1. Saturday, November 7, 2015
PAGE 24 www.warwickdailynews.com.au
APPLE and Rio Tinto swear by it.
And given global adoption rates, it
looks like it is set to become a
normal part of job hunting, just like
writing and sending a CV.
Digital interviewing is emerging as
a new technology favoured by
companies to manage their job
search, but it comes with a few
“gotchas” for jobseekers.
Aaron Thomas, Queensland
general manager of Davidson
Technology, has been using digital
interviewing with clients for more
than a year and says the uptake has
been significant, with a large
percentage of clients now pushing
for it to be a mandatory inclusion.
Mr Thomas said while jobseekers
might find the process daunting, for
the first time, it is worthwhile
pursuing, as the benefits are
endless.
“As a candidate, it can be difficult
in articulating the perceived ‘value’
you can bring with your CV alone,”
Mr Thomas said.
“Have you ever been frustrated
knowing you had the skills and could
demonstrate this if you had got in
front of the company? For many, if
they had gotten the opportunity to
talk to their skills and experience, I
have no doubt they would have
gotten the role.”
Digital interviewing includes
tailored questions that not only suit
the role, but also relate to their
culture and values.
“These questions may be equally,
if not more, important than just skills
or experience,” Mr Thomas said.
“Candidates then get an
opportunity to complete the
on-demand interview in their own
time from nearly any device
(including a smart phone or tablet).
They are presented the question and
given time to respond to it when they
feel comfortable.”
So how do you present yourself in
the best possible way?
Mr Thomas said just like a
face-to-face interview, a little bit of
planning and preparation could go a
long way.
Sort out your technology – make
sure your tech is up to scratch and
that you minimise the risk of it
causing you any issue. Make sure
your batteries have enough juice,
you’re framed correctly and in focus,
and that your mic levels are set
properly.
Prepare your space and yourself –
find a clean, quiet, well-lit space.
Don’t get too comfortable, though.
Just because you’re interviewing
from home doesn’t mean you can
drop the dress standard to pyjamas
and Uggs.
Digital interviewing popular with recruiters
BETTER PICTURE: Digital interviewing makes it easier for recruiters to get a clearer impression of applicants.
PHOTO: WAVEBREAKMEDIA LTD
Like a face-to-face
interview, a little bit of
planning and
preparation could go a
long way.
NATHAN WOULFE
RECRUITMENT EDITOR
Apt screening process
IF YOU’RE interviewing digitally,
always treat it like a proper in-
terview – because it is. Queens-
land general manager of Davidson
Technology, Aaron Thomas, had
these tips for digital interviewees,
most of which remain wholly
relevant for traditional, in-person
interviews:
■ Make sure you answer the
questions as if you are speaking
directly to your future employer.
Show personality and look directly
at the camera.
■ If you have notes, that’s fine,
but don’t write a script.
■ It might sound counterintui-
tive, but like in a real interview you
may not get every answer perfect.
If you stumble don’t let nerves get
the best of you, remain calm try
and keep an even pace in your
delivery.
■ Speak clearly and as suc-
cinctly as possible when answer-
ing questions.
■ Use positive body language.
Smile genuinely and maintain ‘eye
contact’ – you’re talking to a
person not a computer. Most
Digital Interviewing systems let
you look at yourself while you
answer a question. This can be
distracting and most allow you to
turn it off.
■ 38% of all communication is
conveyed through tone of voice,
so ensure you are engaging the
audience and avoid things such
as speaking in a monotone. A
positive tone will accentuate your
skills, experience and passion for
what you do.
Digital interview tips ODD SPOT
THINK your stand-up desk
makes you part of the cool
crowd? Think again. Standing
is soooo sitting. All the cool
kids work lying down, or at
least they will be when
Californian company Altwork
starts shipping its new
workstations next year.
Costing more than AU$8000,
and looking like a dentists’
chair from the year 2050, the
creatively named Altwork
Station allows users to move
between four positions as they
pound away at their keyboard
– stand, sit, collaborate and
focus, with the changing
positions believed to be
healthier than maintaining a
static position for long periods.
A cheaper alternative is known
as ‘moving’, something the
human body is surprisingly
good at.
Total employment
for electricians,
forecast to 2019
(source:
Department of
Employment)
155,600
THE hospitality sector is in the midst
of a chronic labour shortage that will
impact productivity and growth if not
addressed, according to peak
industry association Restaurant &
Catering Australia (R&CA).
An additional 123,000 workers will
be required in the tourism and
hospitality sector by 2020 according
to the Australian Tourism Labour
Force Report released by Deloitte
Access Economics earlier this week.
The report highlights almost half of
the shortfall demand will be for skilled
workers, including chefs and
managers.
R&CA CEO John Hart said the
report is a sobering reminder of one
of the greatest challenges facing the
sector.
“Skills shortages slow productivity
and dampen growth prospects,” he
said.
In brief
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85%
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