Making Critical Manpower Decisions
One critical decision every HR professional is faced with is ensuring that the manpower needs of a company is met. This means that we have
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures, many industries are hiring online. According to research in recent times many industries are hiring online and many 20% of Nigerian hiring managers do virtual Interveiws.
However, pitching yourself as a candidate via video conference can be just as daunting as interviewing face to face. If not more so!
A virtual interview, or video interview, is a digital method that enables remote assessment and screening of candidates. They are often used as a first stage screening method, although their use accelerated as more firms went remote during 2020.
Sometimes they are conducted by telephone but they mostly take place using video conferencing software. Common platforms for remote interviews include Zoom, Microsoft Teams and interview.
Often, virtual interviewing will be conducted like a traditional interview. However, interviewing by video requires more thought about body language, facial expressions and non-verbal communication. These are harder to convey and interpret than during a face-to-face interview.
If you’ve got an online assessment coming up and want to make sure you leave a good first impression, read on. We’ve got plenty of virtual interview tips, from preparing your technology to communicating confidently.
1. Test Your Technology
Technical skills are considered one of the top competencies employers look for in new hires, and hiring managers are able to gauge your abilities easily during a virtual interview.
Ensure to avoid potential technical glitches by testing your equipment before the call. If your video conferencing software produces grainy visuals or muffled audio, it might be time to invest in an external webcam or microphone. You should also secure your internet connection. Nothing stifles conversation quite like a call dropped mid-persuasion point.
2. Keep Your Virtual Identity Professional
Keeping thing simple is key in today’s digital world, your email address or username is often your first impression. Don’t give the hiring manager a reason to question your professionalism before they even meet you . Keep your email address and username simple and professional.
3. Dress for Success
Projecting professionalism goes beyond your email address and username, dressing also play an important role. Dress in a manner that would not divert the attention of your employer from your professional competence to your dress patterns. Ensure to use colors that would not be reactive to harsh light.
4. Create a Set
This goes to prove how organized you are so ensuring that the space is clean before embarking on a video call. Check out for lighting, if possible sit in front of a blank background so that you remain the focal point. Please ensure that color of your backdrop does not contrast with your outfit
5. Monitor Your Body Language
Since you would be judge base on what you they see and what is said so ensure that your words are clear and understandable. Convey confidence through your body language; Sit up straight, smile, and keep the camera at eye level to avoid looking up or down. Research shows that employers are more likely to remember what you said if you maintain eye contact. Be sure to keep your eyes focused on the camera—not the screen image of the hiring manager—as you converse.
6. Rid Yourself of Distractions
Virtual interviews come with a slew of distractions you wouldn’t normally have to deal with when you travel into an employer’s office. Be sure to do what you can to eliminate these potential interruptions on your end prior to beginning the video call.
Turn off the TV, silence your cell phone, and close the window to muffle any external sound
The key takeaway here is that, during a virtual job interview, you should always conduct yourself in the same way you would in a face to face meeting
It’s also important to make sure the room you’re video interviewing in is quiet and free of distractions so that the interviewer only needs to focus on you. Follow these tips and you’re sure to make a great first impression. Good luck in your interview !
One critical decision every HR professional is faced with is ensuring that the manpower needs of a company is met. This means that we have
What is Hazard pay? This is a payment that is made in addition to a worker’s regular salary as a bonus for accepting a job
Have you ever driven your car on 2,3 or 4 flat tires for 10 kilometres ? How did it feel? What was the impact of
Your ability to effectively manage Grievance, can make you a star In a workplace grievances must happen, your ability to effectively manage them makes you
Every CEO desires to have a dream team. People who would come together and give their best to running and growing the business. Most times
In this HR series, we will be discussing FORECASTING How many eyes do you have? Many years ago as children, we were playing hide and
WhatsApp us