The latest trend to hit the realm of recruitment is video interviewing – the world is fast becoming a smaller place, and women everywhere are choosing careers abroad, so it’s about time they made the interview process a little more convenient. However, as convenient as the video interview is, can it work against you?
Fusion People – a specialist global recruitment company – discuss the impact of video interviews, good and bad.
So how does it work? You’ve sent off your CV, waited on the edge of your seat for weeks on end, and then you finally receive an email stating you’ve made the cut. Brilliant! However they would like to conduct a video interview before they meet with you for the final interview stage.
Video interviewing isn’t the technical nightmare that it once used to be – most laptops now have an inbuilt camera, and with the invention of Skype you can speak with people on the other side of the world with no delay. Technology has come that far that there are even video interviewing apps you can download to your mobile, allowing you to interview from practically anywhere!
But can video interviewing open us up for new found discrimination? You wouldn’t put your photograph on your CV, this would be considered unprofessional, and as much as we like to think people don’t judge us on our looks, they do. A video conference as a second stage interview can expose unwanted prejudice; for looks, appearance, and even the surroundings.
Previously a second stage interview would be held over the phone, giving the candidate a chance to express their abilities, share their knowledge and discuss their views without on looking eyes challenging them on what they’re wearing or how their hair is styled.
In life, there is always going to be a small degree of some form of judgement, it’s what we do as humans; to help us make decisions and there is ways we can manipulate this judgement to our advantage.
How to beat interview bias in a video interview:
Dress professionally
This may not be the official interview but you should always dress professionally for a video interview, wear what you would wear to a face-to-face meeting. First impressions count and this is your chance to impress!
Preparation is key
As you would for a face-to-face interview; prepare, prepare, prepare. If you want to eliminate discrimination in any interview then preparation is key, it’s your knowledge of the job, your experience, and your ability to perform that should get you the job not how you look.
Neutral surroundings
Again, you shouldn’t be judged for the environment you are in; however if you’re interviewing from home nobody wants to see a messy house. If you can, find a space where you can set up your laptop and sit in front of a basic background. The neutral background will ensure there are no distractions for the interviewer, and no mess in sight.
Video interviews are taking over recruitment fast, so make sure you’re prepared for what’s in store. They’re quick, convenient and can get you a job on the other side of the world, so don’t be afraid to take on the video revolution. Use it to your advantage, and it will get your far!
