Are Video Job Interviews Set To Replace CVs?

What does it mean for you? And how can you make sure your video interview gets you a job interview?

Interviewers are finding it harder to make decisions on who to see, on the basis of a CV or resume.

The problem is that when your entire working life is condensed into 2 pages of print, it's pretty hard for the real you to shine through. 100 candidates can end up blending into one.

Plus, with an abundance of CV writing agencies out there, ready to preen your CV to perfection, there's no guarantee that the "real you" is even there to find...

So interviewers (and recruitment agencies) are turning to newer technology.

If you're applying for jobs through an agency, chances are they'll be considering doing a video interview with you, to send to your potential future employer.

Sounds scary?

It doesn't have to be. In many ways it's actually good news.
The thing is that the interviewer's going to get to see what you look like eventually, so you might as well get over it now.

Also, it's not really that big a change. Being able to clearly explain why you're worth interviewing is the main purpose of a CV. And the same is true for a video interview.

Having a video interview can be an advantage because it means you won't get called for a face-to-face interview unless the company's serious. That can save you loads of time and effort.

But, given that this is a new idea for most of us, we've been talking to experts to find out the 5 things you can do to shine in a video interview.

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Interview Stuff's Job Interview Survey Showing Interesting Results So Far

Have you had your say yet?

We've been running a job interview survey on the site for the last few weeks and the results so far make interesting reading.

Visitors are being asked the following question:

What's the toughest part of job hunting?

• Finding interesting jobs to apply for
• Getting my CV / resume right
• Waiting to see if I'll get an interview
• Getting through the interview
• Waiting for the final decision

Did you know that a large number of job hunters find the waiting game the toughest bit? For many, this is even worse than getting through the interview.

Do you agree? Do the results so far surprise you? Have you had your say yet? Make sure your opinion counts by taking part in our Interview Stuff Job Interview Survey now.

We're going to use the results to design even more tools and techniques to help you with your job hunting. So help us to give you what you most need!

The results of the survey - and what we're going to do about it - will be in the next issue of Interview Answers, our twice monthly ezine. Sign up now, to make sure you're kept up to date and not missing out.

Want to tell us what you think? Click on comment below. We'd love to hear your views!

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What to do if you're over-qualified for the job

There are many reasons why you might apply for a job that, on paper, you're over-qualified for.

You might want to move to a company you've always wanted to work for, find a better work-life balance or change career direction.

Being perceived as "over-qualified" for a position can be a real problem. It can mean you don't even get considered for interview.

So it's essential to contact the company or recruiter, before you apply, to get their buy-in for your application.

Take a few moments to think about their potential objections. For example:

• You might be using them as a stepping stone
• You might boss everyone around
• You might undermine your new manager

Before you phone, you must be able to clearly explain:

• Why you believe you are suitable for the role
• Why your additional level of experience makes you the ideal candidate
• Why you want the job

You know why you are choosing to apply for the job, so make sure it is obvious to the recruiter. If you're not sure, yourself, how can you expect to convince an interviewer?

Whatever you do, I wouldn't recommend "dumbing down". You might get the job, but you could then fail the probation period...

After you've got them to agree that it's worth applying, send your CV as soon as possible. Reference the conversation in your cover letter, to remind them who you are. Chances are you'll get an interview - which gives you the chance to sell yourself face-to-face.

For more advice on preparing for an interview, visit our main website at Interview Stuff.

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Finding Time To Job Hunt

If you're anything like me, then there simply aren't enough hours in the day!

And job hunting can eat up hours, days and weeks without you realising, until suddenly months have gone by and your friends can't remember what you look like.

I wondered if you might find it useful to have some tips on how to save time when you're job hunting?

• Get your CV / resume ready as soon as you decide you want to find a new job
  This means it'll only ever take you an hour or two to complete an application. You might be surprised how many people see their dream job but miss the deadline, because their CV isn't ready.



• Only apply for jobs you really want
  It's surprisingly easy to fall into the trap of applying for too many jobs, only to get to the interview and realise you're not interested. It's a big waste of everybody's time. "Where Do I Start?" is a free e-course that helps you work out what you really want to do.



• Make the most of the internet
  Industry magazines and national or local newspapers are a good source for job adverts, but so is the internet.
  Make the most of online recruitment agencies to search for your ideal job.
  Then, once you've got an interview lined up, use the internet to research your potential employer, as part of your job interview preparation.

If you have any more tips to save time while you're on the job hunt, share them by using the comment link below.

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The grass is always greener - job hunters beware

Do you really want to leave your job, or are your jumping out of the frying pan, into the fire?

It's easy to get stuck in the trap of applying for any job that sounds vaguely suitable.

Often, the longer your job search has been running, the more inevitable that option seems. But do you really want to spend 8+ hours a day in the wrong job?

The key to successful job hunting is getting an offer for the right job, not any job. And getting that offer as quickly and easily as possible. By understanding what does or doesn't motivate you about your current role, it can make sure you apply for the right jobs. This increases your chances of job interview success.

Take a minute or two to think about your current or most recent role.

How would you describe it? What do you like about it? Which aspects won't you miss?

Check out this free exercise to help you work this out. It can help you find a new job that builds on the good features of your last role, but avoids the bad bits.

It's important to know what isn't working for you in your current or most recent job. By understanding this, it means you can make sure you avoid it in your next position - or maybe even change it in your current one.

Sometimes it's the tiny irritations that make us end up wanting to leave a job. Sometimes they're bigger issues.

By having a list of these that you can refer back to, it helps you make sure you're moving for the right reasons and don't end up moving to a new job with the same old problems, just in a new environment.

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Competency-based interviews

Want to know how to shine in a competency based job interview?

Many candidates get stressed when they're told to expect to talk about "competencies". But actually it's just another name for a fairly standard job interview.

There are many types of job interview. In fact, some employers even have their own names for their own interview types.

A competency based interview tends to be one where the recruiter has looked at the skills / experience / characteristics required for the role and developed questions to test whether you candidate are suitable.

The best way to prepare for this type of interview is:

• Review the job advert / job description / role
• "Second guess" the types of skills etc that would be required
• Start to think of concrete examples of times when you have demonstrated these.

That way, no matter what question they ask you, you'll have trained yourself to think on your feet. You'll be giving yourself an advantage over other candidates.

If you get really stuck, another idea is to phone the recruiter's nominated contact and ask them if they can give you any more information about how you could best prepare for the interview.

Find out more about other types of interviews and psychometric tests / aptitude tests.

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Cover Letter Secrets

How to use your cover letter to help you get the interview.

Your cover letter is often seen as the "poor relation" of your CV / resume. Yet it's a vital part of the application process.

In fact, there are techniques you can use to at least double your chances of getting a job interview, just by tweaking your cover letter.

The good news (for you!) is that very few job hunters bother to focus on their cover letter. They rattle off the usual "Dear Sir / Madam" with a few awkward paragraphs, to fill the space. For them, a cover letter is secondary to the CV.

Yet a strong cover letter acts as a mini marketing tool for your CV / resume. It can get the reader hooked - and draw their attention to the 3 reasons why you're a strong candidate for the role.

It helps show your "spark", get them interested and make them want to meet you. It's really tough for a CV to do this on its own.

All this might sound a little daunting. You might be asking yourself, "Where do I start?".

Find out more on the brand new Interview Stuff cover letter section.

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CV Confidence - Essential Steps

Hot-off-the-press news! You're the first to know!

We've been working with CV and resume writing experts to create:

CV Confidence

By being focused and having a structured approach to writing your CV or resume, it can be much easier and less stressful than the traditional last-minute panic at 2 a.m., the night before the submission deadline.

You can find the evidence you need to support your job application - even if you need to get creative and look outside of your standard work experience.

CV Confidence takes you through a structured process for creating your interview-winning CV and starting your interview preparation.

Although the term "CV" is used, most of the information applies equally well to a resume or job application form.

Where specific resume resources might be useful, we've included links to relevant websites.

It includes 120+ pages of detailed, step by step strategies for creating a CV or resume that does justice to your experience.

The good news is that we're giving it away absolutely free. No catches.

We're also looking for people who are currently job hunting to give us feedback on what they think of it.

What works for you? Where would you like more guidance? Which bits need tweaking?

If you'd like to be part of our R&D team, just right click on this link and select "save target as…" to download CV Confidence now. (It's about 1MB).

There's no obligation to give us feedback - we're not even asking for your email address! But if you'd like to help, we'd be very grateful.

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The Top 10 Job Interview Mistakes

The top 10 job interview mistakes aren't all as obvious as you might think.
Make sure you don't accidentally throw away your chances of a job offer.

Read on for a whistle-stop tour of the top ten interview clangers!


1. Lying
Although it's tempting, it doesn't work. By all means gloss over the unflattering things. But out-right fibbing NEVER pays.

Mark Twain said: "If you tell the truth, you never have to remember anything." Think about it. They will catch you out at some point.


2. Slating your current company or boss
Fed up with your current job and would give anything to leave because they've treated you badly? Your job interview is NOT the time to seek revenge.

The interviewer will be listening to your answers and thinking about what it would be like to work with you.

Ask yourself: do you like working with people who constantly criticise others? Isn't it a bit wearing? The trouble is that the interviewer draws massive conclusions from your answers.

So your throwaway comment about your boss or employer may be interpreted to be your "standard" way of thinking. It makes you look bad, not your employer.


3. Being rude
If you find you were accidentally rude, then apologise calmly and genuinely. Then leave it behind you and get on with the rest of the interview. If you dwell on it, it will affect your performance.

What's "rude"?

Well, that depends on your audience. As a rule of thumb, avoid cracking jokes about potentially sensitive topics and beware of being too "pally" with the interviewer: polite and friendly is enough. After all, you're not in the pub with them. So stay professional.

Remember that everyone you meet could be involved in the selection process. So blanking the receptionist or talking down to the junior members of staff could cost you the job.


Mistakes 4-7 tomorrow.

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Job Interview Misakes - Part 2 of 3

4. Complaining
	Ok, so your train journey might have been a nightmare and maybe you thought the tube would never arrive, or the tailbacks on the motorway were endless. But your interviewer doesn't want to know that! Complaining, even in jest, is not a recommended icebreaker. It may be completely harmless, or it might simply make the interviewer switch off. Don't let complaining set the tone for the interview!
5. Talking about people you don't get on with at work
	These days, it's common to be asked how you deal with conflict. Companies realise the importance of interpersonal relationships in the working environment. So if they ask you about difficult people or situations, make sure you hold back from character assassination and blaming others for problems because it won't do you any favours! If you accidentally do "break" this rule, apologise and explain what you "really" meant.
6. Not being prepared
	Re-read the relevant version of your CV and the job advert, just before the interview. You'd be surprised how many people can't remember what they wrote on their CV. And if you remember what type of person the job advert was looking for, it's easier to demonstrate that you have those qualities. Make sure you've brought with you anything you were asked for. It's fine to bring a note-pad and pen, but make sure they're tidy. It's even ok to bring notes with you; particularly if you have any questions you want to ask. It shows you're taking the job application seriously. Ill-prepared candidates rarely get job offers.
7. Appearing to be too nervous, or too confident
	If you appear too nervous they'll think you're not confident enough to do the job. However, appearing too confident will make them think you won't fit into the team. If interview nerves are an issue for you, it's worth getting practical help from a professional, such as an interview coach. Or you could try a Mind Tools Stress Management Masterclass.

Read the final instalment of Job Interview Mistakes tomorrow.

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Job Interview Mistakes - Part 3 of 3

8. Making a weak first impression
	Unfortunately, no matter how hard the interviewer tries, a lot of "don't want to hire them" decisions are made in the first few minutes of contact. If you make a strong first impression, the interviewer will be more inclined to overlook "imperfections" in your answers. Make sure you know what to wear and have checked out the latest job interview etiquette.
9. Not having researched the company
	As a general rule, the more famous the brand, the more they will expect you to have done your homework. Researching the company shows you're serious about the job. Example from a real interview for a major food brand:
	Candidate: "Hello Mr. Interviewer. Yes, I'd love to work for your company. I think your brand is great and I really believe I could make a contribution to your marketing strategy." Interviewer: "So what do you think about our current merchandising, compared to our competition?" Candidate: "Oh... Errr.... Well, I haven't had time to check it out, really."
	Likelihood of getting the job? Low.
10. Putting your foot in it an not noticing
	Yes, we know, you didn't mean to put your foot in it. But it doesn't really matter what you intended. What counts is how the other person reacts. So what can you do? Be prepared to say "sorry, that's not what I meant!" This requires you to pay attention to the interviewer, rather than your own thoughts and feelings. Once you've apologised, leave it there, take a deep breath to help you relax and move on with the job interview.

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Against The Odds - Proving You're The Best One For The Job

This is an excerpt from our latest newsletter - Interview Answers. If you'd like to make sure you receive it regularly, subscribe now.

Sometimes, despite all logic, you can come across an advert for a job you know you'd love but which, on paper, you're not qualified to do.

You can either put it to the back of your mind and carry on job-hunting, or go for it and keep your fingers crossed!

If you choose the "go for it" option, the good news is that you'll be increasing your chances of getting a job offer.

Why?

Because the regret you'd feel about not applying for the job you really want would cloud your performance in other interviews.

It's so true that, in life, we more often regret the chances we missed, than the things we did.

We're not suggesting you take enormous risks with chasing your dream job. But if there is a chance you could get it, you owe it to yourself to at least try.

So what can you do to maximise your chances?

The toughest bit is getting an interview.

Once you're in the interview, you've got the opportunity to convince them to give you a go. But until you're in there, they've only got your CV / resume as information.

The critical thing here is to phone the recruiting contact before you apply, to ask them whether they would consider you. Make sure you can clearly explain:

• Why you believe you're a suitable candidate for the role
• Why you want the position
• Why your experience would be valuable
• How your experience to date could transfer to the new role
• What you would plan to do to learn "on the job"

You won't necessarily cover all these areas in the phone call, but you'll be prepared with strong answers to most of the concerns the recruiter might have. Your aim is to get their agreement that it's worth applying. Then send your CV / resume to them within 48 hours, referencing the call in your cover letter.

You know why you are choosing to apply for the job, so make sure it is obvious to the recruiter. If you're not sure, yourself, how can you expect to convince an interviewer?

You might find your non-work activities could help you show how transferable your skills are, despite the lack of formal experience.

Emphasise other characteristics that are desirable for the role and don't shout about your lack of experience.

If you get an interview, you are in a strong position to justify why they should consider you.

If you're not sure what you really want to do, you could check out "Where Do I Start?" which is a free e-course to help you work out what's important to you about your career and how to find a job you'd enjoy.

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