Invited to a virtual interview or assessment centre? Not knowing quite what to expect or how to prepare? Our Career Consultant Rupinder Morrow breaks down current trends in virtual recruitment and shares her advice. Join us on the next #MyNextSteps virtual event where we discuss more on the fascinating topic – and remember that you can book a one-to-one consultation with a King’s Careers Consultant.
Who would have expected that at the beginning of this year’s recruitment cycle, which for lots of our larger recruiters was now way back in September 2019, we would find ourselves spending most of our day at home, rather than University or work. Times are indeed strange and the picture for those entering the job market is changing every day. What we do know, is that some recruiters are continuing with their recruitment for 2020. How? By virtually assessing students, including video interviews and online assessment centres, some using teams for group exercises or skype for student presentations. At the start of April, the Institute for Student Employers found that only 31% of employers had cancelled assessment centres and 23% face to face interviews.
Now more than ever it is clear that recruitment processes need to be flexible and employers are quickly moving towards virtual assessments. But in some sectors particularly Investment Banking, Consulting and Financial Services, case studies, role plays, behavioural and capability assessments and interviews have all been carried out remotely for a few years now.
So how do you prepare? In the usual way, research the employer, the role, the sector and know what your strengths and key achievements are. Very importantly know why you are a good FIT for both this role and this employer. Establishing FIT whether you are going through a virtual recruitment process or face to face is key.
How can you make your video interview a positive experience?
If you have been invited to a virtual interview think about where to position the camera, what is your backdrop, are you dressed appropriately? Is the room quiet, have you ensured no one will walk in half way through?
In recent years employers operating in the finance sector have been using platforms like Hirevue, a digital interviewing system which also incorporates something known as “predictive analytics.” to conduct their virtual interviews. What does this mean? Well, in short, it means that as well as paying close attention to your answers and the language and vocabulary you are using you should also consider your eye movements, the speed of your delivery, the level of stress in your voice, your ability to retain information etc. This can all sound overwhelming but by practising using Interview Stream you can build your confidence and ability to perform well.
And what about those of us invited to a virtual assessment centre. The usual tips apply to ensure you are actively listening and consistently engaging. You can do this in many ways including steering the conversation, building on the ideas others have already contributed, bringing quieter ones into the discussion and always presenting back some of the findings. Perhaps take the role of time keeper or note taker and then share these notes with the group. Try not to dominate or talk over others. With virtual group exercises, it can be harder to know when it is a good time to interrupt the flow of conversation. Suggest strategies to your group like signalling you would like to speak next or starting with everyone sharing their ideas one by one to ensure nothing gets missed. If you feel yourself talking for too long, because natural endpoints are harder to find, have a good general ‘pause phrase’ e.g. “I’d love to hear other people’s thoughts on this” “Is there anything else we should consider?” Again, this can all sound overwhelming, but it might help to remember that you are not alone, this is new for so many of us.
To learn more about virtual recruitment, book a one to one careers consultation or practice using interviewstream. Visit our web pages for more information!