Though resumes still hold their positions in an employer’s world, it’s clear that in the case of would-be grads and students looking for a job, the resume increasingly proves to be useless. Not only is it difficult for recruiters to struggle through a torrent of young professionals entering the job market, but their resumes seem to be the same, and recruiters just get lost in this ocean, desperately seeking ways to evaluate young professionals in other, more effective ways. While your skills are only starting to develop, companies can still estimate soft skills and personality. Some might turn to your social networks for information; others might send you multiple-choice tests or even organize short VR games to see how you think and make decisions. The most common thing in the new era of remote hiring (not just because of COVID, but generally because it saves both yours and the recruiters’ time) is the video interview. This is not just a Skype or Zoom call, but rather, it’s one where you answer questions that an employer prepared in advance, and then you record your answers. If you want to stand out in the job market, and convince employers to hire you, then at the very least you can surprise them with your savvy knowledge of the innovative technology used to apply for a job.
What is a pre-recorded video interview?
You’ll get a link from the employer with a request to record an interview. There, you’ll find several questions in either text or video form and will be asked to answer them. The employer might or might not set a time limit for preparation, and might or might not give you a possibility to re-record your answers. Then submit your response and wait for feedback.
How to get ready: technically, professionally, and mentally
First and foremost, check your internet connection; make sure your headphones and camera work and that your browser works smoothly with the video. Usually, the platform gives technical advice for the best experience. Choose your look and scenery. Though you can’t get the questions in advance, you can prepare. Check out a potential employer’s website to learn about their company values, and look at the job post closely to discern things that are key to the company you’re applying for. If it says, for example, that you might need to speak Spanish, be ready that one of the questions will be asked in Spanish. Write down and remember your strong traits and use them as a base in your answers. Look how others record video interviews. Be relaxed and be honest: keep in mind that a professional recruiter, the person on the other side of the screen, is also a person and they’ll notice if you’re playing a role or behaving unnaturally.
Be active!
Don’t wait for Chance to come your way. Be proactive! Many companies already utilize links where you can record a video. But for those that don’t — take the opportunity to stand out: record a video presentation, answer basic questions, and attach it to your application. Be sure, you WILL be noticed! Good luck!
In partnership with Video CV Maker.
Comments