In recent years, the labor market has changed significantly, and with it, the job search processes. Companies have modernized thanks to new technologies, adopting more and more digital methods (including big data) for the selection of candidates.
One of the points that most affect applicants when it comes to causing a first impression to the hiring party is the evolution of job interviews. In just a few years it has gone from a very formal process (even requiring clothing appropriate to some classic canons) to something more everyday and natural. And in this process, especially with the change in customs that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about, technologies come into play, as selection processes that begin with a video call have become extremely popular.
Perhaps it has ever happened to you. You send the resume to a company, and the answer implies that the first selection filter will be a video conference for both parties to get to know each other. This will allow a quick and efficient first contact, with which the contracting party will be able to decide in a few minutes which candidates conform to what is desired and which ones give clear signs why they should be discarded.
So that you do not end up included in this last group, we give you a series of clues that will help you to cause a good impression and pass the filter on to the next phases of the process, such as personal face-to-face interviews.
1- Don’t let technology fail you
As far as possible, try to make your devices have a adequate battery charge and one connection to Internet stableso that unwanted cuts do not occur that hinder communication between both parties.
2- How to connect
Prior to the virtual meeting, the convener of the same must establish the guidelines to carry out the connection: through what platform will be done, what will be the keys of access, specify the Exact time of connection…
3- Be careful with the username
Many times we think that this point is not very important, that it will not be seen anywhere, and we register with any type of word that we have in mind. Error. It is very likely that the other party can see your identification, so it is desirable to simply use name and surname for any registration required.
4- Take care of the environment
Okay, maybe you don’t need something tremendously careful. One may suffice White wall background. The important thing is that you don’t see nothing unwanted: background clutter, other people or animals crossing the room…
5- How do you place the camera
You must bet on a camera angle correct, from the front, avoiding high and low angles that distort the proper perception. The placement will depend on whether you use a computer, a mobile, a tablet… Always think about it with enough time before starting the interview.
6- Beware of noise
Make sure they don’t slip background sounds (TV, radio, smart speakers, conversations between cohabitants…) since they will make communication difficult and can also make the person in charge of the selection process hear something unwanted or play against you.
7- Do not fail with clothes
Refering to clothing, simplify. Absolutely discard the clothes to be around the house and put on a shirt or blouse, what will be seen on the screen. Don’t neglect the trousersalthough a priori it is not visible, since you never know when you may have to get up from your seat.
8- Use appropriate body language
Do not trust yourself, no matter how much you are in a domestic environment. Try to sit up straight, do eye contact with the camera, gesture normally and do not use casual movements. Be correct, formal.
9- Take notes
Technology can be your greatest ally, since if you connect from a computer, you can have some text processor open at the same time you make the videoconference. If you are more classic, the traditional pen and notebook It will help you (and will also implicitly make clear your interest in highlighting the most important points), but do not abuse it, because you will sacrifice direct eye contact towards the camera, and therefore, towards your interlocutor. Other help may be post-it, to write down key aspects in advance and place them next to the screen, at a height that does not imply the aforementioned loss of visual contact.
10- Be formal and polite
Treat your interlocutor with the due respect, keeping the forms and with a formal language. If the situation calls for it, use ‘you’ rather than ‘you’. Act, in short, just as you would face to face, without trusting yourself for being in an environment that is closer to you.