Let’s Get You Ready for Your Digital Interview – Computer Recorded Questions

Brenda Goburn Smith|Last Updated April 23, 2020|March 10, 2020

Digital interviews are cost-effective for companies. They allow a first-level screening with little staff time and no travel for all parties involved.

Talking to a camera or computer without human input or responses may feel unnatural and nerve-wracking. However, you will receive instructions about what is expected of you and how to respond. Listen carefully. Systems vary. If the digital interview utilizes a camera, prepare to be seen. The interviewer may be an animated cartoon-type avatar, try to answer in a conversational tone.

Preparation, Equipment, and Set-Up

Treat this with the seriousness of a real interview. Create a conducive environment by finding a quiet place with a reliable Internet connection (try to avoid using public wi-fi).

Test your computer or webcam in advance to be sure your microphone is set to utilize internal speakers. Try playing music through the speakers. Using connected earbuds will give you good sound reception. If possible, see if your computer has a video application already installed to test how you look and sound.

Practice. Find some sample digital interview questions on the Internet. Ask a friend or spouse to ask random sample questions. Record your practice answers and review them. If very nervous, talk to a career coach about conducting a mock interview.

Position yourself in front of the camera so that you are in the middle of the screen, visible from the second button of your shirt, or just below your necklace. Dress appropriately and groom as if for an in-person interview. Place the camera at eye-level looking directly at the lens -avoid constantly looking up or down.

Minimize any background noise. Let everyone around you know you are on a business call.

Check your background – declutter if necessary. It would be great if you can record some test sessions to objectively review how you project.

Deliver Reasons Why You are a Viable Candidate

Get your submitted resume in front of you. Be ready to explain your work history. Make some notes about the contributions or improvements you added while in former or current positions. It would be great if you had a “story” about what was going on when you arrived and how you made a positive difference. Above all, try to use some quantifiable terms, e.g., improved production by xx% or hired xxx new employees or served xxx customers during peak hours, etc.

Most of all, listen to the entire question, then answer. The exchange may be limited to the programmed questions, sometimes there is a time limit for answers. When it is your turn to respond you may feel pressured to answer quickly before gathering your thoughts. Take your time. When answering questions always relate to the specific job requirements and your capabilities.

Be ready to explain why you are seeking the position and why you are interested in their company. Talk about what appeals to you about the company and how you could contribute to the quality and pursuit of its mission.

Sit up straight to help project your voice. Have a glass of water handy, in case your mouth gets dry. Interviewing can be nerve-wracking.

Remember, the session will be recorded and probably viewed by other people making the hiring decision, which means you must convey your personality and enthusiasm through the camera. Smile often.

I’m happy to have an exploratory conversation to help you prepare for your next interview or discuss how my career management services could help you “market your brilliance.” Feel free to email me at [email protected].