How to Prepare for an Interview in 2022

According to a Jobvite 2020 survey, 84% of recruiters have changed their hiring processes to adapt to the new normal. This includes relying on digital solutions for conducting job interviews. With the global data trend showing that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from fully over in 2022, companies are expected to continue embracing a tech-driven approach to their job interview process. In this article, we will talk about the 2021 interview approaches and preparation tips that are here to stay.  We will also share a few updates that you can expect in 2022, so you’ll be better equipped to nail your next interview.

1) Pre-screening Chatbots

While email and phone remain the primary communication channels in recruitment, HR chatbots are slowly gaining popularity. In fact, Gartner’s research estimates that 35% of organizations will utilize conversational user experience and natural language processing interactions in their talent acquisition by 2022. In the past, chatbots were mainly used to answer candidates’ FAQs and schedule interviews. Today, it has evolved to support candidate screening. HireVue Hiring Assistant, Mya, Olivia, and Xor are some examples of chatbots with the said feature. Among the brands that have adapted pre-screening chatbots in their hiring process are McDonald, Ikea, CapitalOne, L’Oréal, Adecco, and Randstad.

Using the platform, recruiters configure questions and weigh the answers. Candidates’ responses are saved in a neat dashboard where the date, time, and transcript of the conversation are available.  This allows recruiters to filter candidates based on their responses and obtain the list for the best match. As pre-screening chatbots are increasingly more prevalent in early job screenings, learning how to interact with them is essential to maximize your chances of advancing in the hiring process. Below are some tips on how you can best engage with these bots.

a) Maintain a professional tone

Even if you know that you’re talking to a bot, keep a professional tone as you normally would with a recruiter. Keep in mind that your conversations with an HR chatbot are recorded and go into your candidate profile. Human decision-makers will be able to see this and can be a factor in their hiring decisions.

b) Keep your responses simple and to the point

Like any other technology, most HR chatbots have limited ability to process complex information.  So, make sure your responses are clear and concise. Don’t forget to mention relevant keywords and skills that are listed in the job post. 

c) Proofread your responses

Typos, incorrect grammar, or spelling mistakes can cause your responses to be processed incorrectly. This may diminish your chances of moving to the next stage. To prevent this from happening, proofread your answers and correct any errors before hitting send. 

2) Artificial Intelligence-Driven Pre-Employment Assessment

The new normal has accelerated the digitalization of most companies’ work processes, as evidenced by the World Economic Forum’s survey results. The pre-employment process is no different, which is increasingly evolving to be more AI-driven. AI-driven pre-employment assessment software is designed to provide the hiring teams with a standard, structured, and fair way to screen candidates in an efficient manner. It uses algorithms that reflect how human decision-makers assess job-related competencies.

If you haven’t encountered these types of technology-based assessments, they can sound geeky and intimidating. So, it’s important to familiarize yourself with what they are and how they work. Doing so will allow you to make an informed plan to increase your probability of progressing to the next stage. Here are some types of digital assessments that you might encounter this 2022.

a) Game-Based Assessments

If you believe that tests can’t be fun, game-based assessments might change your mind. As the name suggests, you literally have to play a game to take the assessment. Like the traditional online assessment, a game-based or gamified assessment measures your job-related competencies in a more engaging and modern way.

While these games are designed to be fun, they are real, scientific assessments. Hence, they still need the same focus, planning, and preparation as traditional interviews. Follow our tips below to ace your game-based assessment.

• Use samples online to practice and be familiarized with how gamified assessments work.
• Make sure you have a fast and stable internet connection.
• Take the game-based assessment where you will not be disturbed or distracted.
• Unless required, avoid using mobile devices.
• Read and follow the game instructions carefully.

b) Coding Challenges

Coding challenges are designed for software developers and engineers. They are used by some companies as part of a job interview. This type of assessment features a coding test screening platform that measures the candidates’ relevant technical skills for the position. Acing a coding assessment needs planning and heaps of practice. Here’s how you can prepare for this type of test.

• Research the company and familiarize yourself with their interview process, as well as how they conduct coding assessments.
• Use online coding websites to practice and keep your skills sharp.
• Be prepared to explain your coding approach and style.
• A code-intensive technical test requires a lot of focus and logical thinking, so make sure to get a good night’s sleep before your assessment day.

c) Virtual Reality (VR) Job Interview

A VR job interview uses AI technology to simulate an on-the-job experience during the interview process. This type of interview enables recruiters to meet applicants “in person”, get a feel of their personality and cultural fit, and see them in action as a potential new employee. While the use of VR is not yet in the mainstream, a growing number of companies have already adapted virtual or augmented reality in their recruitment process.  With the accelerating change in technology, don’t be surprised when you find yourself subjected to a VR job interview in one of your applications in 2022.

For this type of assessment, you will be immersed in real-job scenarios. This means there’s little room for knowledge fakery. So, make sure you really know your stuff. To boost your success rate, the best way to prepare remains the same – practice! For instance, you’re applying for a sales role. Learn everything you can about your target company’s product or service. Then, practice selling it to a prospect by envisioning scenarios. You can do this by using a mirror, with a mentor or friend.

3) Video Interviews

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, in-person interviews have become a thing of the past in the last two years. Since then, video interviews have gained a surge in popularity. In fact, a Gartner survey in 2020 found that 86% of companies conduct employee interviews over video calls. Today, video interviews have become part of the standard recruiting process and are expected to stay even after the pandemic is over.

A video interview is precisely what it sounds like. Instead of in-person, an interview will be conducted using video communications software. In essence, video and face-to-face interviews have similar goals – identify if you are the right fit for the job. So, interviewers are expecting the same level of preparation and excellence from candidates. Video interviews can be conducted in the following formats.

a) Live video interviews

Live video interviews are simply live video calls executed in a job interview format. Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, and Microsoft Teams are some of the video conferencing programs that interviewers may use. Live video interviews can be conducted in various formats. These include one-to-one, panel, group, or hybrid interviews. You can follow our tips below for your interview preparation.

• Select an interview space with a clean background and no distractions.
• Make sure there is a strong internet connection and sockets for your equipment.
• Test the interview link before the interview.
• Maintain eye contact with the lens of the camera, not the screen.
• Turn off notifications on your cellphone and computer or laptop.
• Dress like you will be in a face-to-face interview.
• Actively use your body language and tone of voice to support the message you are looking to convey about yourself as a candidate.

b) Pre-recorded video interviews

The questions in a pre-recorded interview are typically pre-determined. All applicants will be asked the same questions, focusing mainly on personality-related and behavioral interview questions. You will be given a set amount of time to think and record your answers, which the hiring team will later assess. This can either be self-paced or timed recording, depending on what software the recruiter uses.  Either way, here are some tips for nailing your pre-recorded video interview.

• Find a place suitable for video recording.
• Take the time to read and understand the question before answering.
• Write a list of keywords or short notes to help organize your thoughts.
• Practice your answers before recording.
• If possible, use an external mic to make sure your answers can be heard clearly in the recording.
• Like any other interview, select the right attire.

The global crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the rise of digital innovations in the job interview process. While companies have embraced a more tech-driven approach, staying informed of the latest trends and drawing insights from career experts remain the key to making a successful career change in 2022.  If you need a guide to interviewing, you can always reach out to us for help.