The what, why and how of digital interviews

Not to be confused with the live, Skype-based version, a digital interview requires candidates to field pre-recorded questions from prospective employers, recording answers at their own leisure and then emailing these back to the recruiting company.

There are a number of companies using digital interview software throughout the world. One of the leading providers, HireVue, counts multinationals Rio Tinto and Red Bull among its customers.

As with most innovations, the key selling point to subscribers is efficiency. Time-pressured managers and senior employees can record their part of the interview during a break in their busy schedules. Candidates too are given the freedom to prepare and record their answers in their own time and in a relatively pressure-free setting.

There are downsides however, particularly from an interviewee perspective. The one-way nature of digital interviews makes it extremely hard, if not impossible, to build a rapport with your interviewer and to find common ground over current events, favourite holiday destinations, or other shared interests.  This is worth bearing in mind as an applicant, especially if you're someone who relies heavily on personality or charisma to impress recruiters when in an interview.  

While the protocol for approaching digital interviews doesn't differ hugely from the traditional face-to-face variety, there are a certain number of things you should be aware of.

Web cam etiquette doesn't always come naturally, so:

1. Make sure to look directly into the camera, not at your own face on the monitor.

2. Double check for possible interruptions before you start

3. Test the lighting and acoustics in the room before you hit 'record'.

Remember that the general essentials of interview technique still apply:

4. Dress smartly

5. Pay attention to posture and body language

6. Keep your tone professional at all times.

Digital interviews are unlikely to be everyone's idea of fun. However, the fact that their close relative, Skype, is so routinely used in business nowadays, suggests that the use of this software is more than just a passing phase. So it may be time for you to get acquainted and practiced in performing to your best in digital interviews.

Sources: Abintegro, Jobs.net; Forbes; United Health Group

Image Source: Abintegro

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Pearson