In today's digital age, video interviews have become an essential part of the hiring process for both employers and candidates. A well-executed video interview can reveal much about a candidate’s qualifications, personality, and communication skills. Therefore, it's crucial to get this stage right.
Enter the 3 P’s: Prepare, Plan, and Prioritise. In this blog post, we will delve into how both parties can optimise the video interview process using these three guiding principles.
Prepare
For Employers:
Notify the Candidate as Early as Possible
As an employer, your first task is to prepare your candidate for the video interview. The more time candidates have to prepare, the better they'll perform. This involves notifying them well in advance, ideally a week before the interview date. This will give them ample time to test their equipment, get acquainted with the video platform you'll be using, and prepare their responses to potential questions.
For Candidates:
Choose a Well-lit, Quiet Recording Space
For candidates, preparation is equally critical. Choose a quiet, well-lit space for the video interview. Poor lighting and distracting background noise can divert the focus from what's truly important: your responses. Also, make sure to test your microphone, camera, and internet connection well before the interview to avoid last-minute technical glitches.
Plan
For Employers:
Send Questions in Advance
Sending questions in advance can be a useful tactic. It gives candidates time to think about their answers, allowing for a more thoughtful discussion during the video interview. However, you may also choose to keep some questions a surprise to gauge spontaneous reactions and critical thinking skills.
For Candidates:
Craft Answers and Practice Relevant Points
With questions in hand, take the time to craft thoughtful, well-structured answers. Practice your responses out loud, focusing on getting your main points across clearly and concisely. Remember, the video interview is not just about answering questions; it's also about demonstrating your communication skills.
Prioritise
For Employers:
Feedback is Crucial
As an employer, it's essential to provide feedback after the video interview. Whether the candidate was successful or not, constructive feedback is invaluable. This not only helps candidates improve but also enhances your company’s reputation.
For Candidates:
Structure Your Answers
Prioritise the most critical points you need to make in your answers. Start with the most important information and work your way down, but be fluid and concise. You want to give complete answers without rambling.
Conclusion
The video interview is a two-way street. Both parties have roles to play and preparations to make. By following the 3 P's of Prepare, Plan, and Prioritise, employers and candidates can both get the most out of this essential phase of the hiring process.
So, the next time you have a video interview lined up, remember these guiding principles, and you're sure to have a more successful and insightful experience.
