One of the current trends in the application process for industry positions is to use video interviewing. Currently, business, science, and technology companies are using video interviews as the first step in the interviewing process after a candidate applies for a position because it saves money and staff time for the firms to screen candidates prior to inviting them for face-to face interviews. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2016 Recruiting Trends report, there has been a 50 % increase in the use of video interviewing in the past year. This trend could correlate with the relative decrease in employers coming to on-campus recruiting interviews and career fairs. Also, the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) is currently conducting a research study to pilot -test the use of video-interviews with its residency applicants.
In this post, we interviewed an NIH trainee who recently participated in several video interviews to gather a user’s impressions of the process and technology.
What type of company and position(s) did you apply?
They were generally biotech companies that had positions such as a Scientist 1 or Assay Development.
What materials did you use to apply?
I submitted a resume and cover letter through their website. Then you were sent an email with a link to the video interview. This company used HireVue software. Before the question prompts, there is a short intro about the company mission and culture delivered by the company’s employees.
How did you prepare?
The video interview link came after I applied for the position. I followed the instructions given. You are allowed to complete a few practice questions (mostly behavioral) and to learn how to use the software. I used Glassdoor to prepare for the interview questions. There was a combination of behavioral and technical questions. Depending on the position, it may be more technical than behavioral.
Where in the interview process was the video interview?
This was part of the pre-interview process. It was sent after you applied. I think it takes the place of the telephone screening interview.
How much time were you given to reply to the company?
I was given three business days to practice and then answer the interview questions.
What was it like to record the video interview?
It was both helpful and terrifying at the same time. It was helpful in that it is using a system that makes it convenient. It was terrifying watching yourself (split screen) while you are answering interview questions vs. looking at someone else. It’s hard to watch yourself interview.
How many questions were you asked?
You were given about 20 minutes to answer 7-9 questions (about 20-30 minutes). You are given 30 seconds to read the question and then between 1-3 minutes to answer the questions. Some questions you are given are one minute and most others you have more time. Some questions have multiple stems in them, so you may feel rushed to answer everything in the 3 minutes.
What Questions were you asked?
I was given questions about why I chose this company, behavioral questions, compare and contrast technologies, describe how to develop or troubleshoot assays. I was asked how does product development differ from research and development in biotech. For another interview, I was asked to summarize my molecular biology, troubleshooting, and optimizing skills. It appears that the various teams in a company can select their own questions. For example, for some positions I was given one time to answer the interview questions. However, in another interview, I was given multiple times to answer the question before submitting it. After the videotaped interview, they presented a short video thanking me for completing the video interview, but the next steps in the process were unclear.
What would you recommend to others who are asked to complete video interviews?
Utilize the practice time to learn the software and practice questions. Be aware of your choice of setting, lighting, height of camera and monitor, and choice of dress for video interview. You can have some have some notes in front of you. You will see a split screen with the question on left, outline of self on the right, and countdown clock on the top right corner. In the 2015 Science Magazine article, Ace Your Video Interview, by David Jensen, he recommends that candidates should be highly aware of their environment, appearance, and performance when using Skype technology for live video interviews. For example, he described that shadows from lighting, animals in the background, and clutter are distractions that can cause a candidate’s interview to be less than stellar. He also emphasizes that a candidate could be interviewed by several people. It may be recorded as well. Based on the experiences of our trainee and Jensen’s comments, here are some additional recommendations to how to prepare for pre-recorded video interviews:
- Practice using any type of video-based software so that can get used to seeing yourself while you are interviewing. Check to see If there is a way to turn this feature off during your practice sessions with the software you are given. Please note that OITE does not endorse HireVue, SKYPE, or any particular any video interviewing products.
- Be sure you are looking directly into the camera and that your background is free from distractions.
- Practice your answers standard industry interview and behavioral questions.
- Conduct company research in advance to learn about the company, its competitors, and trends in the industry.
- Although it may end abruptly, send a thank you note after the interview. You may also record a thank you to the committee at the end of your video interview.
- Dress in professional attire (at least from the waist up) because you are making your first impression with the employer.
While video interviews are not completely replacing the face-to-face interviews, you are likely to encounter them at some phase of the process in the future. If you would like to discuss any part of the process of applying for industry positions, have a mock interview, and /or review your application materials, feel free to set up an appointment with a career counselor. Also please remember to attend the NIH Career Symposium on May 11, 2016 where NIH alumni will discuss their transitions to a variety of careers in academia and beyond.
