Saturday, November 7, 2015

PAGE 24 www.warwickdailynews.com.au

APPLE and Rio Tinto swear by it.And given global adoption rates, itlooks like it is set to become anormal part of job hunting, just likewriting and sending a CV.

Digital interviewing is emerging asa new technology favoured bycompanies to manage their jobsearch, but it comes with a few“gotchas” for jobseekers.

Aaron Thomas, Queenslandgeneral manager of DavidsonTechnology, has been using digitalinterviewing with clients for morethan a year and says the uptake hasbeen significant, with a largepercentage of clients now pushingfor it to be a mandatory inclusion.

Mr Thomas said while jobseekersmight find the process daunting, forthe first time, it is worthwhilepursuing, as the benefits areendless.

“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 frustratedknowing you had the skills and coulddemonstrate this if you had got infront of the company? For many, ifthey had gotten the opportunity totalk to their skills and experience, Ihave no doubt they would havegotten the role.”

Digital interviewing includestailored questions that not only suitthe role, but also relate to theirculture and values.

“These questions may be equally,if not more, important than just skillsor experience,” Mr Thomas said.

“Candidates then get an

opportunity to complete theon-demand interview in their owntime from nearly any device(including a smart phone or tablet).They are presented the question andgiven time to respond to it when theyfeel comfortable.”

So how do you present yourself inthe best possible way?

Mr Thomas said just like aface-to-face interview, a little bit ofplanning and preparation could go along way.

Sort out your technology – makesure your tech is up to scratch andthat you minimise the risk of itcausing you any issue. Make sureyour batteries have enough juice,you’re framed correctly and in focus,and that your mic levels are setproperly.

Prepare your space and yourself –find a clean, quiet, well-lit space.Don’t get too comfortable, though.Just because you’re interviewingfrom home doesn’t mean you candrop the dress standard to pyjamasand 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-faceinterview, a little bit ofplanning andpreparation could go along way.

NATHAN WOULFERECRUITMENT 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 DavidsonTechnology, Aaron Thomas, hadthese tips for digital interviewees,most of which remain whollyrelevant for traditional, in-personinterviews:

■ Make sure you answer thequestions as if you are speakingdirectly to your future employer.Show personality and look directlyat 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 youmay not get every answer perfect.If you stumble don’t let nerves getthe best of you, remain calm try

and keep an even pace in yourdelivery.

■ Speak clearly and as suc-cinctly as possible when answer-ing questions.

■ Use positive body language.Smile genuinely and maintain ‘eyecontact’ – you’re talking to aperson not a computer. MostDigital Interviewing systems letyou look at yourself while youanswer a question. This can bedistracting and most allow you toturn it off.

■ 38% of all communication isconveyed through tone of voice,so ensure you are engaging theaudience and avoid things suchas speaking in a monotone. Apositive tone will accentuate yourskills, experience and passion forwhat you do.

Digital interview tips ODD SPOTTHINK your stand-up deskmakes you part of the coolcrowd? Think again. Standingis soooo sitting. All the coolkids work lying down, or atleast they will be whenCalifornian company Altworkstarts shipping its newworkstations next year.Costing more than AU$8000,and looking like a dentists’chair from the year 2050, thecreatively named AltworkStation allows users to movebetween four positions as theypound away at their keyboard– stand, sit, collaborate andfocus, with the changingpositions believed to behealthier than maintaining astatic position for long periods.A cheaper alternative is knownas ‘moving’, something thehuman body is surprisinglygood at.

Total employmentfor electricians,forecast to 2019

(source:Department ofEmployment)

155,600

THE hospitality sector is in the midstof a chronic labour shortage that willimpact productivity and growth if notaddressed, according to peakindustry association Restaurant &Catering Australia (R&CA).

An additional 123,000 workers willbe required in the tourism andhospitality sector by 2020 accordingto the Australian Tourism LabourForce Report released by DeloitteAccess Economics earlier this week.

The report highlights almost half ofthe shortfall demand will be for skilledworkers, including chefs andmanagers.

R&CA CEO John Hart said thereport is a sobering reminder of oneof the greatest challenges facing thesector.

“Skills shortages slow productivityand dampen growth prospects,” hesaid.

In brief■■■▼

Jobs

ONE LOCAL TO ANOTHERFIND A JOB | TRAINING & TUITION

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If you want to reach an exclusive audience of job seekers,contact your media sales representative today.

Phone: 1300 136 181 | Email: classifieds@apn.com.au

Source: Nielsen Market Intelligence April 2015; Employment ad network

of finda’s audiencedon’t use the otherleading job portal!85%The figures don’t lie: