How to do a digital interview?
There has been a dramatic upsurge in digital interviewing. Since the Pandemic this rise has increased by 86% in a survey by Gartner.
While many organisations experienced hard hits to their operations due to lockdowns and social distancing, digital interviewing proved to be a key tool in helping try to run things as normal. (As could be!)
Now we’re seeing the drastic closures and distancing of the pandemic taper off, some measures are here to stay.
This is certainly the case for digital interviewing. Many recruiters found the convenience, positivity and saved resources of digital interviewing to be far more beneficial than traditional interviewing. Hence, introducing video interviewing as a more permanent feature of their hiring plan.
How to do a Digital Interview
What is a Digital Interview?
A digital interview is a process of interviewing someone online, usually via video call.
While originally only done when the interviewer cannot meet the person in person or when interviewing overseas. We are now witnessing a rise in digital interviews caused by the COVID lockdowns. But since this precautionary measure to improve social distancing, many recruiters have found many benefits and conveniences in video interviewing as part of their normal hiring process.
Why does Conducting a Digital Interview Make Sense?
There are many reasons to conduct a digital interview. One of the most important reasons is that it saves a significant amount of time and money.
The main advantage of these interviews is that they are less formal than a traditional face-to-face interview and they can be conducted without either party having to travel, which saves time and money.
How to Conduct the Process?
The are multiple forms of digital interviews.
- One way video interviewing (otherwise known as pre-recorded or on-demand video interviewing)
- Live video interviewing or two-way video interviewing
- Audio interviewing
What is a One-Way Video Interview?
A one-way video interview is when the candidate is sent a link to pre-record themselves answering the interview questions.
Benefits to candidates:
- The benefits of a one-way video interview are that although the candidate may find it strange not talking to another person face-to-face, they may enjoy the comfort of being in a familiar setting.
Benefits to recruiter:
- The benefits for a recruiter are that they have more time to schedule more interviews and get them completed in a much quicker timeframe.
- There is no time wasted on trying to find a slot where both candidate and recruiter are free at the same time.
- Recruiters aren’t limited in their time to interview as they would be face-to-face. This has resulted in so much time being saved and better spent on other areas in the hiring process.
- Recruiters can easily replay interviews, send them to colleagues and compare them to other candidates from the comfort of their home/ office.
- Recruiters can even respond from the apps to candidates. Giving them quick response times, which can positively affect the candidate experience.
What is a Live Interview?
A live interview is conducting the interview over an online video calling service. Common platforms to use are Zoom or Skype.
Benefits to candidates:
- Candidates have the experience of a face-to-face interview, from the comfort of their own homes. A live video interview allows the candidates to have a back and fore conversation with recruiters and take this as an opportunity to have a feel if they are well suited to the role. In live interviews, candidates can ask the recruiter extra questions and have a good feel for the type of person they will be employed by.
Benefits to recruiter:
- Scheduling a live interview is easier than face-to-face interviewing for recruiters, but not as convenient as one way. This is because they still need to organise a time to meet the candidates and be with them for the entire interview. They will have to do this with every a candidate, limiting the number of candidates able to interview.
What are the Challenges of Doing Online Interviews?
The disadvantage is that it may not be as effective as an in-person interview because there may not be the same level of rapport. Assessment centres are a type of interview where candidates are observed in a variety of settings and then have to complete various tasks in order to prove their worth as an employee. Companies use assessment centres for different purposes, such as hiring new employees, developing leaders or appraising job candidates.
The following challenges are faced by the interviewer:
-Lack of Control: The interviewer has no control over the interviewee's responses.
-Limited Questions: The interviewer is limited to a pre-defined set of questions.
- Context: The context of the interview cannot be seen by the interviewer and there is no way to ask follow-up questions.
-Data Gathering: The data gathered from an online interview is limited as compared to a face-to-face interview.
Do You Need a Digital Interview?
Do you find yourself spending hours on end scheduling interviews, writing and sending out interview invitations, and then following up with candidates?
Can you have a hard time finding qualified candidates to interview?
Are you frustrated by the lack of response from potential candidates?
If so, then it may be time to consider using a digital interview.
How to Prepare for Your Digital Interview as a candidate
A digital interview is a type of interview that takes place over the phone or video chat. It is a new way to get a job with less competition.
A digital interview can be intimidating because it's often done with an employer you've never met in person before. However, there are some ways you can prepare for your digital interview so that you feel confident and prepared when the time comes.
Good quality equipment
The first thing to do is to make sure that your phone or laptop camera quality is good enough for the interview.
You don't want any technical difficulties during the call and this will also give you a chance to practice using your webcam before the call.
It can be very distracting if there are any odd noises or glitches in your video feed. You want to make sure that the interviewer can hear and see everything you're saying clearly so they can focus on what you're saying as opposed to trying to work around your technical difficulties.
Research
The next step is to find out who will be interviewing you and what they're looking for in their candidate so that you can tailor your resume to match.
You can also research the company on your own time so that you're familiar with its history and senior leadership before the interview.
Practice
Next, practice with a friend, so you know how to answer questions and are comfortable enough with the process. This enables you to put yourself in a position of power by taking control of the call, rather than being passive.
Preparation
Be prepared for anything. Even if you think you know the interviewer, you should be aware that they may ask something out of the blue that you wouldn't have expected. So, it's important to be prepared for anything.
Relax and enjoy
Finally, it's important not to overthink things while on camera because this could cause a lot of anxiety which will also make your performance not as good.
It's important to remember that you're doing something that you enjoy and that the audience will love it if you relax and just have fun.
How do you introduce yourself in a digital interview?
An introduction is a way of making a first impression. It sets the tone for your future interactions with an interviewer. A strong introduction should be brief and provide a preview of what you can offer the organisation.
Can I do a digital interview on my phone?
It is possible to conduct a digital interview on your phone, but there are some difficulties. You'll have to make sure your phone is in a good connection area, and you'll need to have the right equipment. Also, ensure you’re facing your light source not to cast shadows on your face.
Conclusion: Tips for Surviving Your First Digital Interview Without Embarrassing Yourself
The most important piece of advice to give is to be prepared. That means researching the company, being familiar with the company’s culture and knowing what you want to say about yourself in an interview.
It is also important to have a positive attitude and be enthusiastic about your work.
Finally, just know that all other candidates are going through the same experience as you. If this is your first virtual interview, know that you are being interviewed as you would for a face-to-face interview.
Recruiters, be mindful that this is a new experience for many candidates and talking into a camera without any response or rapport can be anxiety-inducing. Therefore, be kind and understanding for each individual person.