Some people see technology as a blessing in their job search. They’re able to get more applications and resumes out than ever before and land numerous digital interviews as a result.
But is a digital interview the same as a face-to-face interview?
More companies are using digital interviews as a first, and in some cases, the only step in the hiring process. They may help an employer more efficiently vet candidates, but do digital interviews have the same benefits as an in-person interview for the job hunter?
Hardly an interview
Some members of GetFive report being invited to a digital interview, only to find it’s hardly an interview at all.
In one case, a TFC member was asked to log on through a link provided by a third-party vendor, turn on his laptop camera and answer a series of five questions. For each question, he had thirty seconds to formulate a response and three minutes to give an answer. There was no feedback or dialogue with another person.
That’s hardly an interview and the entire experience, as you may well imagine, was rather frustrating.
Technology is no substitute
Developers realize that much of the video interviewing software available lacks a truly interactive, two-way platform and are working to improve the experience.
Most of us are familiar with Skype, and when used with a good quality web cam on your computer or laptop, it does a pretty good job of simulating two people in the same room with one another: a definite advantage over the one-way digital interview.
However, no matter how advanced the technology becomes, the most effective way to get interviews, and turn those interviews into job offers, is through networking and contacting the right people at the right level.
So while we should all embrace new technology, job seekers should still strive for in-person interviews. Even if you’re offered a Skype interview and have the best video and audio equipment available, you’re still more likely to close the deal if you’re sitting across from the interviewer in the same room and can end the interview with a firm handshake.
