the greater the possibility that you will know someone at the company.
Learn About The Companies Products And Services
You are a consumer!! So what is it that the company is selling? Would you buy the product or services? Have you ever bought their products? If so, what did you think? What did you like about it, dislike?
The simple action of interacting with a company’s products or services will allow you a gain an exceptional insight into a company’s products and having that insight for an interview is priceless, as you are the end user have an insight of the product which the company cannot; user experience.
This is a very powerful insight which you as a candidate can leverage to express your interest in the company, products and how your skills will help the company grow.
Remember that taking some time and doing some basic research on an organization before the interview will allow you to step above the crowded applicant pool and increase your chances in succeeding in obtaining your next exceptional career opportunity.
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing (www.webuildstaffing.com). To learn more about Michael or Follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com
Attitude Is Everything!! Interviewing For Success..
Attitude Is Everything!! Interviewing For Success..
As a professional recruiter who has been working and recruiting professionals in the environmental, engineering and construction industries for over 18 years now at Webuild Staffing, I have found the candidates with the best attitude and friendly personality when entering an interview; usually succeed in having a positive interview experience and obtaining employment.
As the sayings goes “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” and you “typically only have 5 seconds to make your first impression..” Is so true when it comes to any interview you may have.
Your attitude and state of mind before an interview will most always dictate how the interview will go. So a few basic tips for getting in the right state of mind before your interview:
Before you venture out to your interviewers location; Take a breath, relax and clear your head. Do not stress over the interview and any potential pitfalls you may encounter. Be prepared, do your research, dress appropriately and understand you are interviewing the employer as much as they are interviewing you.
As you enter any organization’s office take note of your surroundings; be polite and courteous to everyone you encounter along the way. Arrived at least 10 minutes early and turned off all of your electronic devices. Focus your attention on the interview at hand and the person conducting the interview.
Make sure you look alert, smile, sit up straight, look the interviewer in the eyes and speak clearly. Ask questions and be genuinely interested in the job and organization you are interviewing with. If you are only there for the potential paycheck you should sit back and evaluate you career goals before proceeding in further interviews. You want to work in a career you enjoy, are interested in and allow you a healthy living environment.
Allow your personality to show through; being polite and kind to those around you is a good indication of how you treat others in the day to day work environment. Answer questions genuinely, do not exaggerate and take on an insincere roll that you won’t be able to live up to.
We are all human. People hire individuals that are talented, experienced and have a personality that they believe they will enjoy working with. Allow the interviewer to do their job by leading the interview. You don’t want to monopolize the conversation, nor do you want to offer too much information, personal or even business related. When asked about past employers, co-workers etc., always provide positive comments, talk about your accomplishments, things you have learned and turn negatives into positives; never complain about past employers or bosses.
When the interview is over thank the interviewer for their time and know you presented yourself in a positive and healthy way.
Following these basic tips will go along way in assuring your interview’s are productive and positive experiences.
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing (www.webuildstaffing.com). To learn more about Michael or Follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com