Jack Rockett

Reports on the results of a survey concerning technical training in industry in the United States. Types of programs being pursued by companies; Differences in technical training programs between companies and industries.

Technical Training In Industry

Although a majority of employers use video interviewing, few people really enjoy the process—even the interviewers. If you can make the experience feel more natural, engaging, and enjoyable for the all concerned, you will stand out and make a good impression. The good news: It's not rocket science; just follow the tips below.First, let's clarify that there are two different types of video interviews:Live, two-way video calls, typically via Skype or Google Hangouts: This is very much like an in-person conversation except that it takes place via a screen and a microphone, in real time.Asynchronous or one-way interviews: Here you will be sent a list of questions and will record your responses, either at a location set up by the company or at your own location via internet. Company representatives will view it later.Now, here's what you can do to make video interviews work in your favor.Familiarize yourself with the technology. Test it out in advance, if possible, and make sure you understand what to do before "show time." Do a screen test, perhaps.Don't get caught off guard. Cover the camera lens and turn off the microphone until you're ready to be seen and heard.Lighting is very important. For instance, did you ever see the episode of Seinfeld where Jerry is dating a woman who is sometimes beautiful, sometimes frightening looking? Much of the "scary" effect came from lighting that put dark shadows on the woman's face. Natural light is best, but artificial light can work well too.  Also, avoid shadows by using diffused lighting, coming from more than one direction. Digital interview expert Paul Bailo recommends placing two lights in front of you and one in back.Dress professionally, as for any interview. Makeup is advisable for women. Both sexes may benefit from a little powder if their skin is very shiny.Avoid distracting sights and sounds. Do the interview in a quiet place with a neutral background. If possible, use a high-quality camera and microphone, per the recommendations of Paul Bailo.Look into the camera. This creates the effect of eye contact, and is especially important when using a desktop computer or other device where the camera is several inches away from the center of the screen. (Here, a small-screen device like a laptop actually offers an advantage, because the camera is closer to the center of the screen. Just make sure the battery doesn't give out mid-interview!Focus on the camera about 80 percent of the time when you're listening, to give the sense that you're paying attention. When you're talking, reduce the "eye contact" to about 50 percent of the time. (Looking into someone's eyes constantly while talking to them can make them uncomfortable.)Speak a bit more clearly than you normally might, and not too fast. This is especially necessary if you're doing a one-sided interview, because the other person has no way to ask you to repeat something they didn't catch.Plan the key points of what you will say, but don't memorize the exact verbiage to use or you will sound too scripted. If you refer to your resume or notes, do it very sparingly. Sell your skills and get the offer.  Here's a quick review of the basics for any type of interview.Talk to the interviewer, not to the equipment or the empty room. Even if you are recording yourself, use your imagination: pretend the person is right in front of you, and relate to them as a human being. Convey friendliness toward them and excitement about the job.Video is often the first step in the interview process, but you never know what other formats you may encounter. Read the other two posts in this three-part series, "Phone Screenings with Recruiters: Are You Ready?" and "How to Ace Seven Types of Job Interviews, from Panels to Pasta," to ensure you're ready to succeed in type of job interview!

Video Interviews: How to Shine and Get the Job

A recent study by Harris Interactive, commissioned by CareerBuilder.com, shows that 28 percent of employers are less likely to “promote someone who has a disorganized or messy workspace.” This survey of 2,662 hiring managers and 5,299 workers reveals the hidden bias that employers have against promoting workers who appear to be unorganized or otherwise not in control of their workspace.    Meanwhile, one-third of workers report that between 50 to 100 percent of their desktops or work spaces are covered with work and other materials. Some 36 percent report that they have files and papers on their desks dating back more than 12 months, and 13 percent report that the files and piles on their desks are five years or older. Amazingly, six percent of respondents admit to having files dating back more than 10 years.   Competence or Appearance?You could argue that appearance doesn't matter that much; it's the results that count. I agree. Yet, while handling an array of projects, even when workers are turning in positive results, if their work spaces are cluttered their bosses tend to have a negative view of the situation. All other things being equal, 38 percent of employers report that piles of paper covering a desk adversely impact their perception of that worker. These findings tell us that the perception of how you work, independent of your results, does impact and influence others around you—not only your boss. Your team members, co-workers, administrative staff, peers, or visitors who come in contact with you might have a negative impression of your organizational skills. In light of this information, can you afford to continue on the path of appearing disorganized, even if you are otherwise a highly competent professional? Increase Your Odds   Tilt the odds in your favor. Do a great job at work, and convey to others that you have the ability to control your workspace. Filing is not rocket science. Keeping a clear desk on any given day requires no more than five or 10 minutes of housekeeping. If you have shelves, file drawers, desk drawers, or any other place where you can park folders and documents, use them. It is easy enough to set up a simple system for retrieval: simply label the file folders with the most appropriate name, and file them in alphabetical order. Keep your flat surfaces—your desktop, table, or other workspace—clean and clear. You'll be better able to stay focused on the task at hand, and more accomplished day after day, while conveying to your bosses and others that you are in control of your space. Go DigitalEven better, work on getting rid of paper altogether and move towards digital solutions. However, it's important not to transfer your mess on-line. So, be sure to plan out what and how you are going to access various files and data.  Develop good file-naming habits and utilize file-sharing and collaborative work spaces to cut down on the use of e-mail.  Going digital is a topic that warrants an entire article, but these are some good first steps!Getting organized takes time and effort upfront, but pays dividends for years to come.

Jack Rockett

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