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video job interview

Tips for Acing your Video Job Interview

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Video interviews have become a standard practice to use for first and second round employment interviews. Preparing for a video interviewis key to moving your interview from good to great. Unlike a traditional in-person interview, your technical know-howadds to a successful interview outcome. While Zoom is popular, organizations use different video software to connect with applicants remotely. The common functions include screen sharing, audio and video controls, and muting. Here are some important tips to prepare for you video interview to make that video connection.

Become familiar with Video software

Complete a test run of the software and ensure that the audio and visual work before the interview.  Set up a practice test with friends before the interview day.  Don’t forget to smile.

Plan for interruptions

Make sure your phone is on silent.  Find a quiet room for your interview, and if that is not possible, let family members know that you’ll need some quiet time.  Keep the pets from joining you.

Use a laptop or computer

Using a laptop or a desktop provides a better image of yourself, and provides more stability and less shaking when using a mobile app.  If you do use your phone, place it in landscape orientation (picture is wider than taller).Your interviewer is using a computer screen which is also wider than taller.

Create a neutral background

Your background should be 'neutral' and visually appropriate.  Tidy up and remove clutter or visual distractions in the background.

Create the maximum visual effects

Place the camera at eye level.Look directly at the camera on your computer and not at the interviewer on the screen. Your natural tendency would be to look your interviewer in the eye but to them it would appear that you are looking downwards. Make eye contact via camera

Placing your laptop on the desk is an uncomfortable look for the interview panel since they are used to seeing people at eye level. Stack some books orshoe boxes on your desk and bring the computer camera to your eye height.

Here is an illustration of where to place the computer for best light on your face… Cameras love soft light coming through a window. Make sure your laptop is placed directly between you and a bright window. This would take away most facial imperfections such as blemishes etc.

Don’t trust technology

There is a saying in broadcasting:“Always assume the microphone is open”. Turn the computer off before discussing the oddities of the interviewer with your spouse!Just because your computer says that you have muted that audio or video doesn’t mean it actually happened. Technology can sometimes failjust when you rely on it the most.

Use appropriate body language

Numerous studies conclude that over 55% of our communication is conveyed non-verbally; 38% is based on our tone of voice and inflection.  Only 7% of our message is about the words.  Be sure to show that you are listening, by sitting slightly forward and nodding your head.  Don’t forget to smile.

Do your homework

A solid path to a successful interview is to research the company and in understanding the job description.  List your transferrable skills and make your case by describing your achievements with proven examples of your work.  Respond to interview questions by providing examples of your successes and achievements in the form of a Situation, an Action and the Response (SAR). What was the problem (situation)?  What was your idea or solution (action)? What was the effect? (response)?

Ask your interviewer questions

Make a note of the questions to ask at the end of your interview.  This is an opportunity to demonstrate that you have researched their company and that you understand their requirements.  Ask questions on areas that were not covered during the interview.

Adnan Hussain has been in the broadcast industry for 35 years and is also a TV Broadcast Instructor at BCITfor 24 years. He is passionate about photography and has done work for several magazines and websites.

Barbara Kyle has over 20 years of experience in Human Resources management and corporate and individual career consulting.  She is a part-time college instructor.

Job Search Strategies for Boomers

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Starting a job search is daunting for anyone and can be more so, especially for those in the 50-plus demographic. The concerns and stress of the Baby Boomers – who grew up between 1946 and 1964 – may feel insurmountable. Concerns include age discrimination, financial concerns, fear, panic and the prospect of searching for new employment.

If you have been recently become unemployed it may serve you best to give yourself the time to decompress, regroup and seek advice or support to deal with the emotional shock and the financial and social upheaval of becoming unemployed. Consulting with a professional career counsellor can provide you information from self-assessments, labour market information, updating resumes and targeting organizations.

Technology has revolutionized the job search process.
While the objective of the job search hasn’t changed, technology has revolutionized the job search process. Learning the rules of engagement will prepare you before putting yourself out there on various social media sites and to potential employers. Also, while some employers are reluctant to hiring mature or retaining mature workers, many companies do welcome the experienced older employee. Using some of the points below can be advantageous to completing a successful job search.

Begin by reviewing your personal and professional network. Career Strategist Diane Voth-Stewart states that most boomers have, over the years, developed a good network. “They need to look in their own backyard.”

As a career strategist for the past 20 years, she advises the newly unemployed mature job seekers to register with or update their social networking sites such as LinkedIn. “I’m tabulating immediately what needs to be polished and corrected if they want to compete with younger people. I make sure that the resume looks up to date including the computer and software skills that need to be up to date.”

Customize your resume to address the job title that you are applying for.
Recruiter and author Joe Turner states that many mature workers have gained a broad set of skills and experience. That information will need to be translated into addressing the job description that you are seeking. Sell your results, not the length of years. Remove employer doubts by directly addressing the experience for that job calls for. Turner advises that by successfully selling your track record, employers will perceive the older job candidate as a seasoned professional that can add value to the organization and mentor junior workers.

The 2005 labour market figures issued from the federal government indicate that workers aged 55 to 64 increased from 11% to 14% during the period of 1976-to 2006, and that the employment rate increased from 22% to 30% for this age group. A 10-Year outlook for the Canadian Labour Market indicates that there are currently older workers in the labour force. This is attributed to several factors that include the loss of personal investments from the 2008 economic crises. Mature workers are working longer to make up for investment losses.

Employers want to ensure smooth succession planning in the workplace.
Don Anderson, Community Coordinator for the Third Quarter employment program that supports job search for mature workers states that employers want to ensure smooth succession planning in the workplace.

“Employers want to make sure that experienced people remain in the workforce. At age 50 people are entering the third quarter of their life and work. Besides being great mentors, they may also bring emotional maturity and a strong work ethic to the workplace.” In 2010 The Third Quarter was established as a two-year pilot partnership project between the federal government and four large chambers of commerce. It’s purpose is to support mature job seekers.

Last, the labour market statistics may well be advantageous for the mature job seeker. The facts point to mature workers being in demand as long as there are insufficient people in the Gen-Y demographic to fill the vacancies.

A successful job search strategy for the mature worker includes knowing who you are, what you can do and how you can sell your skills and experience to the employer. Use your age to your advantage by translating your accomplishments, your wisdom into solving problems and meeting the employer’s needs.