Source: www.thebalance.com

Do you have a video interview on your agenda? Video interviews are becoming more commonplace in the workplace. As hiring becomes more global and as more employees work remotely, video interviewing is a way to expedite the interview process.

Hiring managers and recruiters can conduct first round interviews more quickly, save on transportation costs, and get the interview process started much faster using video conferencing than they can scheduling in-person interviews.

Tips for a Successful Video Job Interview

Companies hiring at all levels, from entry-level to experienced professionals, are more comfortable using technology (as you can see from the growth in Internet recruiting) and video interviewing is becoming the next step in the online recruiting process for many recruiters and employers.

For the job seeker though, it can be a little intimidating. It's hard enough to interview face-to-face, let alone in front of a camera and microphone. It can seem like a scary proposition, even for those of us who are familiar with technology and use it on a regular basis.

Kim Bishop, Senior Client Partner at Korn/Ferry International, a premier global provider of talent management solutions, shares her expert advice on how to interview successfully via video. Kim says, "With advance planning and preparation, the video interview isn't very different from an in-person interview." Plan your interview as you would any other job interview.

Review the following tips that Kim has compiled, to make sure you ace this type of interview. Keep in mind, a video interview carries as much weight as an interview conducted in-person, so you will want to make sure that you're well prepared to interview remotely.

Advance Planning

•   Make sure that you send any materials (resume, etc.) that the recruiter needs in advance.

•   If the interview is at a company office, arrive early so you have time to get situated.

•   Ask for assistance if you're not sure how to use the equipment. Actually, even if you think you can figure it out, it's good to ask for a quick overview.

What to Wear

•   Dress professionally. Wear the same interview attire you would for an in-person interview.

•   Don't make the same mistake one candidate did! He wore a suit jacket, dress shirt, and tie, presuming that only the top half would show. However, when he stood up the interviewer saw a full-length view, including the jeans he was wearing.

During the Video Interview

•   Make sure the table is clean and neat. You don't want to distract the interviewer.

•   Be aware that the microphone picks up all the noise in the room. Don't tap your pen or shuffle papers.

•   Make eye contact. If you don't the camera will be focused on the top of your head.

•   Use the Picture-in-Picture feature so you can see how you appear.

The Interview Process

•  The interview process will be the same as an in-person interview. The interviewer's objective (to screen candidates for employment) is the same.

•  You will be asked the same type of interview questions. Also, be prepared to ask questions, as well.

•   If you're not sure about how the interview is proceeding, it's fine to ask the interviewer how you are doing.

What's most important is to consider this type of interview is just as important as if you were meeting the interviewer in his or her office. The value, for yourself as well as for the hiring manager, is equivalent, and interviewing successfully, however it takes place, is the key to getting hired.

What Employers Expect to See

What do employers want to see when they review videos from candidates for employment? Chris Ourand, chief marketing officer at JobOn.com, the video interviewing service, shares a collection of feedback from recruiters who have used JobOn:

Answer the questions asked. Recruiters and hiring managers want to know you can do the job required, so they ask specific questions. Video is a faster way for them to screen seekers than traditional applications, so don't give them a reason to delete yours.

Show creativity. In your responses, relate an experience that demonstrates how you can perform the job required. If you are applying to be a chef, for example, record your answers in the kitchen while you're preparing a dish.

Be presentable. Make sure you are dressed and groomed appropriately, and practice your answers, so you have the best representation of yourself as possible. Videos are a great way to stand out from the other applicants who have only their paper applications or online text resumes. The best videos get forwarded and replayed many times.

Have a resume and application ready. Video can get your foot in the door, but standard materials still get used at some point in the process. Make sure your experiences and best points match what you're saying in the video.