Online video interviews - the coming thing?

A participant in a recent workshop told me about his experience applying for a job with United Health Group. He said "It was the weirdest thing ever!" He received emailed instructions to go to a specific website and login from a computer or tablet with a webcam. Once logged in he was presented with a series of questions to answer verbally by speaking into the camera within a fixed amount of time, I believe it was 3 minutes per question.

To make it even more stressful, up in the right corner he could see the timer clicking down from three minutes for each question. He said it was a horrible experience and in retrospect he wishes he would have just withdrawn and refused to do this impersonal version of an interview.

WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE?

I have heard of a number of larger companies using this technology to allow them to screen candidates without the expense of bringing them in for an interview. It is probably even cheaper than a phone-screening interview, because the online video version is saved, and can be reviewed off line at the convenience of the reviewer.

Face to face interviews are stressful enough, but at least it is mostly a known process. You don't always know the exact questions that will be ask, but when it is face to face you have a human to interact with and get immediate feedback from non-verbally. This new wrinkle requires a different kind of preparation. Let's look at the key differences and how to prepare.

1.  The cold eye of the lens. Not everyone feels comfortable in front of a camera lens. When it is a webcam, it can be even more intimidating. If you are not familiar with using a webcam, you will need to play around with the hardware by skypeing a few friends or relatives and getting comfortable with how it works. Learn to look at the camera lens rather than at all the other things going on the screen. This will look more like you are actually making eye contact with whomever is reviewing the recording later.

2. Comfortable private setting. Make sure you can find a quiet, well-lighted room with no distractions. You will want a plain background. When practicing skypeing, get feedback on how you look on camera. Some experts recommend being visible from the chest up and not just a headshot.

3. Speak conversationally. Practice speaking in a normal conversational tone of voice. Don't speak too loud, like some people do when they are on a cell phone, as if you don't think they can hear you. If you can, imagine you are speaking to someone who knows, likes and respects you. Some people even tape a photo next to the camera lens to make it seem like you are speaking to this friend.

4. Dress up. It is a good idea to dress up with a sport coat and tie to look professional, just as you would at a face-to-face interview.

5. Notes? It is ok to have some notes available as long as you won't over rely on them. You will seem less prepared if you are looking around for notes. Mock interviews and practice, practice, practice are still the name of this game.

6. Smile and relax. Keep your posture straight, lean slightly forward, and don't forget to smile at the camera as you would a person in front of you.

7. Close other applications on your computer. Before you login be sure to exit any other computer applications you may have running. You don't want your email program beeping that you have an incoming message.

Good luck and get used to it, because this technology will only become more popular in the future.