Your Guide to Completing a Digital Interviews

As a result of working amidst a global pandemic, the world of recruitment has changed in many ways.  One area that has had to adapt in order to keep industry moving is the way the recruitment of new staff is undertaken.

Yes – the information provided by applicants within their Cover Letter and CV / Resume is still critical to assessing an applicant’s suitability for a vacancy, however, to gain a greater insight in to the suitability of an applicant prior to meeting them face to face many public and private sector organisations are using Digital Interviews to explore the potential of an applicant.

A Digital Interview can either be an interactive discussion through a webcam with a potential employer or an opportunity for applicants to record answers to specific questions for the interviewer(s) to review at a later stage.

With any form of Digital Interview there are some fundamental do’s and don’ts.    Here are a few of our favourite tips to help you succeed:

1. Dress to impress – treat a Digital Interview (whether recorded or interactive) as an opportunity to present yourself in the best way
   1. Wear an appropriate outfit.
   2. Be aware of your surroundings – ensure you are in a quiet setting where you will not be interrupted.
   3. Set your webcam up in a suitable location with good lighting
   4. Double check what is behind you – no one wants to be distracted by unsuitable scenery
2. Be prepared
   1. Arm yourself with a glass of water and a pen and paper to take notes.  It’s much better to be over prepared!
   2. Have a copy of your application / CV to hand to refer to if need be.  This helps for consistency in the message you are presenting
   3. Test your internet connection and access to the platform being used for the interview in plenty of time (i.e., Teams / Zoom, etc).  If your network is sketchy, complete the interview in a different location.
3. Think about your responses
   1. Recorded Digital Interviews often allow you a couple of practice takes to make sure you’re happy with your presentation – so use these ‘takes’ appropriately and stick to the time limit set by each question.
   2. Deliver your response in a well-structured and clear manner as you would do in a face to face interview.
   3. Look in to the camera to help build rapport with the interviewer(s)
   4. Link your responses to the requirements of the role to ensure you are showcasing your most suitable skills for a vacancy.
4. Smile!
   1. It is important an interviewer(s) can feel the excitement and enthusiasm you have for their vacancy – so smile during your interview and respond to the questions asked with interest and keenness for the role.

Article written by Denise Wetherall, CFR Global Executive Search Australia
Photo source: Pexels