Video tips for Job hunters
Sometimes you, as a candidate, might be asked to:
1. Make pre-recorded videos
2. Have the real-time video-interview with the recruiter
3. Make a video-resume about yourself
If you are really interested in getting that job, take the video interview as seriously as a face-to face interview. Here you’ll find some tips how to be prepared for that.
Prepare the technology issues and your appearance
Testing and practicing is extremely important as technology might sometimes let you down. When using Skype or similar tool, you should check the following things:
- If the camera works
- Are settings and lightning ok
- Is the microphone on
- Do you have a correct background
- Position yourself in the middle of the screen so that you can be seen well.
When making the video look at the camera, not to the eyes of the person who is on the screen. Take care of surrounding noise – switch off your cell phone, ask your family and pets not to disturb you. You should also think about what to wear – if the colour of your clothes and your background are the same colour – otherwise the only thing to be seen on the screen might be your head. Better is using contrasting colours.
1. Pre-Recorded (automated) video interviews
Using this type of video-interview, the recruiter writes down or pre-records a list of interview questions for candidates to record answers to. Big advantages here are timing and distance. Interview time is not set and you may choose the most suitable time to record the interviews. You might live thousands of kilometres away in a completely different time-zone, yet this opportunity breaks down all the geographical barriers. The recruiters can watch and listen to the answers at their convenience, using suitable time and place.
Important for you is following the stated rules – there is usually time-limit, you might be asked to use different languages etc. Before sending the video, make some testing, ask your friends or family to look at it and give the feedback.
Get some tips for pre-recorded video interviews:
recruitby.net/en/video-interview-examples or sparkhire.com/candidates
2. Real-time live interviews using video tools
This solution is the closest to the face-to face interview. There are many different tools like Skype, Google Hangouts, GoToMeeting, Lync etc. for carrying out the real-time video interview.
A live video interview allows interviewer and candidate to be in a contact remotely in real-time. This is a two-way conversation between the recruiter and potential employee which works just like an in-person interview, except that it happens over video.
See above mentioned tips about preparation, technology issues and appearance of yourself.
3. Video resumes and CVs
To stand out from the crowd, one option for you, as a candidate, is to create the video resume accompanied bythe traditional CV.
It should give you the opportunity to be noticed by employers and let you to speak about yourself in a more attractive way than just in writing. Recorded resume should be as creative and unique as possible and provide potential employers with more insight into what you, as a talented professional, have to offer. Consider the audience and tailor your video targeted to them.
Again, consider the time-frame – it should be no longer than 2-3 minutes; otherwise none of the decision makers will bother to watch it.
2 examples of video resumes:
1. Sajita Nair Short Video Resume click here to watch the video
2. Nick Belling Video Resume/CV – click here to watch the video
The main reasons why recruiters use video-opportunities are:
- Saving time
- Reducing recruitment costs
- Widening opportunities to have candidates from all over the world
These 10 tips will increase your chances of a follow-up interview and will help you land your dream job!
Used links:
