Video or Video Conferencing / Interview and Testing Interview

Video or Video Conferencing / Interview and Testing Interview
As the scope and areas of jobs have widened, the interview has also become all the more important part of the selection process in course of time. As employers have also got used to conducting interviews for the selection of right candidates for different jobs and positions, the interview process and technique have also undergone a lot of change. But the basic thing has remained the same-through an interview, employers want to gather more and more information about the candidate. They want to ascertain the suitability of a candidate for the job he/she has applied for. Countless interviews are conducted every year and you should not think about the pertinence of interviews. You should also not think over whether interview judgements are good or bad; right or wrong; rational or irrational. You have to remember only one thing-the interview is a stage between your applying for a job and getting into the job and this stage has to be crossed by you. And while going for an interview, you should remember that you have to approach the employer as a chooser, not as a beggar. You should never wait for an employer to select you and offer a job. You should always choose the company you want to work for. You should never underestimate your intelligence and ability and never behave like a sceptic. Your positive traits will spare you from disappointment, frustration and self-hatred engendered by your inferiority complex. By placing a high value on yourself, you automatically change i.e. enhance your status in an employer's eyes. As we have already discussed that the interview technique has evolved over the years, here we are going to talk about two types of interview that are practised, but are not very common. They are-Video or Video Conferencing Interview and Testing Interview. You have to get prepared for these interviews also, if you are applying for a job.
Video or Video Conferencing Interview
In a Video Interview, the interviewer videotapes the whole process. The videotaped interview is shown to the management at the headquarters of the firm and in this way the expense of flying you to that location is eliminated. Trainers and Sales personnel are most likely cases to be asked to be videotaped. In most of the cases, a short presentation is required to be given as part of this process. If you have to undergo such an interview, there is every likelihood that you will be told' in advance about this type of format. If such is the case, you have to do as follows :
• Try to ask in advance all' the details with regard to this format. Try to know whom it is meant for. What will \Ie the position of the camera used for the purpose ? The nature of presentation you will be asked to make must be clear to you. It is fruitless to expect that the interviewer will volunteer much on his/ her part. You will have to call back a second time, if you need more clarification.
• You should use a video camera to record a role-playing session. Note if your movements and nervous actions get exaggerated on video, you should watch for your non-verbal clues and facial expressions.
• Get used to the camera so that you can feel relaxed while undergoing the interview. Getting used to the camera will result in your overcoming the nervousness on account of interview tension.
• Reach a state where you can focus only on the interviewer, oblivious of a camera. It will enable you to avoid mistakes.
• Be poised and self-confident.
• Smile frequently so that you can come across as a warmer and likeable person, when the tape is viewed.
In video conferencing, the interviewer remains away from you and that makes it unusual. You may tend to be intimidated due to the unfounded apprehension of the outcome. Follow these tips:
• Ask about the details of how it will take place. Try to reach the venue well ahead of the schedule to get attuned to the set-up. Mind you, on the other end, it is your future boss.
• Convince yourself that this is very much like a face-to-face interview.
• To establish a good rapport, smile and be enthusiastic.
• Never try to stare directly into the camera, otherwise you will get nervous.
• Look relaxed relying on your preparation. Remember that brief answers are always better.
Testing Interview
As business world has to face many new challenges with each day that follows, many companies hire experts from outside to help them develop a profile and determine the true skills of the persons who have applied for jobs. These experts or consultants ask you to take a test or many, for that matter, and these can be as follows:
• Math quiz
• Outlook e-mail test
• Spelling quiz
• Compatibility test
• Management style indicator
• Computer usage
• Case study test with problems to solve
• Communications test comprising writing skills
• Write or give a presentation
These tests can be brief or long. You should not get nervous with the thought of performing well. Try to deliver your best. Remember that employers must be seeking to validate' your strengths and uncover your weaknesses. You ought to be thorough and careful. Read directions twice and follow them in letter and spirit Pay proper attention to spelling and grammar.
Last but not least, always keep in mind that employers want to hire people who have had both wins and losses. The experiences undergone by the potential employee are of great use to the firm. Those experiences give him/her the strength and knowledge of how to capitalise on his/her losses and ability to do the job assigned in a better way next time. He/she avoids to repeat the same mistakes.