AdvanceMed

Tag: job interview

  • How to Ace A Video Job Interview – Doctor Interview Video

    How to Ace A Video Job Interview – Doctor Interview Video

    As we turn to measures of social distancing in order to reduce the impact of COVID-19 it’s quite likely that your next job interview will be a video job interview conducted online.  Having spent the past 4 years coaching doctors online, I am uniquely situated to give you some tips on how to ensure that using video for your next job interview does not impede your success.

    If we were to summarise the key things you should be thinking about when invited to a video job interview via a video link they would be as follows: 1. Treat the interview with the same level of seriousness and preparation that you would any other job interview 2. Practice with the technology beforehand and make sure everything is running well beforehand 3. Have backup plans in place in case the technology fails 4. Be aware of additional things you will need to consider such as your background and lighting.

    Shortly I will dive into these video job interview tips with a bit more detail to ensure that you are correctly set up.  But before I do this let’s talk about why your success in being able to cope with a video interview might also be important.

    Can You Handle Technology?

    For most jobs these days being an adept end-user of technology is important.  Employers don’t want to spend lots of time training you how to use common technology when they can probably find other candidates who can already do so. Medicine, the area that I work in is no different.

    So I am going to go out on a bit of a limb here and suggest that we will see a couple of recruitment trends arising out of the COVID-19 crisis:

    1. Employers will move over to interviewing more candidates on video and many won’t go back as they will discover benefits from this approach.
    2. The ability for candidates to handle the use of video will be taken as a proxy for their general overall level of skill in information technology.

    Why Employers Will Love Video Interviewing

    I predict that once employers embrace video interviewing they will soon discover that it offers great benefits over traditional interviewing.  A key issue will be flexibility. Candidates will be able to more flexibly attend interviews and panel members will also be more flexible in their attendance.  

    Some video interview systems even allow candidates to lodge their answers to questions independent of the panel, who can then come in and review the recordings later.

    This type of approach can be used to ensure that all panel members have reviewed the candidates even if they are not in the same room at the same time, which can be a compliance issue for recruitment in some industries.

    Why Your Ability To Use Video Technology Is Important

    In a traditional face-to-face job interview, your oral communication is normally assessed by the panel as part of your overall performance.  From this assessment, implications are made about your general ability to communicate. These assessments will often be wrong as communication performance in a stressful job interview is often unlikely to correlate with normal day-to-day communication.

    In the same vein, you might be the most technology literate candidate but if you are seemingly struggling with the video technology you will probably be judged by the panel, in this case unfairly, that you will have big problems using the technology in the workplace.

    So let’s look at how you can turn this potential bias into an advantage for you.

    1. Treat A Video Interview the Same As Any Normal Job Interview

    The mantra has always been that you should always attend the interview in person if at all possible  And there are good reasons for this. So much communication is missed if you are not there live. Particularly body language, which can go a long way to interpreting cues from the interview panel, for e.g. “are they liking my answer right now or not?”

    But having worked in online video platforms now for the past four years let me reassure you that the technology is definitely catching up quickly and whilst it will probably never really completely replace an in-person interview. If you use the right technology and the right approach you can definitely come very close, even to the point of being able to see most of the important body language cues.

    This is why my first tip has completely nothing to do with the actual medium or technology but a reminder that you should be treating the video interview just the same as any normal job interview.

    This, of course, means things like preparing beforehand, finding out the names of the interview panel beforehand, having the appropriate outfit on, combing your hair, and arriving early to the interview.

    In relation to arriving early. This will generally mean logging into the video platform a few minutes ahead of time. Say for ten minutes. Depending on what platform the interviewer is using you will normally be placed into some form of waiting room until the panel is ready to see you.

    Like most interviews, you can probably safely assume that they will be running behind.  Depending on how familiar they are themselves with the technology they may be way behind!  Remember this year, in particular, a lot of places may be doing this for the first time.

    Whilst you are finding out about the interview panel members’ names also ask about the video platform to be used for the interview.  See below.

    2. Include the Fact That You Are Conducting A Video Job Interview Into Your Preparation

    If you know that your interview is going to be conducted via video it makes sense to actually practice that way. This can be a big advantage for you. Practice answering interview questions using video technology. You can even use something like (my preferred video platform) where you can record your answers and watch them back OR be engaging with an interview coach or colleague online for feedback.

    3. Make Sure You Have a Good Set Up

    I recommend setting up a room in your house or apartment as your interview practice and actual interview space.  If possible use a desktop computer with a fixed camera and either ensure that the inbuilt microphone is suitable or think about getting a USB microphone. 

    In most cases the inbuilt webcams and speakers of a modern desktop PC or laptop are fine so you should not need to add to these.  But if you have something a bit older you may have to upgrade (see below).

    I do suggest improving your microphone and speakers over the use of headsets and earplugs and the like.  Just because these can be visually distracting and take away from a professional look. For this reason, discrete wireless earbuds are more preferred over anything with wires or which can be more obviously seen.

    Make sure this desktop PC is on a desk that allows you to sit at it comfortably with easy access to the mouse, keyboard and some space to put documents down, in case you need to be referring to something during the interview.

    If you don’t have a desktop PC then your next best option is a laptop. Again try to sort out an area where you can have this sitting in your house for practice and particularly look at the section about framing below.

    A tablet is the next best option.  If so, you need to be able to fix it in a position somehow.  You definitely don’t want to be holding it selfie-style during an interview.

    If at all possible, avoid doing the interview on a smartphone.

    Here are some Amazon options for webcams, speakers, and USB mics based upon the assumption that you are stuck at home and drop-shipping is your best option.

    USB Mic. 

    I like Blue Yetis for a USB Mic.  You can get cheaper versions but if you are going to upgrade I reckon it’s best to get something with good audio quality.

    WebCam.

    The Logitech Brio is a good multipurpose WebCam that has the ability to record in 4K and decent inbuilt microphones which can avoid you needing to also purchase a USB microphone.

    Speakers

    You probably don’t need to go all out to improve your speaker quality.  Again here’s an option from logitech.

    4. Get Your Framing Right

    framing for video interview
    make sure your face is in the centre of view but they can also see your shoulders and hands.

    You should spend some time getting the framing of your video capture correct.

    Test your eye level and make sure you are positioned correctly in the frame. While it’s ideal to have your medical school or college degrees or awards on display, they shouldn’t be the sole focus on-camera—you should be! 

    You don’t want to connect to the conference call only to find that the other participants can’t see you properly or that half your face is cut off onscreen. In addition, having your eye level too high or too low can make it difficult for the other callers to effectively communicate with you for the duration of the conference. 

    So it’s crucial that you double-check this before you begin. The best positioning is to have your face firmly in the centre of the frame with your torso visible so that your hand gestures can also be observed.

    As for the angle, the camera should be placed at your eye level or just above. If you are using a laptop, place something beneath it to raise it until your eyes are at the same level as the camera lens.

    5. Declutter Your Background

    Make sure your background is uncluttered and professional. Less is more. Get rid of all the family pictures hanging on the wall. The same goes for anything that can make you look unprofessional — clutter, clothes, piles of boxes, and food and beverages.

    Sit at your desk and take a selfie or a screenshot of what others see in your background. Or use the inbuilt webcam to guide you.

    Remove objects on your desk or on your wall that may detract. If you have windows behind you make sure that the lighting is ok (generally lighting coming from behind will make your face dark which is not ideal).  If what’s behind you is something else. Think about whether you need to set up a screen.

    6. Check Your Lighting

    Lights and angles are as important for video calls as they are for professional photoshoots. As a general rule, avoid fluorescent lights, which can cast unflattering shadows. Avoid overhead lights, too, as they can create dark under-eye shadows.

    Place your primary light source behind your camera. This way, the light and the camera point in the same direction. You could also use two light sources behind the camera, one on the right side, one on the left.

    7. Make Sure You Have Good Bandwidth

    Now is the time to upgrade your bandwidth (if possible) if it’s not great. If that’s not possible consider your options for other things like 4G.

    A good way to test whether your bandwidth sufficiency is to try testing the actual platform you are going to use. 

    8. Practice With Their Technology

    You may have a preferred video platform but you will probably not be allowed to use this and be asked to use whatever the employer prefers. Some employers who are well adept at this process will probably send you some information about how you can test out the platform or even arrange a quick time to test it with you.

    As mentioned earlier you should try to find out beforehand what platform the interview will be held on.

    9. Have a Back-Up Plan If Everything Goes All Wrong

    Technology can and does fail. It is important to plan to have some redundancy. In particular, have a backup plan for when the internet fails.  Practice setting up a 4G hotspot and being able to switch over quickly in case you need to.

    Also, anticipate that the technology that the interviewers are utilising will fall over. Enquire as to whether there is a backup plan, for e.g. switching to a phone call, if so what number should you call in on?

    10. Get Their Framing Right

    This might be a little harder to do than getting your framing right.  But once you log in to the interview check whether you can adequately see all members of the interview panel.  They may be in one room or possible also joining remotely.

    If someone is too far off in the distance (so that you can’t see their lips move when they talk) you can at least politely enquire whether it’s possible for them to adjust the camera.

    11. Stare Into the Camera

    A really good tip for making the video interview seem like a real interview is to be aware of where you are looking.  Often you are looking at your screen to see who is talking to you. But this may well be then taking your eyes away from your camera.

    Try to bring the video frame that you are looking into the centre of your screen so that you can still be looking as directly as possible into the camera.  Most webcams have a light to show that they are on. If you stare right at this light it will ensure that you are making eye contact with the other side.

    12. Never Blame the Technology

    A key rule of interviews is to keep things positive and never make excuses or blame anyone or anything else.  This extends to technology. If despite all your and their best efforts the technology is just not working then it’s best to just soldier on in a positive way. 

    Related Questions.

    Question. What’s the Best Platform For Conducting Video Interviews.

    Answer. There are now many great platforms for meeting up online.  The one I prefer to use is .  There’s a range of reasons for this but key amongst these are:

    • its ease of setting up and use
    • its integration with many other applications
    • its reliability

    With the paid version of you can also record your sessions.

  • 5 Killer Interview Questions to Ask Employers. And When to Use Them.

    5 Killer Interview Questions to Ask Employers. And When to Use Them.

    Most job applications still include a panel interview process as one of the final steps in selecting candidates. As part of this panel interview process, it is almost universally the custom to ask candidates at the end of their interview if they have any questions of their own. I am often asked by my coaching clients how best to respond in this situation. What are the best interview questions to ask employers? There is a myriad of approaches but here are 5 of my favourites.

    In relation to the question about what question or questions, you should ask. The first point is that you do not actually need to ask a question. You can politely thank the panel for their time and indicate that all your questions have been answered already. You can also choose to use this opening as an opportunity to improve on one of your answers or talk about a strength that has not come out in the interview.

    In terms of actual questions. If you haven’t been told already then it is often a good idea to ask a question about when the decision of the selection process will be made. Or you can ask a “future-focused” question, such as how will my performance be measured. Or you can actually ask the panel for some feedback about your interview performance.

    Let’s go ahead and explore these 5 approaches in more detail. Including giving some examples of where each works best.

    As a bonus. At the end of this article, I will also tell you about the best interview question I ever heard from a candidate.

    interview questions to ask employers

    You Don’t Always Need to Ask a Question.

    Many candidates are of the opinion that they should have a good question prepared to ask at the end of the interview process in order to impress the panel further. Clearly part of the point of the interview is for you to impress the panel. But this needs to be done with authenticity. So it’s best to avoid trying to “contrive” a question to ask and remember that it’s your time and your interview.

    If as part of your research you haven’t come up with a question worth asking, then, in my opinion, you are better off investing your time in other ways of preparing for the interview (such as practising panel questions). Rather than agonizing over developing a truly insightful question.

    It’s absolutely OK to not ask a question at the end of the interview process. But it’s important that you handle this part of the discussion well. Most importantly you need to make it clear why you don’t have any questions.

    Its perfectly okay not to have interview questions to ask employers. So long as you had done your research already.

    The ideal situation for not asking a question is one where you have had plenty of opportunities to ask questions already.

    For most of the job clients that I work with this tends to happen in relation to batch recruitment events. Such as the annual medical recruitment process where each year a number of doctors are given the opportunity to apply for higher-level training positions.

    In these situations, there is usually a lot of time to prepare for the interview. As well as information provided via websites, one to one contact and information sessions.

    Another scenario where this often occurs is for senior medical practitioner appointments, where often you have the chance to have an informal discussion with the chair of the panel prior to putting in your application.

    A typical approach, therefore, would be something like:

    Thanks. I don’t have any crucial questions at this stage of the process. The information you have provided me already via the [applicant package/information session/phone call…] was really useful. I’d like to thank you for the opprunity and look forward to hearing about the outcome of the process.

    Suggested words if you don’t want to ask a question

    *As an adjunct, many of the panel members that I talk to about this. And I talk to many. Are of the opinion that it is best not to ask a question if you don’t have a good one. See the end of this blog post for examples of questions you should not ask.

    You Can Make a Statement. Rather Than Ask a Question.

    Remember. It’s Your Interview. The time at the end of an interview is your last chance with the panel. And in many cases, they are probably running a bit over time and seeing this as more of a polite process rather than expecting you to engage in a long discussion with them.

    That being said. You don’t want to leave the room if you feel that anything you have said so far may have reflected badly upon you. OR that there is something that you have not said, which needs to be said.

    So. In both of these cases, what I recommend is rather than use this time to ask a question. Use it to address these issues.

    So, for example, if you felt you missed out on something important in one of your question responses. You may say something like:

    Thanks. I don’t have a question. However, if its ok, I would just like to go back to the second question and add to my answer that I would of course also place oxygen on the patient.

    Example of correcting an error in your interview.

    Or. If you haven’t made an error. But the panel hasn’t given you an opportunity to talk about your strengths. You can say something like this:

    Thanks for the opportunity. I don’t have a question per se. However, I just wanted to highlight a couple of additional items on my CV in reference to my managerial skills. I know from the selection criteria that you are looking for abilities in this area. But we didn’t get to touch on these and I think they will be helpful for you in considering my application.

    Example of using the time to highlight more strengths.

    Ask When the Decision Will Be Made.

    It may not be immediately obvious. But for many selection processes, the outcome may not be clear. A good safe question to ask (politely) therefore is when will the decision be made?

    Obviously don’t do this if you have already been told. Which may mean checking back through your emails first. And also watch out as sometimes the chair of the panel covers this at the start of the interview or often more frequently just at the end.

    Finding out this information can serve a useful purpose.

    Firstly, it gives you an opportunity to time your thank you email. So, if the answer to the question is in 5 days time, send a quick follow up email 3 days later. Don’t ask about the result. Just thank them for the opportunity. Its just a simple reminder that you are an interested candidate. And it may make the difference.

    Secondly, it may also give you a hint as to whether your referees have been contacted already or (more likely) will be contacted and via which mechanism. This also then gives you time to follow up with your referees. You can let them know what sort of questions the panel asked and (re)brief them on your strong points.

    Ask For Some Feedback.

    A significant proportion of the clients that I work with have had an unsuccessful interview in the past. These problems have generally been compounded by the fact that when they have gone back to ask for feedback. The feedback that they have been provided (if any) has been largely unhelpful.

    This is not surprising. Interview panels are not really thinking about providing feedback to unsuccessful candidates. They are thinking about how to choose the successful ones. They often see a number of candidates in one session. So, unless something is written down specifically, it is actually hard to recall the specifics. In addition, panels are also often wary about what type of feedback is provided so as not to lead to the risk of the selection outcome being challenged.

    There is however one good opportunity to get some useful feedback about your interview performance. And that is at the end of the interview itself. When your performance is fresh in the mind of the interviewers.

    The benefit of asking for feedback at the actual interview is two-fold:

    1. You get the opportunity to get some real and authentic feedback that can help you in the future
    2. You show the panel that you are not afraid to ask for feedback in a high-stakes situation, which should translate in the mind of the panel to perceiving you as someone who will take on board feedback when offered

    So to ask for feedback you would say something like this:

    Yes. I understand that you can’t tell me the results of the interview at this point. But I was wondering if you would be able to give me some feedback on my interview performance? It may help me to improve for next time. Perhaps there was a particular question I could have done better on.

    Example of how to ask for feedback at the end of the interview.

    Please note in the above example I have suggested you ask for feedback on something you could have done better on. This is generally better than asking for feedback on something you did well. If you give the panel the opportunity to highlight an area of strength they will probably do that to avoid being too confronting. However, what you really want is something you can improve on.

    Ask a Future-Oriented Question.

    More often than not, this is my favourite last question approach. However, I would generally only use it if you feel that the interview has gone well.

    The idea is to leave the panel thinking about you as a member of their team. If they are thinking seriously about what it would be like to have you on the team then you are very much in the running to get the position.

    A standard approach here would be to ask the panel to give you some insight into the first few months on the job. So a question like:

    Would you be able to describe to me what sort of outcomes you would be looking to see from me in the first 6 months and how I would know I was successful?

    Example of asking a future oriented question.

    Can be a really powerful question on a number of levels.

    Firstly, it gets the panel thinking about your first 6 months on the job.

    Secondly, it gives the panel the message that you want to succeed and are interested in measuring your success.

    Thirdly, it also provides you as the job candidate with some vital information about the team that you may be about to join. In that, if they can give a thoughtful answer to this question. They are probably a team worth joining. And if they haven’t really considered this question. You may want to rethink whether you want to work for them.

    The Best Candidate Interview Question I Ever Heard.

    I promised at the start of this post that I would share with you the best ever response to the final question that I heard (obviously as part of an interview panel). Whilst I have been on many medical interview panels in my time. The actual best question came from an interview I was involved in for a health manager role. And it wasn’t so much the question that I remember but also the approach to it.

    We were looking for someone with strong project management skills and the ability to work with the existing team, which had a reputation for being disruptive in a good way, but this reputation did not suit every candidate. On our panel was me as the chair, the team member who would be the new hire’s manager and a job expert, who would be the new hire’s colleague.

    The person we were interviewing had impressive credentials and was equally impressive in her responses to our questions. What sealed it for me, however, was her insightful question at the end.

    She chose to not look at me nor the potential new manager. But directly looked at the job expert (team member) on the panel and asked:

    What do you like about working here?

    Now. Others may be not so impressed by this question. But as someone who does highly value culture in teams. I was blown away by the fact that the candidate chose to dig into the team culture and bypass the management layers to get a more authentic response.

    Interestingly it figures as the first question on this list of suggested questions to ask at the end.

    Footnote. We offered this person the job. But unfortunately, she had been interviewing with other organisations and we were pipped at the post.

    Related Questions:

    Question. Are There Any Particular Questions I Should Not Ask At the End of the Interview?

    Answer. Yes. There are a number of areas you should steer clear of. They basically involve any question that might cause the panel to doubt your passion and interest for the work versus the actual job.

    So. Questions about salary levels or arrangements. Concerns about overtime or secondments. Or requests to not work with certain teams. Are best left to another stage of the process.

    Question. Is There Anything Else I Should Consider Doing at the End of the Interview?

    Answer. You should always check with the chair of the panel if they are finished with you for the time being. Sometimes the person administering the interview process may want you to sign some forms and/or show them some documents, like identification or working with children’s checks.

    If you are unfamiliar with the organisation and have not worked there before. It’s probably also a good idea to have a look around after the interview. This is helpful to you and also shows your genuine interest in the job. It’s best, however, to arrange for a tour ahead of time. Rather than just raise it as an idea at the end of your interview.

    Question. Should I Shake Hands At the End of the Interview?

    Answer. This is a tough one to answer emphatically. In general, it’s best to take your queue from the panel. If they offer a hand then you should shake it. Otherwise, it’s ok to just leave with a smile on your face.