Always Wanted to Be On-Screen? Now You Can, On Your Next Job Interview

 I admit I've never had a video job interview but people who have seem to go both ways on whether they're good, or bad.

Theresa Everline reports at smartplanet.com that it's a growing trend.  A new study has found that a whopping 60% of human resources managers are now using this tool, up from just 14% a year ago. 

"For an on-demand, or one-way, video interview, a candidate logs onto an online platform on his or her own time. Using a computer’s camera, he or she records answers to questions shown on the screen. In most cases, a question is displayed, giving the candidate 30 seconds to prepare," Everline reports. Then, he or she gets two or three minutes to record an explanation about why his or her experience is a good fit for the job.

But if you listen for affirmation from an interviewer to make sure you're saying what she wants to hear, with a video interview that's just not possible, most of the time.

Everline writes about a person she interviewed for this story who went through the process. "He made an effort to ensure the video looked great. He set up three different lights in his dining room and practiced looking at himself while talking. How did (he) know to do these things? He previously worked in video production and was a media studies major in college. He got the job."

But what if that's not your experience?  If you, like me, spent your college years writing the old-fashioned way, for print?  

Some experts believe it's a benefit for job seekers.  You can do it at your leisure. You don’t have to take time off work  And every candidate is at “an equal disadvantage” regarding the lack of social cues when recording their answers, Everline quotes one.

Others, however, may find it "incredibly distracting to see yourself talking to yourself," as one candidate told Everline, and to watch the timer counting down the seconds as you answer questions.

But can you really look your best, project who you are and why you're right for the job, over WiFi?  And don't forget it's not a two-way street.  You don't get the same advantage, asking questions of your interviewer.  

I've interviewed only in person during my career.  Part of me thinks it might be fun to try a video interview. But at this point, I'm just hoping to get an interview, any interview!I