3 Smart Ways to Prepare for an Asynchronous Job Interview
Technology is a powerful tool used by most everyone. The powerful devices in our pockets are capable of wonderful things along with our laptops, tablets, etc. Corporate entities are consistently using technology to streamline the job interviewing process, allowing them to increase efficiency. Many of my clients have participated in a new job interview method known as a “one way interview.” These are also referred to as asynchronous interviews.
An asynchronous job interview is a form of a screening interview in which the applicant is guided through a structured interview process on their own.
It is called asynchronous because the participant is completing it apart from the interviewer (the opposite of a synchronous job interview where two people converse together). This type of job interview usually replaces the traditional phone screen. The candidate alone answers a series of questions while video recording the answers. Typically the applicant has the opportunity to “redo” their video answers up to three times in order to submit what they consider their best response. Preparation is the key to success with this interview platform!
Before we look at this exciting new tool, let’s take a look at the evolution of the job interview process to see the vast efficiency provided by such technological innovation…
Years ago (think snail mail and land-line phones,) as a new Divisional Manager for a Fortune 500 company, I would run an ad in local newspapers recruiting for qualified candidates. Each time I would run an ad, I would receive well over 1000 resumes! I was the only one managing this time-consuming, tedious, and cumbersome process. I had to sort through and separate out those who were qualified, interesting, and fit the profile to advance in the process. Only then did the interviewing begin. Clearly this was an inefficient process compared to today’s various, multi-platform screening processes!
The one-way job interview is a remarkable tool.
Most organizations feel this type of job interview speeds up their process, allowing them to access more qualified candidates which saves both time and money. It is also convenient for both parties, as the company simply sends out the invitation and the candidate responds at their convenience by the designated due date. This platform also meets EEOC compliance. It is nondiscriminatory standardizing all questions, asking the same questions in the same order to all participants. One-way interviews are also thought to reduce bias due to the fact that all team members, not just the hiring managers, are able to view the videos — potentially leveling the field for all the job candidates.
There is some debate as to the value of one-way interviews. In Forbes, Liz Ryan recently wrote an article referring to Human Resources departments that “They are making their job more complicated than it needs to be, costing their companies money and worst of all, alienating the talent community in the worst possible way.”
Regardless of which side of the argument is chosen, it comes down to the fact that companies are using one-way interviews more and more frequently. Candidates must be prepared to utilize this tool! If you have a one-way job interview coming up, here are 3 smart ways to prepare:
1. Record Yourself
Phones, laptops, and tablets all have a video recording capability. Research some common screening interview questions then record yourself responding. I use this method with all my clients and they tell me it is UNCOMFORTABLE watching themselves on the playback. They all comment that they re-record their responses multiple times before they send me their homework. Recording yourself answering questions makes you more comfortable and builds your confidence!
2. Control Your Environment
Record your practice responses in multiple locations in your house or apartment. Watch the response and assess the best background. Stage yourself so that the video captures your hand gestures, facial expressions, and posture. Find the best lighting. This will be assessed! Be mindful of any visible photographs or Scruffy the dog running in the background…
3. Pay Attention to Your Voice Inflection
Record several responses and evaluate your voice inflection. If you have a tendency to be monotone, try to better modulate your voice. If your voice inflection uses “up speak” or “vocal fry” (please stop this now!), then please keep practicing. Your voice inflection should be confident, animated, and comfortable for others to listen to. Have a trusted mentor or job interview coach review the video and give their honest feedback. Your voice inflection is critical to your success in this nerve-racking process! It is harder to speak to a computer screen than to a person, so you have to try harder to be animated and interesting.
It is a wonderful opportunity to be chosen to participate in a one-way job interview. It’s the first step toward a new position! Take the opportunity during this interview to highlight your specific talents in the most positive light. If you are in the job hunt, take some time and prepare using the device you are reading this with so that when that invitation email comes, you will be ready to go!
And remember, I offer a completely free 30 minute introductory job interview coaching session. Contact me today to prepare for your tomorrow!