(December 7, 2011)
It’s becoming more and more common for companies to conduct virtual interviews with candidates. Often, these interviews are done via some type of video technology. A video interview typically involves the candidate answering a series of pre-determined interview questions using a webcam to record their interview.
[See The 50 Best Careers of 2011.]
"There are generally two types of video interviews a candidate may encounter,” says Christopher Young, CEO of Async Interview, a video interviewing technology that allows companies to interview candidates anywhere there is an Internet connection and webcam. “One-way interviews, such as the type of interviews that Async provides, pre-screen candidates by having them respond to pre-set questions without a recruiter on the other end. Another approach is a two-way interview, conducted using Skype-like technology. Candidates and recruiters interact as part of a two-way, live interactive interview process. These are typically used later in the interview process.”
As part of their “Get America Back to Work Campaign,” Young offers the following tips to help you ace a video interview:
1. Practice questions. As with anything, practice makes perfect. If your video interviewing tool allows, take advantage of the company’s practice questions. This will not only help you get ready for the interview but will also allow you to get comfortable with the technology. Use the practice questions to work out kinks, such as your background and your wardrobe.
2. Look at the camera, not the screen. This isn’t the time to be checking yourself out on the screen. Eye contact is critical in an in-person interview, and it adds a nice touch on a video interview as well. Pretend your webcam is the person interviewing you. Keep looking at the webcam as you would be looking at your interviewer.
3. Dress appropriately. Be careful if you are considering dressing “business on top and casual on the bottom.” Dress professionally from head to toe. Don’t make the mistake of dressing waist up. If you shift in your seat, you don’t want your pajamas or sweatpants showing! Dress in light colors against a darker background or dark colors against a light background. Plan ahead so you look your best.
4. Take care to set up the recording environment. You want your interview to highlight your skills and qualifications. Make sure your recording space is lighted appropriately and doesn’t cast unwanted shadows on your face. Move a lamp or light source nearby and use the practice interviews to adjust your lighting and make sure you can see yourself. As for the background, keep it conservative or plain. The interviewer wants to see you, not your room, so set yourself up so that the video will show you from the shoulder up.
5. Think about timing. Time is of the essence. Be mindful of how long you take to respond to questions, whether in a two-way interview or a one-way interview. Many video interview tools have time limits for each question so be precise, but answer questions with sufficient detail. There is no do-over in an interview.
6. Watch your language. Avoid jargon. When sharing your experiences, describe acronyms and other jargon so your employer can follow along.
7. Calm your nerves. Your peers are nervous too, so don’t worry. Focus on speaking slowly, and show off those pearly whites. Those who can showcase their true personality while maintaining a level of professionalism are typically selected for another interview.
8. Don’t let mistakes throw you off. Employers know you are human. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. If you started off responding to a recruiter’s question and would like to correct yourself, do so and re-state your answer. They will appreciate your honesty and willingness to admit your error.
9. Consider your strengths and weaknesses. Just because it’s a high-tech interview doesn’t mean you won’t encounter traditional questions. A common question is, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Don’t get caught up in the technology. Prepare for a variety of interview questions.
10. Do your research. Many clients leave room in the interview for you to ask questions that they can address in the next interview. Don’t get caught scrambling to think of what you might ask the employer. Prepare a couple of questions about something you can’t research on your own.
Video interviews provide the opportunity to showcase your skills and talents from the comfort of your home. Smile, be confident, and prepare to ace your interview using technology that makes the hiring process more comfortable and cost effective for you and your prospective employer.
Miriam Salpeter is a job search and social media consultant, career coach, author, speaker, resume writer and owner of Keppie Careers. She is author of Social Networking for Career Success. Miriam teaches job seekers and entrepreneurs how to incorporate social media tools along with traditional strategies to empower their success. Connect with her via Twitter @Keppie_Careers.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
LGBT Financial Aid Issues & Elmhurst College, a first in college admissions
If you're the child of a same-sex couple and you apply for federal financial aid, you probably won't get what you deserve. You'll likely get too much.
Students who are children of same-sex couples can't include both parents on their financial aid applications. If the student is part of a same-sex couple, she can't include her spouse or her spouse's income.
The article also highlights the "report also discusses the unique challenges that transgender and gay students encounter when applying for aid.
To read the full article click: Same-Sex Couples and Financial Aid
In what experts believe to be a first, Elmhurst College has released a new undergraduate application that includes an optional question about sexual orientation and gender identity status.
To read the full article click: They Ask. You Needn't Tell.
Both issues point towards the issues pertaining to full recognition of all those who are applying to college. Thumbs up Elmhurst!
Students who are children of same-sex couples can't include both parents on their financial aid applications. If the student is part of a same-sex couple, she can't include her spouse or her spouse's income.
The article also highlights the "report also discusses the unique challenges that transgender and gay students encounter when applying for aid.
To read the full article click: Same-Sex Couples and Financial Aid
In what experts believe to be a first, Elmhurst College has released a new undergraduate application that includes an optional question about sexual orientation and gender identity status.
To read the full article click: They Ask. You Needn't Tell.
Both issues point towards the issues pertaining to full recognition of all those who are applying to college. Thumbs up Elmhurst!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
International Recruitment and Education Online Resources: "The Must Know List" for International Admissions Professionals
Resources
Mycollegei associates use a number of different online resources to keep themselves up-to-date and informed, but Jessica Guiver superb knowledge and new blog The International Student Recruiter helped us by creating this list for her site. International recruitment, like twitter, is evolving constantly so stayed tuned and ahead of the curve by utilizing these important online resources.
Professional organizations:
NAFSA http://www.nafsa.org/
EAIA http://www.eaie.org/
BUILA http://www.buila.org/
AIEA http://www.aieaworld.org/
Forum on Education Abroad http://www.forumea.org/
News:
The Chronicle of Higher Education http://www.chronicle.com/
The International Unit newsletter: International Focus http://www.international.ac.uk/
Inside Higher Ed http://www.insidehighered.com/
University World News http://www.universityworldnews.com/
AngloHigher http://www.anglohigher.com/home
Blogs:
International Higher Education Consulting Blog http://ihec-djc.blogspot.com/
GlobalHigherEd http://www.globalhighered.wordpress.com/
Online Hiatus http://onlinehiatus.blogspot.com/
Opptunity http://www.opptunity.com/
The International Student Recruiter http://www.theinternationalstudentrecruiter.com/
Research and market research:
IDP Education Australia, Database of International Education Research www.idp.com/research/main
British Council, Education UK www.britishcouncil.org/eumd
The International Unit http://www.international.ac.uk/
i-graduate http://www.i-graduate.org/
Marketing and recruitment:
University fairs http://www.universityfairs.com/
FPP Edu-Media http://www.fppmedia.com/
BMI Recruitment Fairs and Agent Workshops https://www.bmimedia.net/bmi/
Go Abroad http://www.goabroad.com/
Cappex http://www.cappex.com/
Education Abroad Fair Calendar http://www.educationabroadfairs.com/
Education Fair Finder http://www.educationfairfinder.com/
Language Travel Magazine http://www.hothousemedia.com/ltm/index.htm
Hotcourses http://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/
Mycollegei associates use a number of different online resources to keep themselves up-to-date and informed, but Jessica Guiver superb knowledge and new blog The International Student Recruiter helped us by creating this list for her site. International recruitment, like twitter, is evolving constantly so stayed tuned and ahead of the curve by utilizing these important online resources.
Professional organizations:
NAFSA http://www.nafsa.org/
EAIA http://www.eaie.org/
BUILA http://www.buila.org/
AIEA http://www.aieaworld.org/
Forum on Education Abroad http://www.forumea.org/
News:
The Chronicle of Higher Education http://www.chronicle.com/
The International Unit newsletter: International Focus http://www.international.ac.uk/
Inside Higher Ed http://www.insidehighered.com/
University World News http://www.universityworldnews.com/
AngloHigher http://www.anglohigher.com/home
Blogs:
International Higher Education Consulting Blog http://ihec-djc.blogspot.com/
GlobalHigherEd http://www.globalhighered.wordpress.com/
Online Hiatus http://onlinehiatus.blogspot.com/
Opptunity http://www.opptunity.com/
The International Student Recruiter http://www.theinternationalstudentrecruiter.com/
Research and market research:
IDP Education Australia, Database of International Education Research www.idp.com/research/main
British Council, Education UK www.britishcouncil.org/eumd
The International Unit http://www.international.ac.uk/
i-graduate http://www.i-graduate.org/
Marketing and recruitment:
University fairs http://www.universityfairs.com/
FPP Edu-Media http://www.fppmedia.com/
BMI Recruitment Fairs and Agent Workshops https://www.bmimedia.net/bmi/
Go Abroad http://www.goabroad.com/
Cappex http://www.cappex.com/
Education Abroad Fair Calendar http://www.educationabroadfairs.com/
Education Fair Finder http://www.educationfairfinder.com/
Language Travel Magazine http://www.hothousemedia.com/ltm/index.htm
Hotcourses http://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/
Saturday, July 30, 2011
No Excuses: Politics
I don’t like to speak out on politics too often but come on! This debt crisis stalemate has carried on far too long. Let’s discuss the big picture while these incompetent, stubborn idealists including Obama, and Boehner and the Tea Party are trying to figure out how to get through August 2.
The first solution and I have felt this way for a long time, is that if someone wants to be a politician from president to a local congressman they are automatically out of the running. Generally speaking and when I say generally I mean almost ALWAYS they are running for personal exposure, for fame and glory, for being a noted leader in the community not by example but with a shinny smile and timely promises.
My suggestion is that we forget about this two party system and elect people on their merits. It is unbelievable to me how all republicans support if not believe in the entire right wing platform and how democrats back the entire left wing platform. I for one don’t think there are too many people who agree with 100% of either platform. The problem is that they are playing to their constituency, their financial support system. They are worried about getting re-elected not about the issues or solving problems.
When I was a kid my dad said “Don’t worry about how much money you are going to make or how popular you are do something you love the money will follow. Do the right thing, be honest, make the right decisions and follow your beliefs” That’s the problem with today’s politicians they are following the beliefs of the people that support them because their fame, notoriety and lifetime pension depend on it. I’m not sure they are even aware of what they stand for.
The solution is we need to have our most brilliant minds nominate people that they believe can fit our country’s bill and solve our problems. Who can make the best decisions for our economy, for our education and health systems. For research, for energy, for putting not just our country but our global society back on track. We need to appoint a panel who has exhibited little partiality and bias and exhibited a high level of level headedness to come up with names of people that they feel will be the best decision makers without the fear of backlash from the NRA or the oil companies or any lobbyists groups who have so much at stake that it clouds the decision making for a better society. You ask, what about the appointed panel as our leaders?…..The panel I have in mind is much too smart to want to hold an elected public office!
Bill Barnett
CEO
The first solution and I have felt this way for a long time, is that if someone wants to be a politician from president to a local congressman they are automatically out of the running. Generally speaking and when I say generally I mean almost ALWAYS they are running for personal exposure, for fame and glory, for being a noted leader in the community not by example but with a shinny smile and timely promises.
My suggestion is that we forget about this two party system and elect people on their merits. It is unbelievable to me how all republicans support if not believe in the entire right wing platform and how democrats back the entire left wing platform. I for one don’t think there are too many people who agree with 100% of either platform. The problem is that they are playing to their constituency, their financial support system. They are worried about getting re-elected not about the issues or solving problems.
When I was a kid my dad said “Don’t worry about how much money you are going to make or how popular you are do something you love the money will follow. Do the right thing, be honest, make the right decisions and follow your beliefs” That’s the problem with today’s politicians they are following the beliefs of the people that support them because their fame, notoriety and lifetime pension depend on it. I’m not sure they are even aware of what they stand for.
The solution is we need to have our most brilliant minds nominate people that they believe can fit our country’s bill and solve our problems. Who can make the best decisions for our economy, for our education and health systems. For research, for energy, for putting not just our country but our global society back on track. We need to appoint a panel who has exhibited little partiality and bias and exhibited a high level of level headedness to come up with names of people that they feel will be the best decision makers without the fear of backlash from the NRA or the oil companies or any lobbyists groups who have so much at stake that it clouds the decision making for a better society. You ask, what about the appointed panel as our leaders?…..The panel I have in mind is much too smart to want to hold an elected public office!
Bill Barnett
CEO
Friday, July 29, 2011
Commentary from the edge: On Becoming an EdTech Conservative by the extraordinary blogger Joshua Kim
July 27, 2011 8:45 pm EDT
My favorite educators are the risk takers. The academic tech colleagues whom I most admire are the innovators. But with each passing day, I find myself (in big and little ways) becoming an edtech conservative.
Perhaps this a natural course that most of us follow in our careers. We get a little more responsibility, and suddenly disruptive change doesn't look so appealing. We have more to lose, and are more accountable if things go badly.
Still, I'm concerned enough about my own creeping edtech conservatism that I'm hoping to open a dialogue about this syndrome.
4 Trade-Offs:
Stability vs. Innovation: Our edtech systems are now campus mission critical. The LMS (learning management system), SIS (student information system), lecture capture, course media, synchronous meeting tools - they are all utilized 365 and 24/7. As more of higher ed is mediated by digital platforms, if the edtech systems fail the business of higher ed stops. If innovation and stability represent some sort of trade-off or continuum, then I'm pushing for stability. Innovation cannot come at the expense of stability. If this means staying a cycle or two behind major releases and upgrades, and forgoing new and wonderful features, then so be it.
Support vs. Choice: I can come up with many good reasons why we need to accommodate all the different varieties of technology that our community wants to bring to campus. From operating systems to mobile platforms, we live in a consumer choice driven culture and will be providing a restricted educational experience if we limit technology choices. But I'm not convinced that limiting technology choice provides a worse educational experience. In higher ed, our goal should be for the technology to be transparent, or at least friction free. Supporting every device and every browser and every computer or mobile OS makes this near impossible. Educators may be critical of corporate uniformity, but we should at least own up to the productivity hit we take in trying to accommodate and support every technology. My mind is now at least open to standardizing.
Integration vs. Features: I think we'd be better off with campus learning platforms that are better integrated and less feature rich. A simpler LMS, e-mail system, media system, library system that hangs together seamlessly and offers an integrated user experience. We can have integration or lots of features, we probably can't have both. This desire for integration argues, I think, for vertically integrated edtech providers. If my push for integration is shared by campus technology decision makers, then I think it makes sense for larger edtech / publishing players to to be thinking acquisition, and smaller ones to be thinking merger.
Establishment vs. Entrepreneurship: This last emerging conservative tendency has me the most worried. I find that I take increasing comfort from big companies, vendors with a long track record and who make money, while I'm increasingly nervous about doing business with edtech startups. This emerging bias can be overcome if I get to know the startup founders and employees, and can understand the business model and long-term plans. If the leadership is not accessible and product roadmap is oblique, then chances are we will not be signing any contracts. This bias favors the large companies, which are often the least innovative and the least disruptive.
Pulse: New Rules vs. Old Rules, Fancy vs. Simplistic...Joshua lays out epic battles in higher ed technology. The new superstars are just entering college, what will they create, given their creativity and know-how? Are the walls just to high to mount, time and change just happen, viligiance is key.
On Becoming an EdTech Conservative
My favorite educators are the risk takers. The academic tech colleagues whom I most admire are the innovators. But with each passing day, I find myself (in big and little ways) becoming an edtech conservative.
Perhaps this a natural course that most of us follow in our careers. We get a little more responsibility, and suddenly disruptive change doesn't look so appealing. We have more to lose, and are more accountable if things go badly.
Still, I'm concerned enough about my own creeping edtech conservatism that I'm hoping to open a dialogue about this syndrome.
4 Trade-Offs:
Stability vs. Innovation: Our edtech systems are now campus mission critical. The LMS (learning management system), SIS (student information system), lecture capture, course media, synchronous meeting tools - they are all utilized 365 and 24/7. As more of higher ed is mediated by digital platforms, if the edtech systems fail the business of higher ed stops. If innovation and stability represent some sort of trade-off or continuum, then I'm pushing for stability. Innovation cannot come at the expense of stability. If this means staying a cycle or two behind major releases and upgrades, and forgoing new and wonderful features, then so be it.
Support vs. Choice: I can come up with many good reasons why we need to accommodate all the different varieties of technology that our community wants to bring to campus. From operating systems to mobile platforms, we live in a consumer choice driven culture and will be providing a restricted educational experience if we limit technology choices. But I'm not convinced that limiting technology choice provides a worse educational experience. In higher ed, our goal should be for the technology to be transparent, or at least friction free. Supporting every device and every browser and every computer or mobile OS makes this near impossible. Educators may be critical of corporate uniformity, but we should at least own up to the productivity hit we take in trying to accommodate and support every technology. My mind is now at least open to standardizing.
Integration vs. Features: I think we'd be better off with campus learning platforms that are better integrated and less feature rich. A simpler LMS, e-mail system, media system, library system that hangs together seamlessly and offers an integrated user experience. We can have integration or lots of features, we probably can't have both. This desire for integration argues, I think, for vertically integrated edtech providers. If my push for integration is shared by campus technology decision makers, then I think it makes sense for larger edtech / publishing players to to be thinking acquisition, and smaller ones to be thinking merger.
Establishment vs. Entrepreneurship: This last emerging conservative tendency has me the most worried. I find that I take increasing comfort from big companies, vendors with a long track record and who make money, while I'm increasingly nervous about doing business with edtech startups. This emerging bias can be overcome if I get to know the startup founders and employees, and can understand the business model and long-term plans. If the leadership is not accessible and product roadmap is oblique, then chances are we will not be signing any contracts. This bias favors the large companies, which are often the least innovative and the least disruptive.
Pulse: New Rules vs. Old Rules, Fancy vs. Simplistic...Joshua lays out epic battles in higher ed technology. The new superstars are just entering college, what will they create, given their creativity and know-how? Are the walls just to high to mount, time and change just happen, viligiance is key.
On Becoming an EdTech Conservative
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