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Spark a Conversation: One-Way Video Interview and Mobile Phones

Here at Spark Hire, we want to help candidates find their dream jobs using the power of online video. We get a lot of questions from readers about how to use online video in their search for a great job. These posts will address those questions about how to find success in your job search.

Question: How do I successfully record a one-way video interview from my phone? -Tyler from San Antonio

Thanks for your question, Tyler! The job search has quickly moved to mobile phones and with that job seekers can now conduct an “on-the-go” job search. You can search for jobs online, apply to them and with Spark Hire you can even record video interviews for them. If you are unfamiliar with what a one-way video interview is, it’s very simple! With a one-way video interview, employers send job seekers a series of questions they would like answered such as, “Why are you interested in this particular position” or “What are your career goals for the next five years.” When job seekers answer these interview questions, they do so in video format. That way employers can review the answers from all candidates in a smooth and fast process saving both employers and job seekers time.

Just recently Spark Hire went mobile and allowed for job seekers to record these one-way video interview answers from their phone so they can send them off to employers. It’s fast and easy, and greatly beneficial to the busy job seeker. So how can you successfully use your mobile device to record these one-way video interview answers?

Background Noise

Before you start using your mobile device to record your answers, be sure you are in a quiet place. Just because you can record your video interview on the street before you hop on your bus doesn’t mean you should! Just like if you were recording from your computer, you want to be sure you are in a professional and quiet atmosphere. If you aren’t then the employer will likely have a hard time hearing what you have to say. That may cause a swift “next,” and your application goes right into the garbage.

The same goes for your background. Again, just because you can record anywhere doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Be sure you have a professional background such as an office or your friend’s office. If you have to do it in your bedroom, be sure that you do it against a wall and that not much is visible in the webcam frame. Having your bed or wall posters visible in the video interview is a big no.

Look and Sound Good
In order to have a successful video interview to send to employers, you need to look good and sound good as well. That means that you should dress in a way that if you met this employer in person wearing what you were in the video interview you would not be embarrassed. As stated many times before, just because it is a video interview does not mean you can dress sloppily or very casually. Keep it professional and wear a nice button-down shirt or blouse. Make sure your hair looks put together and presentable as well.

Furthermore, before you record any answers be sure to think them all through first. You want to sound good in this video interview and that goes for what you are saying as well as being audible. Do some company research before recording your answers and really think about what you are going to say.

Lastly, see if you can place the phone on something like a tri-pod. Perhaps you can rest it on a shelf right in front of you. You want to avoid a shaky picture because the employer may watch one or two of your answers and start to feel sea sick after that. Plus, without something to hold your phone your arm may get tired and cause it to be extra-shaky. No employer wants to watch a Blair Witch Project-esque video interview!

Do you have a question you need answered? Spark a conversation with the Spark Hire team by submitting your question to [email protected] or in the comments below.

Spark Hire Team

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