The VITAL guide to video interviews: 'A' - Allowances & Appearances

The last few years have seen significant growth in the use of video technology to help pick the best candidates for a job vacancy. Employers and recruitment agencies can now make use of video to pre-screen candidates to help narrow down an initial candidate pool to a manageable short list. New online software has made the process streamlined and very efficient, saving time and travel costs for all those connected with a recruitment campaign.

However this relatively new form of candidate screening has meant that both the interviewer and the interviewee will need to focus on new techniques to judge candidates or impress prospective employers respectively. This guide sets out some of the V.I.T.A.L elements to bear in mind when judging or creating video answers to interview questions.

For the interviewer ... Make allowances


Thanks for reading - the final part 'L' of the VITAL guide to follow soon.
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Allow for the fact that not all candidates will have the resources to conduct video interviewing – is there a plan B for written submissions?

Video interviewing systems are not meant to replace face-to-face interviews for final selection, but allow you to make considered judgements on the talent pool at various stages throughout the recruitment campaign.

For the interviewee ... Remember your appearance

Remember that this an interview so dress appropriately for the event just as you would for a face to face interview in person – this helps you think ‘in the zone’ so you are mentally prepared.  Check that ties are properly done up, hair is combed and you are sitting up straight on a chair.

You are making that all so important first impression, so concentrate and look interested – and this may sound daft, but if you have a cold make sure you blow your nose beforehand to avoid snuffles on film!

And ... be happy and remember to smile - after all you have just got yourself an interview!