How to Ace the virtual interview?

With the wide application of AI technology, more and more companies are adopting HireVue and similar software technologies as a new way of the first-round video interview. Facing the cold machine, we could not get a Feedback, so how do you win the “interviewer”?

1.  AI interview science

In 2016, Unilever took the lead in applying AI technology HireVue to the first round of interview and used more than 15,000 features to identify and score interviewees’ language selection, vocabulary use, eye movements, problem-solving speed and voice size.

HireVue combines proprietary speech recognition software with licensed facial recognition software and collaborates with ranking algorithms to determine which candidates are closest to the ideal candidate. By analyzing the best current employees in a given position, you can glean data about their body language, tone of voice, and keywords.

According to OfficeTeam, the number of companies using video interviews has jumped from 14% to 63% in recent years. Goldman Sachs, UBS, JPMorgan Chase, UBS, bain, Ernst & Young, KPMG, L’Oreal, Coca-Cola and Danone have all started using AI interviews as the first round of interviews.

This type of Interview, commonly called a Digital Interview or pre-recorded Video Interview, requires applicants to record their answers to the questions on the screen and submit them within a specified period of time. Therefore, your keywords and every little facial expression will be used as the material of intelligent analysis for the first round of HR review. After that, you can decide whether to invite you for an online, telephone or on-site interview based on your resume.

• how to prepare for AI interview?

Talking to yourself into the machine is awkward, isn’t it? Don’t panic, even if the AI interview, parameters are also set by people, you can still according to the company’s preferences, prepare answers in advance.

Keywords are the focus of AI interview answers. Only when your answer contains specific keywords can it be identified as a valid answer. In the previous two years, Goldman Sachs had standardized five behavioral problems, which can be prepared in advance.

In addition to identifying the keywords that must appear in your answers, it is important to ensure that your answers are in a logical order. In the AI interview, only the answer that conforms to the statement logic can be identified, then the word order and the logical order is the decisive factor. Be sure to understand the subject, verb and object, use the STAR rule to answer, reduce the unimportant information, the machine can not summarize your logic!

AI Video Interview process

• Check your email and click the Video Interview link in your email
• Enter the webpage and log in the account information when applying
• Start “video recording”

Video recording is divided into three part 1. The equipment test 2. 3. Practice preparation for actual recording) – 30 seconds, can read the title, think about how to answer) recordings – 1.5-3 mins, different subject of time, note * heavy stage – the screen countdown) if, after the recording, some companies may choose to “whether or not to record”, if not satisfied with the recording effect can be heavy (note: usually, the recorded just 1 time)

• Complete recording and submit a video
• After submitting, receive Email notification

3. What are the types of video interviews?

1. Live video /skype interviews

Video conferencing software most commonly used by companies for video interviews includes Skype, Google hangout, zoom, etc., with one or more interviewers. Usually, the company will send you the link to the video account or the account name first. The important thing to note is that you need to clear your account before the video interview. Don’t use vague Numbers and characters in your account name, which will confuse the interviewer. In addition, some companies may also use their own systems to conduct video interviews for recording and querying purposes.

2. Ask questions on a prerecorded video

It refers to the Digital Interview or pre-recorded Video Interview mentioned above. In general, you have a time limit for each question. In the case of Goldman Sachs, five of them are very standardized behavioral problems, and the only tricky one is that they simulate a particular episode for you. For example, “what would you do if your best friend cheated?” Questions like this, and each question will be followed by a small question that asks you something more specific, such as “what steps would you take?” “And” why did you choose to do each step?” And so on.

4. video interview tips

Studies have shown that 55% of effective communication in video interviews comes from face/body language, 38% from voice and intonation, and 7% from what you actually say. See how important the details of movement and expression are! Here are some tips for video interviews:

1. Maintain good eye contact

This will help show your confidence, calm you down, and help the interviewer get to know you better. While eye contact is important in a traditional interview, it’s more important and harder to do in a video interview.

The camera can be placed in front of and above your face to keep your head in the middle of the video range and prevent you from looking down or up during the interview.

2. Try to avoid small gestures

Many people feel nervous and uncomfortable talking to a video. It’s important to note that some of the most normal gestures in face-to-face communication are exaggerated in the video, such as holding your chin, playing with your hair, touching your face, etc., which can make you appear more nervous on camera. Try to avoid these tricks during a video interview. You can speak naturally in front of the camera, and you can practice your expressions and actions in communication over and over again, which can effectively relieve the tension during the formal video interview.

Moreover, some video devices can send and receive very good static pictures, but the dynamic effect is not so good. Encounter this kind of situation, want to sit quietly as far as possible, the head does not move too much, the gesture also does not want too much.

3. Choose the right place

It’s also important to know where the video interview will take place, preferably in a white wall, which will help the interviewer focus on your communication during the interview. Secondly, it must be quiet, ensuring that it will not be disturbed. A quiet environment will make your voice clear, and the interviewer will be better able to catch the point you’re trying to make. If you’re in a noisy environment, chances are the other person won’t be able to hear what you’re saying, and you won’t make a good impression.

4.Microphone close to your chin

Don’t keep the microphone too far away from you, as it is likely that your voice will not be heard in the video. Placing the microphone near your chin will allow your voice to be effectively transmitted. At the same time, avoid small gestures that make noise, such as pressing a pen or tapping on a table.

5. Color matters more than texture

Dress for a video interview in a simple and appropriate color. Be sure to avoid wearing too much pattern, if you have too many patterns on your body, it will distract your partner’s attention and eyes, and look for a white wall background.

5. Common questions during virtual interview (examples from JP Morgan and UBS)

1. JPMorgan – Risk Management

• What leadership experience or extracurricular activity on your resume is most important to you and why?
• What attracts you to JPMorgan, and specifically the Global Wealth Management opportunity?
• What unique experience or expertise could you bring to our team?
• What past experience have you considered to be your most challenging and how has this helped you to be a better individual?

2. UBS- Asset Management

• Think of a time in the past when you did something which other people felt was wrong but you felt was justified in the circumstances- what was the situation and what did you do?
• Give me an example of when you set yourself a challenging target. Why did you set yourself the target? What made it so challenging? What was the result of your hard work?
• Tell me about a time when you helped somebody from outside your own team – what did you do and why?
• Describe a current/recent event and it’s impact on the stock market?
• If I gave you USD 5 million to invest, what would you invest in and why? How did you come to that decision?
• How would you explain what Asset Management is to a friend that has never heard of this area before?
• You now have 2 minutes to add any further comments you may have.