The Retail Appointment Magazine September 2017 TRAP_Sep 2017_DigitalEdition | Page 9

em or loathe them?
ccording to our new research, a
surprising number of younger job
seekers would not apply for a job
should they be asked to conduct a video
interview. When asked how they feel
about conducting a short interview by
video, where the employer sends them
some questions, 10 percent of those aged
between 18-24 said it would definitely put
them off from applying for the role alto-
gether.
A
In addition, a further six percent of those
aged between 25-34 and another six per-
cent of those aged between 35-44 also
said they would definitely not apply. This
leaves a very real and serious risk of em-
ployers losing out on the talent they need
to fill the available roles and take their
company forward.
Overall, on a national scale, 8 percent said
an invitation to conduct a video interview
would stop them applying, with a further
35 percent saying they don’t at all like the
idea of being asked — 12 percent of
these added that they would also possibly
not apply. On the other side of the scale,
34 percent said they would embrace a
video interview as it would give them a
chance to show how good they are.
However, with 20 percent of candidates
surveyed at least considering their appli-
cations if they were asked to perform a
video interview, this could leave a wor-
rying gap in the talent pool when it comes
to employers attracting the candidates
they so desperately need.
Pre-recorded or live video interviews are
rapidly becoming a commonplace ele-
ment of the recruitment process, particu-
larly within the retail sector and especially
amongst younger job seekers. The benefit
of this is usually to filter out candidates at
an early stage.
With that said, that also means employers
can save the huge cost of candidate ex-
penses, particularly if they do have the will
to travel from abroad seeking a career in
the UK. Statistics from earlier this year re-
vealed that HR directors are spending one
month (27.59 days) on average, recruiting
for open positions within their organisa-
tions. The challenge to find qualified can-
didates and the increase in the number of
CVs per job opening were cited as the
main reasons the hiring process is longer
than it was three years ago.
The primary benefit of video interviews is
that you can cast the net wider. You can
see people from further afield who may
not have the time or inclination to travel a
long distance for what might be a specu-
lative interview. The best of 100 potential
candidates will always be better than the
best of 50.
Are video interviews trickier
for the candidate?
People are always self-conscious about
how they come across on camera. How
many times have we watched a video of
ourselves and thought “do I really sound
or look like that?” The key is to break
through that barrier and that’s why prac-
tice is so important. In today’s tech-dom-
inated world, the trick to making a good
impression at an interview may be less
about what you know and more about
how you come across on camera.
It's also tempting to watch yourself in the
little box on the screen to make sure your
hair isn't in your face or that you're not
making weird facial expressions. How-
ever, if it’s a live interview then the truth is
that it is very distracting to the other pa rty
and can come across as shy and even in-
sincere — two qualities both employers
and new hires want to avoid.
It's OK to watch the speaker on the
screen, but respond by looking into the
camera to create the illusion of direct eye-
contact.
What are the top tips in set-
ting yourself up for video in-
terviews?
Timing is everything. Whilst they are ad-
mirably keen, there is nothing worse than
having a candidate talking over you — the
conversation fails to flow and the inter-
view tails off into no-man’s land. With that
said, time lags may play a part in this due
to online connections, so ensure your in-
terviewer has finished speaking before
you start your retort. Even then, make
sure you are speaking slowly.
As with any form of interview, practice is
also crucial. This will enable you to
present yourself in the right way. Set up
your camera and practice on your own or
with a friend. The key issue is confidence
in front of the camera and being positive
to somebody who isn’t there. It is ar-
guably harder to do this than if somebody
was sitting in front of you.
The logistics of your interview must also
be considered. Whilst they might appear
the more obvious of issues when setting
up, it amazes me how often candidates
fail to take into account the lighting of
their surroundings and the potential loss
of internet connection. Get the basics
right well in advance and then concen-
trate on the finer details.
Interestingly, whilst there were few 65-74 year olds
in the survey sample, none of them said they’d be
put off from applying.
retailappointment.co.uk
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