Episode 234 - How to Present Yourself in Video Interviews, with Michael Smith
Are you feeling apprehensive about transitioning to video interviews? You're not alone. Many seasoned professionals find themselves out of their comfort zone in this digital-first approach. However, video interviews offer a unique opportunity to showcase your charisma, professionalism, and the unique qualities that make you the perfect fit for the role.
Video interviews are a new staple in modern recruitment processes. So, in this podcast episode, Michael Smith, CMO of UseVerb, explains the significance of adopting video formats as a strategy to stand out in the competitive job market, offering practical advice on making this platform work for you.
Understanding the Shift to Video Interviews
Video interviews have become a pivotal point for candidates aiming to make a strong impression beyond their paper resumes. This shift toward digital presences has reshaped the way candidates showcase their professionalism, charisma, and personal attributes, directly impacting their career progression.
Video interviews offer a unique platform for candidates to express their qualifications and personality simultaneously, a crucial advantage when written resumes may not capture the full spectrum of a candidate’s abilities. Michael Smith, the Chief Marketing Officer of UseVerb, sheds light on this trend, emphasizing the importance of embracing video interviews as a medium to stand out in a competitive job market.
The Challenge for Experienced Professionals: Best Practices for Video Interviews
For seasoned professionals, adapting to video interviews can be daunting. Unlike traditional interviews or newer formats like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, video interviews require speaking directly to a camera, which can feel impersonal or restrictive. However, these challenges also present an opportunity to showcase one's adaptability and communication skills in a modern digital format.
Achieving effectiveness in video interviews involves more than just answering questions. It requires a strategic presentation of your professional persona and a conscious effort to communicate your value succinctly.
Here is what you can do to help you present well in video interviews:
Technical Setup: Ensure your camera and audio are of good quality. This means checking that your camera is at eye level, the lighting is flattering, and the background is professional and non-distracting.
Set up Your Space for The Video Interview: Choose a quiet, well-lit room without distractions. Make sure your background is neutral and clutter-free. The camera should be at eye level and your face well-lit, avoiding strong lights behind you. Dress as professionally as you would for an in-person interview.
Show Your Personality: Convey your personality by being enthusiastic and expressive. Make sure to smile, maintain eye contact by looking at the camera, and be genuine in your responses to show your true self.
Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse your responses to typical interview questions. This helps in delivering clear and concise answers during the actual interview.
Introduction: Start with a brief introduction. State your name, your professional background, and what drives you in your career. This sets the tone and gives a personal touch right from the start.
Highlight Key Achievements: Focus on your achievements that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and successes.
Address the Role and Company: Show that you have done your homework by mentioning something specific about the company or the role that excites you. This demonstrates genuine interest.
Concluding Your Video: Conclude your video interview by thanking the interviewer for their time, reiterating your interest in the position, and asking about the next steps. This shows your enthusiasm for the job and professionalism.
Navigating Common Pitfalls
Overcoming Camera Shyness: Being in front of a camera can be nerve-wracking for many. It's essential to practice speaking directly to the camera and think of it as conversing with the interviewer. This practice helps reduce anxiety and improves your delivery.
Avoiding Technical Issues: Prior to recording, conduct a thorough check of your equipment. Any technical malfunction during the actual interview could be distracting and potentially detrimental to the impression you leave.
Keeping It Professional: While it’s important to show personality, maintaining professionalism is key. Dress as you would for an in-person interview and ensure your language and demeanor reflect your professionalism.
Leveraging Video Interviews for Career Advancement
Video interviews are more than just a trend; they are becoming a staple in the hiring process, particularly in fields that value innovation and adaptability. For candidates in highly competitive markets, video interviews offer a platform to highlight one’s unique value proposition directly to potential employers. As the hiring process evolves, so must our strategies for securing our next jobs. For now, video interviews present a unique chance to blend traditional interview tactics with the dynamic range of digital media. Embracing this format will enable you to display your adaptability and significantly enhance your visibility in the job market.
Other Topics Addressed in This Episode
Dealing with identity and fulfillment in one's career: We discussed the challenge of finding personal fulfillment in a job beyond titles and financial rewards, a concern for many mid-career professionals.
Adapting to new job application processes: We covered modern hiring processes, including video interviewing, which is particularly relevant for those uncomfortable with this increasingly common practice.
The importance of personal connections in career advancement: There’s a focus on leveraging personal relationships and networking for career progression, which could interest those looking to expand their professional network.
Understanding new trends in job searching and recruitment: The discussion around UseVerb, a platform for video interviewing, offers an understanding of how job searching and recruitment are changing, particularly important for those struggling to adapt to digital recruitment methods.
Advice on personal development and self-assessment in career planning: Our conversation touched on the importance of self-reflection and understanding one's own values and goals in the context of career development.
About UseVerb
Over the last few years we have observed the emergence of video interview platforms, and the adoption of these platforms by employers and recruiters. UseVerb is a platform that integrates video into the hiring process. It addresses a critical gap where traditional hiring processes often overlook the human elements of potential hires. By allowing candidates to present a short video alongside their applications, platforms like UseVerb enable a more dynamic interaction between the job seeker and the employer. Click here to learn more about UseVerb.
About Our Guest, Michael Smith
Michael is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the Oil and Gas industry, having contributed to giants like Woodside, Conoco Phillips, and Shell. His career has taken him across the globe, from Major Projects to Operations and Maintenance roles. At the core of his world is his family - his wife, Bec, and their three children, Matty, Jake, and Livy, not to forget Coco, the family's beloved dog.
After years of chasing titles and success as defined by conventional standards, a profound realization dawned on Michael. True success, he discovered, lies beyond material gains. It's about impact, purpose, and authenticity. This was a turning point, leading him to a path less traveled but more fulfilling and this is what lead him to UseVerb. At UseVerb, Michael found an alignment of values and vision. The platform's emphasis on personal elements like smiles and handshakes, and its commitment to seeing the best in people, mirrored his beliefs. It's a place where human interactions are not just facilitated but celebrated.
Today, Michael stands at the forefront of UseVerb, ready to lead with a philosophy that prioritizes people over resumes. His passion for creating meaningful connections, his belief in the power of a simple smile or a firm handshake, fuels his journey at UseVerb.com. This tech company is not just a workplace; it's a movement towards a more humane and connected professional world.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode
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