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Believe it or not, some companies are hiring despite the economic downturn. But in this time of social distancing, organizations are making the switch from in-person interviews to video. To help us navigate the challenges of virtual interviews, we asked Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Content Manager Emilie Moreland for advice.
If your job has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic or if you’re looking to pivot your career, you undoubtedly are coping with uncertainty right now. Emilie has conducted dozens of video interviews and shares her thoughts on honing your virtual interview skills. Thanks to Emilie and the #CMWorld Twitter chat community for participating.
A2: 1/3
Use a computer with a wired internet connection. This is your best chance of a strong signal on your end.Cell phone quality can vary and the angle is more likely to be odd. Wireless is more likely to drop out. #CMWorld
— Emilie Moreland (@writtenbyemilie) April 7, 2020
A2: 2/3 Test. Test. Test.
Install the video software ahead of time that you’ll use. Test your webcam and audio to be sure everything works and is turned on. #CMWorld— Emilie Moreland (@writtenbyemilie) April 7, 2020
A2: 3/3 Dress like you would if you were interviewing in person. And last but not least, WEAR PANTS! 👖 Just in case.#CMWorld
— Emilie Moreland (@writtenbyemilie) April 7, 2020
A2: This is a standard best practice: use headphones unless you’re 100% confident that you won’t have feedback issues. Also, I use a portable room divider to limit background distractions since my home office is off my bedroom. #CMWorld
— Chris Craft (@CraftWrites) April 7, 2020
A2: Remember to maintain eye contact. Don’t become immersed in your notes or note-taking. #cmworld
— Shelly Lucas (@pisarose) April 7, 2020
A2) I would say film/record yourself practicing in front of the camera- so you can see how it looks, how it sounds and practice where to look #CMWorld
— Amanda Subler (@AmandaSubler) April 7, 2020
A3: A few things to help minimize distractions while #WFH…
➡A quiet space
➡A set schedule
➡Understanding from other members of your house (make it clear what your work hrs are to everyone, including kids, and what that means for them) #CMWorld— Emilie Moreland (@writtenbyemilie) March 17, 2020
A3: 1/2 While you’re testing your camera, see what else is visible. Think about the room like your clothes. This will be part of the impression you leave.
What does the background look like?
Is there clutter?
Is your chair in nice condition? #CMWorld— Emilie Moreland (@writtenbyemilie) April 7, 2020
A3: 2/2 With kids home, their appearances in occasional video meetings are amusing on YouTube. But an interview isn’t the place for a toddler cameo.
✔️Ask your spouse or other caregiver to help
✔️Find a room with a door — close it
✔️Use a quiet part of the house
#CMWorld— Emilie Moreland (@writtenbyemilie) April 7, 2020
A3: If doing a screen share, be sure to double check any webpage tabs that might be showing. Some really funny stories of people sharing way more than they intended…lol. #CMWorld https://t.co/BcgKwkbiGK
— Jeremy Bednarski (@JeremyBednarski) April 7, 2020
A3: I like to have art in the background. It always sparks a conversation! #CMWorld
— Rachel Wendte (@rkwendte) April 7, 2020
A3: Especially for creative roles, use your environment to showcase how you think or (subtlety) awards you may have won. Avoid taking the call from the lair of the Dark Hedges. #CMWorld
— Mike Myers 🤠 (@mikemyers614) April 7, 2020
A3: While video interviews may come across as more informal, they should still be professional. With that being said, people are currently a lot more understanding and forgiving with things that are not typical with interviews (ie. pets and children making an appearance) #CMWorld
— Cheyenne Knight (@cheyenneknight) April 7, 2020
A4: 1/3 In normal circumstances I’d say it is always a good idea to have someone meet a candidate in person, even if you can’t. But, right now, that’s probably not an option so…#CMWorld
— Emilie Moreland (@writtenbyemilie) April 7, 2020
A4: 2/3 Try to have a natural conversation as if you were greeting them at the door and walking them back to the interview room. An intro and some small talk before getting into the hard-hitting questions can help paint a more realistic picture of the whole person. #CMWorld
— Emilie Moreland (@writtenbyemilie) April 7, 2020
A4: 3/3 Let the candidate know what to expect ahead of time. That gives you the opportunity to see how well they prepare, and see them in their best light.
Tell them ahead:
✔️that it’s a video interview
✔️the platform you’ll be using
✔️how long it will last#CMWorld— Emilie Moreland (@writtenbyemilie) April 7, 2020
A4: When you apply for a job, many of them have tests, not just the interview. I guess applying certain principles from in person interviewing process can help. #CMWorld
— Graciela A Hernández (@gracieale22) April 7, 2020
#cmworld A4. There’s no substitute for listening to people. Ask them why they sought out this job and what they hope to bring to it/gain from it. I also used humor in interviews. It’s a gut-level connection that says a lot about how you’ll interact in an ongoing manner.
— Dana Lemaster (@DanaLemaster) April 7, 2020
a4: ultimately your questions and expectations will be the same as an in-person interview. and the responses, mannerisms and social cues should mirror that of an in-office interview. but you’ll also get an idea of their ability to use technology.#CMWorld
— Lauren (@laurfarrell) April 7, 2020
A4: I really don’t see much of a difference in making a decision for interviewers in a remote setting. They chose the field based on qualifications and should have a good idea who can do the work based on Q & A. Also need to trust your instincts. All of that is the same #CMWorld
— Mike Myers 🤠 (@mikemyers614) April 7, 2020
A4 I haven’t seen any data, but maybe online interviewers level the playing field for great candidates who don’t interview well in person #cmworld
— Dan Goldberg (@Jonas419) April 7, 2020
What has been your experience with virtual interviews? Do you prefer them over in-person ones? Let us know in the comments below.
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