Automated video interview - any tips?

IceBus · 2 Apr 2010 at 13:53

A job I recently applied to wants me to do a video interview - not so out of the ordinary at all, as I've done Skype interviews before... The thing is, it's completely automated - i.e. I'm not going to be talking to a real person, just recording answers to five pre-set questions.

I'm not really sure what to expect in terms of questions (I'm guessing experience, leadership etc.) but I kind of don't like the idea of not knowing how much to say or how much detail to go into. Usually at an interview you can judge whether to go on by the interviewer's body language and response - so I'm not sure whether to keep things brief or pack all my experience in.

What do you think? Anyone done something similar?

Thanks for any advice!

Ricochet J · 2 Apr 2010 at 13:54

Give an automated reply.

Practice by letting people ask you the kind of questions you think will come up. And look at their body language and guage from that how long your answers should be.

Morba · 2 Apr 2010 at 14:16

have a think about normal questions for the sort of job you are going for, then record a load of answers. play them back to the automated interview

n111ck · 2 Apr 2010 at 16:03

WTF a company that can't be bothered to interview in person can go swivvel IMO.

Ricochet J · 2 Apr 2010 at 16:28

Maybe part of the job would be taking information from automated machines and acting on it? This interview could also be a test.

Scam · 2 Apr 2010 at 17:47

I'd be intrigued to know what the job is? I presume this is just one stage in the application process, but still, I'd be totally put off by a company that thinks an 'automated' interview is acceptable :confused:

Felix Da Housecat · 2 Apr 2010 at 18:00

If you don't know the answer just stay silent, they will think there is something wrong with the recording equipment.

Also a company that can't be bothered to do a proper interview probably doesn't care about the answers you give so just waffle on about any old rubbish.

IceBus · 2 Apr 2010 at 19:19

It's working for an NGO that helps train people in Afghanistan, Haiti and Gaza to use computers.

It's the second stage of the selection process, and it does strike me as a bit uncaring, but I guess they're trying to keep overheads low and spend their money in country rather than on admin. If the job market wasnt so tight I wouldn't be as worried

arknor · 2 Apr 2010 at 19:42

for the LOL i would record answers from movies could be epic lolz ! and shows initiative!

jr1104 · 2 Apr 2010 at 19:58

arknor said:
for the LOL i would record answers from movies could be epic lolz ! and shows initiative!

This. Arnie soundboard will guarantee you a job.

D D Danneh · 2 Apr 2010 at 20:01

jr1104 said:
This. Arnie soundboard will guarantee you a job.

Do it. Record, post results.

Efour · 2 Apr 2010 at 20:22

Ive never heard of this, what type of job is it for if i can be so nosy??

Unless i really wanted it i would have to do a comedy response, The Arnie one sounds good :O

trent · 2 Apr 2010 at 20:31

Basically what will happen is, you will be answering questions in text form while your on webcam. All the employees will be crowded round a screen laughing at you , pointing out how nervous you look and commenting on your appearance and generally judging you on everything they can see. There will be 1 "joker" who will make a remark and this will stick with you as your nickname for your entire duration of the company.

Good times!

Paramount · 2 Apr 2010 at 20:32

There is no way I'd do that, if the company told me this is what'd be happening I'd politely decline right there.

BigglesPiP · 2 Apr 2010 at 20:34

I would draw the line at this TBH, it's a silly concept. Refuse the test and let them make the next move. Or yank your Ethernet cable in the first 10 seconds.

Edit:
For the people who are probably about to call me a quitter who's never going to get a job in the current climate: I have just secured a grad. position as a Software Engineer (I should go into test) at a large multinational.